Are effects needed on a bass?

[Kimpini]

I have not been playing for very long and I have always been under the impression that you are just showing off if you use effects

1.) Why do you need it?

2.) When do you use it?

3.) Who uses it?

[KarateKid25]

1) I find the sounds interesting and it opens up more possibilities
2) Depends on what im playing I guess. Try not to over do it though
3) My mum?

[OhThePeacock]

That's kind of a silly question. Effects aren't needed on bass, guitar, or any instrument for that matter. They are more of a think to spice up a song rather than a nescecity. I use effects on parts that need to have some space filled up and on droney/speacey/noisey parts. IMO it makes the music more interesting to listen to. As always though, different strokes for different folks.

[Jared Lash]

Originally Posted by Kimpini

I have not been playing for very long and I have always been under the impression that you are just showing off if you use a six string bass

1.) Why do you need extra strings?

2.) When do you use them?

3.) Who uses one?

Slightly different questions, same answer. You should use whatever equipment you need to get the sounds you need for your specific purpose. Whether that's a P-Bass with flats into an Ampeg or an eight string fretless into an aircraft carrier size board of effects or anywhere in between is really dependent on what you are looking to accomplish.

The short answer is that bass players don't need effects, unless they do.

[EricF]

I approach effects like a cook approaches herbs and spices. Sure you can make a meal without them, but the right combination enhances the flavors of the dish.

To answer your direct questions:
1) Because it increases the pallet of sounds available to me to best serve the music I'm playing.
2) Whenever it best serves the song. Somtimes, that means never. It's all about the music.
3) Me, a bunch of freaks on this forum, amateurs and pros playing music you love every single day.

[kevteop]

You don't really need music.

[rustynuts]

Originally Posted by kevteop

You don't really need music.

The hell you say?

[Parabolic Box]

If you questions pertain to overdrive and compression as well, I will say that I like my sound to be sometimes a little edgier than a regular clean bass. Think John Entwistle, Jack Bruce, or Geddy Lee.

[tomvelsor]

whats wrong with..

a. having more sounds available to you
b. showing off =p

but seriously, effects are very usefull if you ask me. sometimes a more subtle effect will do a world of good in giving you differnt flavors for differnt songs (a good example is a very low-gain distortion, to sound like a real gritty natural overdrive.)

[jimmyjames77]

Originally Posted by Kimpini

I have not been playing for very long and I have always been under the impression that you are just showing off if you use effects

1.) Why do you need it?

2.) When do you use it?

3.) Who uses it?

Not "needed" but they do add texture sometime...

[Gashaponcito]

1) music evolves, music gets complicated and sometimes a bassist needs to fill "holes" that can be filled easily with the use of effects
2) when u find these holes.. ur band situation is going to decide that
3) check out this bands: Muse, Audioslave, Rage against the Machine, The Raconteurs, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tool

[John Wentzien]

I think more people "need" to learn how to play instead of twiddling knobs.
Just my opinion....

[EricF]

Originally Posted by Gashaponcito

check out this bands: Muse, Audioslave, Rage against the Machine, The Raconteurs, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Tool

...Beck, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Autolux, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sly and the Family Stone, Metallica...jeez you really could make quite a list.

[EricF]

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

I think more people "need" to learn how to play instead of twiddling knobs.
Just my opinion....

What if I already know how to play? Is it okay to use effects then?

[Gashaponcito]

Originally Posted by EricF

...Beck, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Autolux, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Sly and the Family Stone, Metallica...jeez you really could make quite a list.

BRMC rules I guess thats why u repeated that one =D

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

I think more people "need" to learn how to play instead of twiddling knobs.
Just my opinion....

In my little experience you will never stop learning how to play...

[ksandvik]

In many cases the fingers are the best effect. --Kent

[artistanbul]

no offense, but I usually relate this "who needs 'em" thing with envy.
it's the same in photography and painting as well. digital photography! photoshop! post processing! blasphemy! people usually mellow slowly if you let them in that world though.

anyway, I believe technologic achievements to be one of the foremost things that can create new paths to traverse.

[niftydog]

Originally Posted by Kimpini

I have always been under the impression that you are just showing off if you use effects

That's an odd attitude to have in an age where ridiculously over-produced music is the norm.

Perhaps you should try using some effects - it might adjust your impression. You might find you're mistaken envy for some other emotion?!

[John Wentzien]

Originally Posted by EricF

What if I already know how to play? Is it okay to use effects then?

NO!!!

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by niftydog

That's an odd attitude to have in an age where ridiculously over-produced music is the norm.

+1

Studio production of bass is very often a thick melange of compression, EQ, reverb, double (or even triple) tracking, and layering with synth or other tones. Essentially "effects", even when it's just one channel of clean bass and another channel of a miked tube amp.

IMO the only difference between a bassist who uses effects and one who doesn't is that the one who does use them is willing to learn some new tricks and tools, while the one who emphatically doesn't use them is basically unwilling to learn or try anything new.

Note that I'm particularly referring to bassists who proclaim how they never use effects, or who sneer at those who use them. Obviously there is a greater percentage of bassists who may not be using effects at any one moment but who also don't care to identify themselves as non-users.

Those who sneer and make proclamations of "bass purity" are quaint at best, and mostly irrelevant to those of us that have open minds. Let them enjoy their traditions- I don't go bothering the Amish either.