I'm sure this has been done but... FX virgin...

wheelyjoe · #1 07-31-2010, 06:19 PM

I'm a young bassist (17) but play alot, with various local groups, I do a bit of session work, and the like... and I feel I need to add a bit more variety to my playing, I currently run a Modulus Q5, into a Aguilar TLC compressor (always on) into a Mark Bass stack. I feel some FX could really add something new to my playing.

I play pretty much everything, from old school classic rock and blues, to modern rock, hard rock, and funk, both slap and fingerstyle. So I'm looking at something fairly all-encompassing. I've got a bit of spare money (thank you EMA

) so I don't mind shelling out a bit.

Ideally I'd like a multi-FX unit, just for ease of use and transport etc. But I'm no expert, so if individual stompboxes, or a rack unit'd be better that's fine. (I've got a rackmounted head, so it's a good excuse to make use of that).

Anyway, over to you, TB hive-mind.

Ali.

Eric! · #2 07-31-2010, 06:22 PM

NEEDS MOAR FUZZ

Crystalman85 · #3 07-31-2010, 06:30 PM

If you're looking for a decent mulit-effects processor, check out the zoom b2.1u. it has a decent variety of effects, amp and cab models.

wheelyjoe · #4 07-31-2010, 06:32 PM

I was talking to a friend of mine, and he was like Zoom are a no-no. but didn't specify why? Any ideas?

Plays_For_Dog · #5 07-31-2010, 06:32 PM

Damn, wish I couldn've afford an ax and rig like that at 17....

Get you a good fuzz and envelope filter. You obviously have expensive taste, so try Chunk systems (manufactorer) Brown Dog (fuzz) paired with an Agent 00 Funk (envelope filter). The two are designed to be played seperate and together. The bass whisperer does a decent review of the two together on Youtube.

Also, source audio has a pretty versatile line of pedals that do all kinds of cool sh*t.

For a multi-effects processor..... I don't use them so someone else can point you in the right direction there.

As far as filling in your rack.... that's highly debatable as to what goes good in there. I personally like a sonic maximizer, power supply and a tuner. Maybe an EQ?......

Plays_For_Dog · #6 07-31-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelyjoe

I was talking to a friend of mine, and he was like Zoom are a no-no. but didn't specify why? Any ideas?

I had a zoom, and yes it does all kinds of cool stuff. However, It wasn't practical in live applications because you have to toe dance around a lot to bounce between the effects. Also, the craftsmanship of the pedals is cheesy. Mine wasn't very tough or durable. I treat my gear gently and for anything to fail is indication it's built sub-par.

For playing at home, they're cool. For gigging... no.

wheelyjoe · #7 07-31-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

Damn, wish I couldn've afford an ax and rig like that at 17....

Thank the British Governments Educational Monetry Allowance. And child benefits

. And tolerant parents.

I'm gonna be a bit silly now and ask Sonic Maximizer?

I've been trying to justify a rack EQ for a while, is it really worth it? I'm a bit of a tone hound, and will spend an hour on 1 dial, so I'd have all sorts of fun. You mean a graphic one yeah?

What other FX would it be worth looking at? I mean types more than specifics, but both is nice : )

Eric! · #8 07-31-2010, 06:50 PM

Eh. Sonic Maximizer is a waste

wheelyjoe · #9 07-31-2010, 06:57 PM

I might add, I've been put of alot of multi-fx, because they talk about amp and cab modelling alot. I really like my stack. I don't want a pseudo-ampeq sound going into a Mark Bass, if you get me.

@Eric! You say it's a waste, what is it?

MK1 · #10 07-31-2010, 07:06 PM

The Line 6 M9 and M13 get a lot of love on this forum (you'll find a lot if you do a search), they model classic stop boxes, and they have multiple footswitches making presets easy to switch through.

wheelyjoe · #11 07-31-2010, 07:08 PM

I've heard good things about them here I must say. Just curious about something like that compared to ACTUAL stompboxes?

Mudfuzz · #12 07-31-2010, 07:09 PM

Eric! speaks for me within this thread.

Eric! · #13 07-31-2010, 07:09 PM

They say it enhances your tone and blahblah, some supersecret technology. It's just some little hokey "aural enhancer" that realigns phases or something. Meh. Useful probably if you're a studio producer for electronics.

Mudfuzz · #14 07-31-2010, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelyjoe

I've heard good things about them here I must say. Just curious about something like that compared to ACTUAL stompboxes?

Actual pedal actually sounds better then the old rack ones... if you need mid scoop....

But again what Eric! said.

Eric! · #15 07-31-2010, 07:14 PM

Did some research. They're better suited for REMASTERING, not mixing new stuff.

Pandafist · #16 07-31-2010, 07:35 PM

Funk - you def need an envelope filter
Rock - you def need distortion/fuzz/overdrive
Blues - you don't need shiz but a tone knob

I like individual stomp boxes vs multis or rack gear, but that's just me.
And I typically think older effects sound and look better than newer effects (but prefer true bypass pedals, so I add that to pedals lacking it), but again, IMHO. But since I can really only talk with authority about the things I'm familiar with...

the following companies all make quality effects, and if you care about this sorta thing, having a board full of their products will definitely earn you a few compliments.

Mu-tron
Maestro
EHX

Check em out, and enjoy the wonderful world that awaits you!!!

Plays_For_Dog · #17 07-31-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric!

Eh. Sonic Maximizer is a waste

True, an EQ could have the same effect. I got mine at a bargain and decided to try it out. I like what it did with my tone, but not enough that I won't replace it with an EQ someday. However, to each his own. I sit somewhere in the middle of the argument. The Sonic Maximizer is as debatable as if we really landed on the moon....

Quote:

Originally Posted by MK1

The Line 6 M9 and M13 get a lot of love on this forum (you'll find a lot if you do a search), they model classic stop boxes, and they have multiple footswitches making presets easy to switch through.

^This^ I don't own one nor have I played one.... but they do get a lot of love on TB. To me, that stands for something.

kevteop · #18 08-01-2010, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plays_For_Dog

^This^ I don't own one nor have I played one.... but they do get a lot of love on TB. To me, that stands for something.

I've got an M9, it does some stuff well but others not-so-well. TBH I think the sounds it is best at (delays and modulation) are the sort of sounds that don't work especially well on bass, or should be used very sparingly.

OP: Since you literally don't know what you're missing, I would follow the standard advice of just getting a cheap multi to see if there are any sounds in there that you think you would be able to use. Then start looking at specific effects, but always take recommendations in forums with a pinch of salt - often the guy who can't praise something highly enough has only had it for a week and is still smitten, it will be sold the week after.

Nickthebass · #19 08-01-2010, 03:48 AM

Another vote for individual boxes over a rackmount / multi FX unit. If nothing else...why bother buying that tiny little featherweight amp and then weighing your life down with a rack?

If you're doing the freelance / session thing then I'd suggest trying to give yourself a palate of classic effects and then mixing them to suit. I can only really talk much about the actual stuff I've got but I've tried to go down the classic sounds route.

Boss OC2 octaver - essential IMO. Not made any more so get one on eBay. Can turn you into Stevie Wonder's left hand also sounds great with fretless. Also if you take out all the clean sound you get an amazing synth. If you're using it for this stick an EQ pedal next to it for a little extra fatness. For many session guys this is their only pedal.

Big Muff distortion - very good classic fuzz. I don't really use it a huge amount live but I got a great recorded sound out of it. (Drop me a PM with your email if you want to hear it in a mix.)

Boss ODB3 distortion - not bad. more industrial than the Big Muff. Score points for bullet proof construction and a wet / dry mix so I tend to use this live.

Line 6 FM4 filter modeller - Some nice envelope filters (the classic Bootsy quack) plus a whole bunch of other nutty synths. Some excellent sounds plus a few that just appear to be weird noises. I tend to use this in conjunction with the OC2. (OC2 for a clean fundamental synth and then the FM4 for a whacky top layer.)

The final two aren't really effects but they're probably the most useful pedal type things I own.

Boss TU2 tuner - doubles as a mute switch
Radial ToneBone DI - lets me have two basses on stage always plugged in and balance between different levels (eg one is active and one is passive). Also it's got a good DI on it so I'm no longer at the mercy of cr*p front of house gear and I have a back up plan in case my amp blows up.

If you like the DI idea then also check out the SansAmp bass driver DI. Loads of metal guys use them as overdrive pedals so they'll double up as a good stompbox too.

Jake of Bass · #20 08-01-2010, 05:41 AM

Get an SB1.