fx pedals to enhance a clean sound

dreadheadbass · #1 02-16-2009, 06:21 PM

ok long story short we have a competition gig booked
the only thing is all bands have to use the backline which includes a beat up ashdown rig thats been round the block a few times and thus sounds terrible
however despite not letting bands use there own heads they are allowing fx pedals which has got me thinkin

are there any pedals out there that can improve a clean tone?

i've already got a compressor and EQ pedal is there anything else that will help?

IPS · #2 02-16-2009, 06:25 PM

Do you have to use the amp, or can you go DI, if so check out a sansamp BDDI or programable BDDI or similar DIs. If not, check out the electronix submarine, small, two knobs, cheap, and soudns great.

dreadheadbass · #3 02-16-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPS

Do you have to use the amp, or can you go DI, if so check out a sansamp BDDI or programable BDDI or similar DIs. If not, check out the electronix submarine, small, two knobs, cheap, and soudns great.

amps only i think
its an unfair system if you use fuzz and reverb playing through a junk amp it wont kill your sound half as much as if you play clean i dont see why i cant use my head?

bassman1185 · #4 02-17-2009, 07:22 AM

Check out the Sansamp Bass VT. I have one, and it's very, very versitile, and you can also bypass the Ashdown's preamp and just use the VT's EQ. Also, if you're looking for a really clean, hi-fi sound, the Aphex Bass Xciter is awesome. I have one of those as well, and it works a LOT better than similar units like the BBE Sonic Stomp.

IPS · #5 02-17-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreadheadbass

amps only i think
its an unfair system if you use fuzz and reverb playing through a junk amp it wont kill your sound half as much as if you play clean i dont see why i cant use my head?

That is very strange, maybe they are trying to even the playing field so that expensive gear doesnt play as much of a factor, and they figure effects can be both necessary to a song and cheap enough. That or the people holding the contest dont know enough about effects to know how much they do and can change and improve your sound. Assuming the ashdown has a preamp in, you can do as others suggested and use a VT bass or something similar as a preamp, instead of the head they provide.

katri · #6 02-17-2009, 08:34 AM

I think your best bet will most likely be a good pre amp pedal. The aguilar Tone Hammer works well for me as does the PBDDI which i have had for years and it is currently on tour with TaySte.

dreadheadbass · #7 02-17-2009, 09:55 AM

thanks for the input guys n gals i'll start lookin at preamp pedals it think the head is an old ashdown mag 300

bassteban · #8 02-17-2009, 10:04 AM

Didn't you start a similar thread yesterday(other than this one)? Just curious...