general question - guitar vs bass effects

[sapblatt]

generally speaking - can guitar effects pedals be used (and not harmed) on a bass? I realize something like an would not cover the same ranges - but would a distortion or overdrive work OK?
Thanks for any help...

[coreyfyfe]

would this forum be here if they couldn't?

[mjwhit]

I thing the OP is talking about using guitar specific pedals on bass.

They will work, and there will be no damage. But how well they work depends on the pedal itself. You tend to hear a lot of people talking about loosing bottom end when going through a guitar pedal.

But theres only one way to find out...

PS. this topic has been talked about many times. A search may be in order.

[FreaqyFrequency]

More like the Effects [BG] FAQ.

The ONLY way any effects unit worth its salt can be harmed is if you run the output of a power amp into it. No unamplified source will harm any effect unit, regardless of how poor the quality of the circuitry is.