Does anyone know about guitar distortion pedals

tycobb73 · #1 09-15-2007, 01:34 PM

So my setup is

Cirrus into Akai Unibass - original signal into Channel 1 of Behringer Mixer

High signal from the Unibass into Boss ODB-3 into channel 2 of Behringer Mixer

Both signals out the mixer into a small clone into a GK 1001RBII into DR Bass 115 & 210.

So obviously the distortion is being used on the highs only like a guitar distortion. The main problem I have with it is as you change the blend knob from clean to dirty it has a lot of hiss. Also, since I am running the original bass signal through the mixer already, I don't need the clean highs. So I'd like a new pedal.

We play dancable covers, country and rock. Stuff like Pat Benetar, Brad Paisley, Pink. I'd also like a pedal that I can use with just the low end sound if I need it cause I'll probalby sell the Boss to help fund it. Any suggestions?

assboglin · #2 09-15-2007, 04:10 PM

There's so many pedals I could suggest, I don't really know where to begin. Could you maybe give some parameters for the desired tonal characteristics of the distortion you're looking for?

And I've posted samples for a few different distortion pedals on bass in this forum. If you want to check them out do a search for threads posted by me, most of them will be distortion pedal sound samples. Maybe you'll find one that catches your ear.

tycobb73 · #3 09-15-2007, 05:49 PM

Desired tonal characteristics would be for a good rock or country setting. Nothing too over the top. My guitar player plays a telecaster through a fender amp and uses boss pedals, usually only distortion, but he has others at his disposal. Something that may sound more meaty might be a nice contrast. Tele's are great, but they can get thin sounding.

But the other thing is it must be able to be used with bass and guitar. I like to multitask as much as possible and would rather not buy 2 pedals. This means not much loss of the low end when using it with my bass

The second thing is I like my things simple. I have both a Boss and EHX chorus. I like them both, but the EHX is on my board because that big knob and switch is a lot easier to dial in than 4 small knobs, especially on a dark stage.

The third thing would have to be well constructed. So far I haven't put a micro synth on my board because a lot of people say they aren't road worthy.

Fourth thing would have to be readilly available. I buy all my stuff used (except the small clone which I got for $75 delivered vs $65 for a used one) so I have to be able to find it.

Fifth thing would have to be 9v so it can be powered by my 1 spot with a boss style daisy chain. It would be nice to not have to buy another adaptor, like I have to with my small clone, but I will if neccesary.

Also, it must not hiss like the odb-3 does. I hate that.

assboglin · #4 09-16-2007, 08:32 PM

Ok. In my opinion, a lot of the best pedals for guitar don't work very well for bass, so that really kind of limits things. But there is a pedal that comes to mind, and that's the TS9DX Ibanez Tubescreamer Turbo. It's basically a tubescreamer which is of course a guitar standard but has a notorious lack of low end, but it has some added modes that make it more flexible and usable with bass. I don't own one but there are people on this forum that say good things about it. I'm thinking about picking up the Analogman modded version.

Also, there's the Fulltone Bass-Drive, which Mike Fuller, it's creator, claims works well with guitar. I've read some reviews that agree. This pedal is also basically like a tubescreamer, but true bypass and with a boost channel, works better with bass, etc. I've owned two of these and think it might be the pedal for you. Both of those pedals I think should meet your criteria so check them out.