Keepers of the Low...

excane · #1 03-12-2009, 10:01 AM

Simple question and poll....

I would like to know what your favorite overdrive/distortion pedal is that keeps the most low-end.

Please keep fuzz boxes out of the running now, I'm only interested in overdrive/distortion.

This is not another "recommend me an overdrive" thread.
I simply want to know from your personal equipment setup and experience, what effect pedal retains the most bottom.

I will put a poll up shortly, but please by all means, if you have an effect that is not on the list jump in and let me know.
For all the major manufacturers, please specify which model if you choose that option.

Cheers

whoatherechunk · #2 03-12-2009, 10:06 AM

i like my b sharp music malazadas

**grygrx** · #3 03-12-2009, 11:01 AM

I've not tried them all, but 'landmine' is NOT the answer.

ga_edwards · #4 03-12-2009, 11:07 AM

I can't say I've tried any of the above, but IMO a blend control is key. A side effect of distortion is a lack of low end, so a blend control that lets you retain some of your clean signal is essential to retain the lows.

I mean, I love the colour of my 80s Marshall Guv'nor, but it's not usuable with bass on it's own IMO. Even with a substantial boost, it seems to disappear in the mix. I now use it in the fx loop of my Zoom B9.1ut, set with a 50/50 wet/dry mix, and it's given it a new lease of life.

excane · #5 03-12-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

I can't say I've tried any of the above, but IMO a blend control is key. A side effect of distortion is a lack of low end, so a blend control that lets you retain some of your clean signal is essential to retain the lows.

I mean, I love the colour of my 80s Marshall Guv'nor, but it's not usuable with bass on it's own IMO. Even with a substantial boost, it seems to disappear in the mix. I now use it in the fx loop of my Zoom B9.1ut, set with a 50/50 wet/dry mix, and it's given it a new lease of life.

I am well aware of all of this....maybe I should be a little more specific....

I am asking which pedal from your own experience retains the most low-end without the need of blending or any other signal devices. Meaning, if the pedal itself has a blend control that's fine....otherwise, doesn't count.

I'm interested in what people prefer as a stand-alone solution that keeps the most bass.

excane · #6 03-12-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grygrx

I've not tried them all, but 'landmine' is NOT the answer.

Curious, why do you say this?

Jared Lash · #7 03-12-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grygrx

I've not tried them all, but 'landmine' is NOT the answer.

+1. Seems like the crunchy, aggressive tones I like often only come about by sacrificing a bit of low end. Same with the XXLB, Rust Ride and to a lesser extent the Bassdrive.

I wouldn't call the BDDI an overdrive/distortion per se, but it won't lose the low end unless you purposefully dial it out. Mids are another story, but it can be as bassy as you want.

As far as actual dirtboxes, based on what I've tried from your list, I'd say the Hematoma is a contender for retaining low end.

excane · #8 03-12-2009, 11:23 AM

Just as a side note, all of the options on the poll are pedals I myself either own or have used.

Vic Winters · #9 03-12-2009, 11:29 AM

Ibanez PD7 isn't bad. The dirt side of the MXR M-80 works well since it has a blend on it. VT Bass gets a high rank.

rcubed · #10 03-12-2009, 11:35 AM

Any pedal I build keeps the low end.

**grygrx** · #11 03-12-2009, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by excane

Curious, why do you say this?

Because I've used it, and it doesn't hold the low end well when compared to some others, even a couple on your list.

excane · #12 03-12-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grygrx

Because I've used it, and it doesn't hold the low end well when compared to some others, even a couple on your list.

Interesting...from my experience the bass is overwhelming. This pedal does react drastically different to active and passive basses though.

**grygrx** · #13 03-12-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by excane

Interesting...from my experience the bass is overwhelming. This pedal does react drastically different to active and passive basses though.

I will suggest a difference between 'holding the low end' and 'adding a boomy thud'.

excane · #14 03-12-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grygrx

I will suggest a difference between 'holding the low end' and 'adding a boomy thud'.

Ok, I suppose

I did not think it "added a boomy thud". Without maxing out the bass on it and trying to achieve a relative unity volume, I felt it just retained what I had in my original signal, but different strokes for different folks.

RCCollins · #15 03-12-2009, 01:14 PM

also, the hjärt-müller bassdrive deserves an honorable mention

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcubed

Any pedal I build keeps the low end.

no pics = no pedals, mister back-to-the-breadboard!

bigchiefbc · #16 03-12-2009, 02:10 PM

BJFE Blueberry
Devi Ever Dark Boost

RickenBoogie · #17 03-12-2009, 06:52 PM

Valve Drive.

excane · #18 03-12-2009, 07:02 PM

^^ I forgot about that one.

Mark Olson · #19 03-12-2009, 07:34 PM

Hey, have you tried the Big D? As far as I know, I'm the only person on here who's owned one... I thought it worked ok on bass, though not really spectacular on the bottom end and it's very glassy in my experience. I eventually sold it to a friend, but he's still got it, I'll have to borrow it from him and give it another go, maybe do some clips...

excane · #20 03-12-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Olson

Hey, have you tried the Big D? As far as I know, I'm the only person on here who's owned one... I thought it worked ok on bass, though not really spectacular on the bottom end and it's very glassy in my experience. I eventually sold it to a friend, but he's still got it, I'll have to borrow it from him and give it another go, maybe do some clips...

I've used it for a few years, I have a very early model

I agree, it lost a bit too much on the bottom.

This is a photo from at least 4 years ago, before I sold it: