Has anyone played the ehx nano steel leather?

ExurKun · #1 01-16-2010, 08:29 PM

And what did you think? worth buying? whats it really do? (i have no pedals atm)

I was also thinkin about a bass big muff, is that worth it?

cheers!

sirpug · #2 01-16-2010, 08:43 PM

I have both. I picked up the Steel Leather hoping that it the attack expander (which is what it is) would give me a simulated pick attack sound since I'm primarily a finger player but I like the pick sound. Well, it doesn't work that way. I'm thinking that it would be great for slap/pop but since I don't pop, I can't tell you for sure.

The Bass Big Muff is pretty good. A lot of people really like the blend feature, which I use the most myself. The normal setting isn't too bad either but the bass boost setting is worthless IMHO. It sounds to electronic to me and I can't really figure out what a guy would use it for.

I guess it depends what you're looking for. Both have there place. If you can explain what you want to hear then we'll be able to help you a bit more.

ryansalmond · #3 01-16-2010, 08:52 PM

I own the Steel Leather. For the 70 dollars you'll pay for it, you get a decent pedal. I would say it is worth it. What it does is add a nice fender-style clank to your high end. It sounds like Steve Harris' (iron maiden) tone, to my ears. It does not make you sound as though you are playing with a pick, but I would say it has the same benefits of playing with a pick. Namely- cutting through more.

ExurKun · #4 01-16-2010, 08:55 PM

usually when i play, i really play agressively and percussively, almost to the point where each finger note is close to a slap lol, and each pic stroke is a snap. Im trying to get a sound like ryan martinie, but i also want to be able to make a smoothed out sound, like flea, or other bassist i like that probably won't be recognized.
soo i figure for part two i could just turn off the pedal, and the steel leather might help an aggressive tone? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNKLcTt9j-M ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGbvJhyNyoQ)

ryansalmond · #5 01-16-2010, 09:05 PM

It will help you get closer to both those tones, but won't give you an exact copy of either. Basically, if you're in the price range where you want to spend less than 100 bucks to get closer to those tones, yes the Steel Leather is your best bet.

ExurKun · #6 01-17-2010, 01:46 PM

cool beans, can anyone else second that? (or refute lol)
i also eyed the bassballs, sound pretty cool like a talkbox almost, but seemed a little uncustomizable, anyones thoughts on that piece?

katri · #7 01-17-2010, 02:27 PM

I tried the Steel leather and in all honesty didn't really like it. I think the BBM might be a bit more fun and versatile as a first pedal.

4StringsEnough · #8 01-17-2010, 02:40 PM

The Steel Leather is love it or hate it. And I love it!

Viscera_Eyes · #9 01-17-2010, 03:35 PM

The Steel Leather is good for what it does at the price. But as everyone has already said before, it's no replacement for playing with pick. I also picked one up for playing Tool songs without using a pick. For Schism in particular, it sounds great during the first verses (I guess they are verses) but once the effected bass parts come in I normally turn it off. I also found the steel leather to be too clanky when playing dead notes; very high. Still, for the price it does a lot in getting you closer to those tones.

BuddyFChrist · #10 01-17-2010, 03:36 PM

I just got mine a couple of weeks ago and already its become one of my favorite pedals. Using it alone gives a brighter "clanky" tone that i really like, but by far its best use is before some dirt. It adds alot of punch and clarity that i just cant get enough of, in fact its become part of my sound. Im contemplating buying another as a backup. and at only $40 of the 'bay its a great deal.

Bassmike62 · #11 01-17-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExurKun

i also eyed the bassballs, sound pretty cool like a talkbox almost, but seemed a little uncustomizable, anyones thoughts on that piece?

There are 2 trim pots inside, so you can make adjustments. There are also "a few" threads on the site discussing how to modify the bb so you can add external pots. Look it up, you definitely won't regret it.

sirpug · #12 01-21-2010, 10:37 AM

I currently have a Steel Leather for sale over in the classifieds if you're interested.

New amp GAS funding thread