I dont know much about Bassballs, would you recommend it?

Fine Cut · #1 12-23-2008, 07:02 PM

i know i know, "SEARCH!!!" but yea, i couldnt find anything about what i'm talking about. i was at a local pawn today looking at the OLP i'm going to pick up tomorrow, and noticed that they have an older looking Bassballs pedal. it's about the size of an average Bible, it's black, and has blue writing. i've heard alot about Bassballs in the past, but all i could find is the Nano. havent found anything about this pedal. they're asking $30 for it, and if it works, i'm thinking of getting it. i've been wanting an Envelope filter to play around with. is it worth messing with? any problems with these, as to why it would be so cheap? any input's appreciated

Mark Olson · #2 12-23-2008, 07:05 PM

I believe that's a Russian Bassballs you were looking at. I don't know that I'd personally pay $30 for a russian one from a pawn shop when you could get a much more convenient Nano one for whatever they cost, but it is a cool pedal if you want to check it out. Very greasy.

Fine Cut · #3 12-23-2008, 07:15 PM

ahh, yea, it is kinda big, and i dunno what the power requirements are for it...any idea? if it's battery, i dont mind that, since i can put on a battery clip, or if i like it just mod it, no biggy there. the main reason it intrigues me is because $30 is about what i'll have to play around with after the OLP is purchased lol. i guess the main thing to find out is if it works properly...

wuddaya mean by "greasy"? idk, but it sounds like i might like it

Mark Olson · #4 12-23-2008, 07:19 PM

If it takes any power, I think it would be 1/8"... not the most convenient. Might just be battery only though.

Greasy as in a funky way. Perfect for a greasy funky groove. The Bassballs is what it is... I don't think there's anything out there that sounds quite like it. It's a classic effect, but I don't think there's too many people out there that use the Bassballs extensively (I've heard maybe of one person that does...), it's one of those things that's cool for maybe a track or two but I wouldn't use it much more than that. But who knows? Could end up being your signature sound.

Fine Cut · #5 12-23-2008, 07:23 PM

that's wusup man, thanks for the advice...i play alot of slap funk, so i may just like this...

Mark Olson · #6 12-23-2008, 07:24 PM

Yeah, it has a pretty gnarly sound when you thump and pluck your strings. You just might like it

.

WyrdoBass · #7 12-23-2008, 07:25 PM

I have a russian bassballs and it rocks! for $30 you should definitely get it. this thing has a great subtle effect with the distortion off, and with the dist. on, it is fun as ****!

The power requirements are either a 9v battery or the same smaller style jack that the Big Muff uses.

chicago_mike · #8 12-23-2008, 07:26 PM

Search the funkadelic tune "Knee deep, freak of the week"

I believe its Cordell Mosson who uses it, But the bassline is played with a bass balls pedal.

vocal sounding and therea quite a few tweaks you can do if yer so inclined.

andvari7 · #9 12-23-2008, 08:16 PM

It's a very whiny envelope filter, if that makes sense. I have that black Russian unit myself, which, for the record takes either a 9v or a 1/8" adapter. If you have a 1-Spot, it will come with the proper adapter (which is what I have done).

I don't have nearly as many uses for it as I do my Q-Tron, but it does things the Q-Tron can't even fathom.

short_steve277 · #10 12-23-2008, 08:38 PM

youtube it?

Swimming Bird · #11 12-23-2008, 08:41 PM

Meh. Take it or leave it.. the only sound I've ever been able to get out of them has been from 'Sir Psycho Sexy'. Not even a little bit versatile, but good for a little fun.

Fine Cut · #12 12-23-2008, 09:35 PM

well eff, now i'm torn between picking up the OLP, or using the money to pick up a 1 spot for my board, the bassballs and a decent chorus pedal...sounds like i'd enjoy this thing...hmm...

markjazzbassist · #13 12-23-2008, 09:48 PM

get one. it's a great pedal. i use mine ALL the time.

the fuzz included gives a great synth like tone when the sensitivity is set correctly.

i love my bassballs.

kevteop · #14 12-24-2008, 04:39 AM

I'm a fan of the Bassballs too. It doesn't sound like a "traditional" envelope filter, it's more subtle and weirder than that, somewhere between a filter and a phaser. Quite trippy.

It also works well with slap playing so if that's your thing, give it a shot.

Deluge Of Sound · #15 12-24-2008, 08:53 AM

I also dig the bassballs quite heavily.

idoru · #16 12-24-2008, 05:01 PM

I've done the trimpot mod, giving you more control over the two filters. I like it.

c-

Fine Cut · #17 12-24-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idoru

I've done the trimpot mod, giving you more control over the two filters. I like it.

c-

o0o...tell me more about this Trimpot Mod...

also, just for the record, i went down this morning and picked up the OLP, and when the owner found out i was trading in toward the OLP, he knocked $15 off the price. then while he was writing up the receipt, i was messing around with the Bassballs (which is totally gnarly, btw). he noticed, and threw it in, for FREE!!!!

i've been playing on it all day, i'm running it first in my chain, followed by a Boss BD-2 and then compression...i think i've found an entirely new demention of "sonic love" i never knew i had...OLP MM2 + Bassballs = SEX!

XXL · #18 12-24-2008, 06:44 PM

Nothing beats a free pedal.
Even better when its *your key to a hit*

Fine Cut · #19 12-24-2008, 07:06 PM

anyone know about how hard it may be to replace the distortion toggle switch with a button style switch, so i can step on it instead of flipping the toggle with my toe...i always hit the sens knob when i try that

Deluge Of Sound · #20 12-24-2008, 08:24 PM

No idea, but I noticed last night that the bass in Hit Me Baby, One More Time is smeared with Bassballs goodness.