flanger love/hate

[sillyfabe]

ok so i have the BOSS BF-3 Flanger for almost 2 years now and currently not really digging it or any flange effect for that matter. a couple months ago i was really into it, and this has gone back and forth for a while now, is this a sign its not for me? I love modulation as my phaser is always loved thus far! any suggestions of what to do with it or should I look elsewhere?

[7XL]

A/DA Flanger, you can still find them, but they are not cheap. Also the Paradox by Foxrox.

[ga_edwards]

Any time I think I need to use a flanger, I find a phaser always sounds nicer!

[bigchiefbc]

I absolutely love flangers, but they are definitely not for everyone. If you're sick of your Boss, here's a couple options that are a bit more affordable than the A/DA and Foxrox mentioned above. If nothing else, you will be able to find out if you don't like flangers, or just don't like the Boss, without dropping a lot of coin.

DOD FX72 - Much warmer, rounder, analog flanger. It is discontinued, but I see them on eBay or in the classifieds almost continually for less than $50 usually. My personal favorite flanger for bass.

EHX Stereo Electric Mistress - Another digital pedal, but with a unique sounding flanger. Plus, it also has a chorus built in that runs in parallel with the flanger. I don't think anything else sounds like it. Can be had new for just over $100, used is usually $75 to $80.

[Dash Rantic]

You also might want to look into a Boss BF-2 flanger. Runs about $40 used (that's what I got mine for, anyway).

Sounds *much* better than the BF-3--I have both the BF-2 and the BF-3, I am not a fan of the BF-3's sound whatsoever--I mainly keep it for the tremolo setting

-Dash

[RickenBoogie]

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

Any time I think I need to use a flanger, I find a phaser always sounds nicer!

Big +1 to this.

[bigchiefbc]

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

Any time I think I need to use a flanger, I find a phaser always sounds nicer!

Hey, different strokes 'n' all that.

I find phaser and flanger to be different enough in vibe that they're not interchangeable. I have both on my board, so I definitely use them for distinctly different parts.

[JMDT]

Originally Posted by Dash Rantic

You also might want to look into a Boss BF-2 flanger. Runs about $40 used (that's what I got mine for, anyway).

Sounds *much* better than the BF-3--I have both the BF-2 and the BF-3, I am not a fan of the BF-3's sound whatsoever--I mainly keep it for the tremolo setting

-Dash

I feel exactly the opposite. I currently have the BF-2 and BF-3 side by side and I think the BF-3 sounds much better. The secret to the BF-3 is plugging into the guitar input to get a more wet sound.

[JMDT]

Originally Posted by sillyfabe

ok so i have the BOSS BF-3 Flanger for almost 2 years now and currently not really digging it or any flange effect for that matter. a couple months ago i was really into it, and this has gone back and forth for a while now, is this a sign its not for me? I love modulation as my phaser is always loved thus far! any suggestions of what to do with it or should I look elsewhere?

BTW, are you using the BF-3 with or without dirt. I find flangers work best for me clean or with light overdrive for a normal effect. The airplane swoosh from heavy flanger after fuzz is too much for even me most of the time unless I'm going for out of control.

[bassteban]

I also go back & forth w/flangers in general. I've had the Boss High-Band Flanger & DOD FX-72, but ended up selling both; I now have an old FX-75B- which I like but don't really use much.

[Pas]

I own a few different flangers...but the only one I ever seem to use is the Boss HF-2 (High-Band Flanger). It lets the bass roll through but adds a nice flange to the high end that doesnt kill the sound. I think that flangers vary quite a bit though and that each person will have very different needs depending on how they want it to sit in the mix and how they define "their sound". But if you havent tried one yet see if you cant get your hands on an HF-2 and test it out a bit.

[EskimoBassist]

+1 I am a much bigger fan of Phasers. I bought a BF-3 and now I never use it.

[4StringAxe]

I have a BF-3 I like to use for the panning effect.

[jufros]

I'm not rocking a flanger at the moment but I start using the BF-3 again. I'm also tempted to try the Source Audio Tri-Mod Flanger since I've had a lot of success with the Tri-Mod Phaser.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

Hey, different strokes 'n' all that.

I find phaser and flanger to be different enough in vibe that they're not interchangeable. I have both on my board, so I definitely use them for distinctly different parts.

Phaser is one of my favorite effects- probably my second favorite after fuzz- and I find so much more versatile and able to fit into so many songs perfectly compared to flanger, but it just won't do what a flanger does on those rare times when you want that flanger sound. For really watery or really metallic-sounding parts, flanger's just perfect.

[nad]

I have a love / love relationship with my flangers.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Originally Posted by nad

I have a love / love relationship with my flangers.

First clip sounds like you're revving up your hover bike. While high.

[jumbo_steelie]

I second the DOD fx72...best 50 bucks I ever spent. But I'm in the same boat now, I've fallen in love with phasers. I think I'd still pull the trigger on one of those frostbites if I ever had the chance tho....

[Galdal]

Boss Bass BF-2B (old brown bass serie) are great, never tried the new BF-3 though..

[fishtx]

I really like the MXR M-117R I believe it is...when I get another Flanger, it will be anothe one of these...