Essential Bass pedal/effect?

mbc3512 · #1 06-03-2010, 12:58 AM

I've just started on the bass (about a month or so)
And I am thinking of getting a pedal/effect to pimp my sound

What is the essential and a definite must-have pedal?

Cheers.

strke-fender · #2 06-03-2010, 01:03 AM

A tuner.

nad · #3 06-03-2010, 01:09 AM

Ring modulator.

ttmnky · #4 06-03-2010, 01:12 AM

Sansamp BDDI!

ourworldisgrey · #5 06-03-2010, 01:19 AM

What kind of music do you play? "Essential" for any style can vary from nothing at all to a huge board full of pedals. Check the "post your pedalboard" thread and listen to your favorite bands to see what they use on bass.

That said, I really like some heavy drive (Modded Pro Co Rat) and some chorus ( EHX Stereo Electric Mistress), but you might not like them at all.

Silent Fly · #6 06-03-2010, 02:54 AM

My first pedal was a Boss EQ and, as a first pedal, I think it was a good choice. It was useful and I learned a lot about how the various frequencies have an impact on my sound.

It really depends on the music you play, your gear and the type of sound(s) you need.

mbc3512 · #7 06-03-2010, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ourworldisgrey

What kind of music do you play? "Essential" for any style can vary from nothing at all to a huge board full of pedals. Check the "post your pedalboard" thread and listen to your favorite bands to see what they use on bass.

That said, I really like some heavy drive (Modded Pro Co Rat) and some chorus ( EHX Stereo Electric Mistress), but you might not like them at all.

I don't really have any set type of music i play since i almost just started but what i was asking for were pedals which are very versatile and generally fit into all types of music, thus making it essential.

ourworldisgrey · #8 06-03-2010, 03:30 AM

If you're just starting out I wouldn't really worry about effects yet. If you won't be persuaded otherwise, get a cheapish multi-effect pedal just to see what effects you like and then look into those effects.

mbc3512 · #9 06-03-2010, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ourworldisgrey

If you're just starting out I wouldn't really worry about effects yet. If you won't be persuaded otherwise, get a cheapish multi-effect pedal just to see what effects you like and then look into those effects.

ha, i'll try that.
Not really that worried about effects but practice does gets boring sometimes without some effect if you know what i mean.

alan_hill · #10 06-03-2010, 03:47 AM

Do you have a decent bass? Do you have a decent amp? These are more important than effects IMHO.
If the answer is yes then I would suggest starting with a compressor.
What type of music do you play/write?

alan_hill · #11 06-03-2010, 03:50 AM

another thought.

Effects can be really disappointing if your buying them just to stomp on them and see what happens or because you've read somewhere that it's great. Try and visualise the sound your after and buy and effect to suit that sound.
Don't rush and take your time it can be a black hole of money if you don't.

BassInUrFace · #12 06-03-2010, 03:57 AM

i think what he means is a bass effect to change his sound and make it more interesting. i think an envelope filter or distortion would be best. i mean he's been playing for a month why would he need an EQ or compressor? IMO! He needs something fun!

alan_hill · #13 06-03-2010, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassInUrFace

i think what he means is a bass effect to change his sound and make it more interesting. i think an envelope filter or distortion would be best. i mean he's been playing for a month why would he need an EQ or compressor? IMO! He needs something fun!

well in that case distortion is always a winner BUT learn your chops don't hide behind effects you can do all that later.

mbc3512 · #14 06-03-2010, 03:59 AM

Looking at all the responses, I think i should borrow some or try out some pedals before decision.
Also, another question, there's no harm in using a guitar pedal with my bass am i right?

alan_hill · #15 06-03-2010, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbc3512

Looking at all the responses, I think i should borrow some or try out some pedals before decision.
Also, another question, there's no harm in using a guitar pedal with my bass am i right?

Big can of worms that one but for somebody at your stage (don't mean to be patronising) I would say why not go for it. You'll soon learn why some of them don't work.

ourworldisgrey · #16 06-03-2010, 04:01 AM

None, at all. Some of the most famous bass pedals were/are guitar pedals.

mbc3512 · #17 06-03-2010, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ourworldisgrey

None, at all. Some of the most famous bass pedals were/are guitar pedals.

Great! I'll try some distortion pedal off my guitar friend to see what it sounds like.

KarateKid25 · #18 06-03-2010, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbc3512

Great! I'll try some distortion pedal off my guitar friend to see what it sounds like.

The only real issue with some distortion pedals designed for guitar use is that they may cut out some of your low end. This is definitely not always the case though. You won't hurt anything as such by using guitar effects. Just give them a go and see if you like the sound or not

mbc3512 · #19 06-03-2010, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

The only real issue with some distortion pedals designed for guitar use is that they may cut out some of your low end. This is definitely not always the case though. You won't hurt anything as such by using guitar effects. Just give them a go and see if you like the sound or not

So the sound that i get from it might not be the sound i get from bass pedals huh.
But like you said that's not always the case so i'll give it a go

refbassist · #20 06-03-2010, 04:39 AM

There's no such pedal that's essential it depends on what you want or when you get to point that you feel something is missing then start look for what you need otherwise you'll be stuck in an endless circle.