I m a noob and need advice about effects

eren · #1 12-12-2010, 11:52 AM

Hi everybody,

First of all, if someone already asked the same question sorry, but I really searched the effects forum

Here comes the question,
I'm kind a noob with bassguitar, I got an Ibanez GSR200 and Marshall MB15 amp. I just want to learn about effects. As I read, the best option is buying a multi effect but which one?

I guess Zoom sounds better than Digitech (I haven't tried them, I just read the comments) but unfortunately I also read Zoom can easyly broke down or doesn't last long enough.(is that true?)

As I told you, I'm a beginner and I m just playing at home (maybe in the future with my friends in a studio, but at least I won't be on stage for a few years). What should I buy? A cheap multi effect and in the future lots of pedals or A good multi effect and less pedal in the future?

For example: Zoom B1x costs approximately 80€ and B2.1u costs about 140€ is it realy worth to pay extra 70€?

Thanks a lot for reading my post,

Jazz Ad · #2 12-12-2010, 12:13 PM

Meh. Try as many effects as you want and have fun. It's all that counts.
A B1X is good enough to familiarize yourselmf with effects.
The B2.1 has more bells and whistles, it's fun to play with and it's a good practice tool. You won't waste your money if you buy one.

Swift713 · #3 12-12-2010, 02:27 PM

The Zoom B2 is a really decent sounding multi effect with a headphone jack, drum machine, etc. A good tool to practice with. The switches may not last forever but they're very easy to fix.

mikerophone · #4 12-12-2010, 02:52 PM

effects are fun to play around with, and i imagine if i didn't have my little korg toneworks pedal, i would've gotten very bored with the bass when i was beginning to learn.

i would suggest getting something cheap, the zoom looks like a newer version of what i had. it'll give you an idea of what effects do what, and how usable they are, plus it's just fun to play around with noises.

Bassmike62 · #5 12-12-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eren

As I read, the best option is buying a multi effect but which one?

Taking from my own personal experience, I'd say a multi is a good way to start if you're not sure where to go effect-wise. I started with a lowly Zoom B1 (50 $ CAN new, which I still have and use as a rythm machine) and learned by trial and error what I liked and not liked.

Keep your ear on the music, your feet on the ground and your eyes on the good-looking ones in the audience, I always say.... starting now !

:-)

bassbrad · #6 12-12-2010, 03:38 PM

All of my Zoom pedals have given good service, treat them well and they will last. IMO the B2.1u is worth the additional cost for the effects quality, selection, additional control, sturdier case, xlr DI out and the USB connection to your computer to begin recording.

Baron Von Vik · #7 12-12-2010, 05:46 PM

Best plan is to go try some out. The problem with multi-units is the same problem that you get with all one-size-fits-all items: to quote my dad, "They might do everything but nothing particularly well."

If you want to know what these guys like, browse some of the threads in this forum, or look at the Harmony Central etc. reviews online.

And, of course, it all depends on what sound you're after. Looking for fuzz? Envelope filters? Manual wah? Chorus? There are so many choices, I swear it's a candy shop. And everyone will have a different opinion.

Personally, I just use a little compression (BBE MaxCom rack-mount). I have used the Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah, and I like it for the application. Other than that, EQ and playing dynamics.

Mayers · #8 12-12-2010, 06:13 PM

Ok now back at the OP question. I think a multi-effect is a good way to discover effet and what you like or not and then buy the single effect ( in a better quality ).

Between your choice I would go with the Zoom B2.1u

JPSBassist · #9 12-12-2010, 09:20 PM

Go to a guitar store, I prefer locally owned over large chains, but I'm a "buy local" sort of guy. Try some out.

Or, if you have a computer, buy an interface for $50 that comes with emulation software.

Or look on Ebay for a decent used multi-effects pedal box. I own a Boss ME-50B. I have it plugged into a multi-track recorder and I use it for recording stuff. It's OK for that. And you can definately try out some different sounds.

eren · #10 12-13-2010, 03:51 AM

Thank you all for helping me

Actually I ment with saying noob, that I m noob about effects (unfortunately I m not a native english speaker), I m playing classical guitar for years, and playing bass for almost 4 month (I know that is not much but better than nothing) I can play a lot of song, I dont have timing problem (I m not meaning metronome is unnecessary).

As your posts I believe it would be better if I wait a while and I can save some money. In sommer I can buy a zoom b2.1u.

trevcda · #11 01-03-2011, 09:53 PM

Go buy or try out a multi-effects unit that fits your budget. The great thing about a multi-effect unit is that the manufacturer will have pre-loaded with a bunch of presets (occasionally created by industry notables) that they believe will best demonstrate their equipment. You may find that you only need one effect like compression or that you're looking for some pretty radical sounds.

WaldoNova · #12 01-04-2011, 06:01 AM

After reading through all of these posts I'll go with "get yourself a multi and find out what you like". You stated you'd be saving up for the b2.1u. and I think that'd be the way to go (mainly because you've come to that conclusion).

I was a bass to amp guy for over 20 years. When I got all the basses I would ever need and all the amps for every situation imaginable I got into effects(with my band mates encouraging me to do so).

I think it's really important to have fun making music ,whether you are a pro or a noob, and using effects can make an already cool situation (jamming in a band) even cooler.

I say get yourself a multi and get ready for a fun, GAS inducing ride through all of the possibilities you could imagine. Good Luck!!!!

**grygrx** · #13 01-04-2011, 12:00 PM

I edited this thread to what it should look like. Any other discussion about 'tone in the fingers' should go to misc.

BigOldHarry · #14 01-04-2011, 12:02 PM

I strongly suggest you buy a used multifx unit and dork with it. Whatever you buy right now, you'll be selling in a short while, so you might as well buy it used.

I have a Digitech BNX3 that is growing dust - I just don't use it... I have no idea what these go for used... But I'm thinking that if you budget ~$150, you should be able to get something you'll have fun with.

yrock · #15 01-04-2011, 12:04 PM

I tried the effects in Amplitube on my computer to get an idea of what they do and what the sound like.

eirik_ · #16 01-04-2011, 12:59 PM

i've had a zoom pedal for my guitar rig for years now,no reliability issues . i've got nearly full pedal boards for both guitar and bass now and i still use the zoom from time to time for practice stuff. it's a great n00b tool and a great "i don't feel like firing up 700watts of bass right now. i'm gonna use headphones" tool. I too am contemplating grabbing one for bass just for apartment practice usage. Come to think of it, I use my guitar one for livingroom recording direct in alot as well. in case you haven't figured it out yet, i think you should grab a zoom multi effect.

Boyer84 · #17 09-27-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eren

Hi everybody,

First of all, if someone already asked the same question sorry, but I really searched the effects forum

Here comes the question,
I'm kind a noob with bassguitar, I got an Ibanez GSR200 and Marshall MB15 amp. I just want to learn about effects. As I read, the best option is buying a multi effect but which one?

I guess Zoom sounds better than Digitech (I haven't tried them, I just read the comments) but unfortunately I also read Zoom can easyly broke down or doesn't last long enough.(is that true?)

As I told you, I'm a beginner and I m just playing at home (maybe in the future with my friends in a studio, but at least I won't be on stage for a few years). What should I buy? A cheap multi effect and in the future lots of pedals or A good multi effect and less pedal in the future?

For example: Zoom B1x costs approximately 80€ and B2.1u costs about 140€ is it realy worth to pay extra 70€?

Thanks a lot for reading my post,

So, what did you end up buying?