Maybe I'm Missing The Point of Octave & Chorus Pedals

[Livewire]

Hey all, sorry if this post comes off dumb, minds wandering around since I'm bored at work. So I'm new to the whole effects thing, I've been eager for some new pedals as of late and I came across octave and chorus pedals. I youtube'd a bunch of demo videos, read up about them, and I'm still wondering what's the benefits of both pedals? What do you guys use chorus and octave pedals for? I was told by
bassman1185 that a octave pedal is good at filling in the gaps in a band situation when a guitarist solos, any opinions?Thanks for the input guys!

[Warrior_Bass]

Pino Palladino uses the octave pedal very tastefully in music. Here's an example:

At 2:10 the music starts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjOcuY-tjhk

It provides a deep underlying tone to what he's playing.

And here's an example of a chorus sound:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tja6_h4lT6A

[Albibass]

Why does one uses an overdrive pedal or any other pedal?
You should use it like you want to...

[Exploiter8]

I'll go through periods with different pedals. Currently I'm playing my 8-string (4 + octaves) for jams. I use a chorus as an "always on" effect. It gives a fuller sound, but does tend to get lost in the mix with the band. I use subtle settings, though. I could crank the settings, but then I wouldn't dare run it full-time. In two months I'll probably be running something different!

X8

[bigchiefbc]

I play in an electronica/IDM group, so my answers are probably not typical.

My chorus is a clone of the Boss DC-2, which is a really "frozen"-sounding chorus, not warbly or watery. I primarily like to use it in combination with fuzz. When that type of chorus is put after a fuzz, it sounds really synthy, like multiple detuned synth lines.

I have a Boss OC-2 that I use with the dry signal off completely, because it's a cool sounding square-wave signal, not at all natural. I also have a whammy pedal that I use to give a portamento sound like you get with a pitch wheel on a synth.

[Jared Lash]

An octaver can add a cool synthy flavor. Here are two classic lines using an octaver with a fretless.

Sledgehammer

Tear Your Playhouse Down

Or an octaver can just add a thickness. Here's Juan Nelson getting funky. His bass solo starts around 4:35 and he soon after kicks on the octaver.

Fight For Your Mind

Rolling the clean signal off, octavers (especially the Boss OC-2 and the MXR) can give a very electronica sounding tone.

Here's John Davis using one for that purpose. The bass line starts a little over a minute in and is pure OC-2

Syncopath

[JimmyM]

i can understand not liking chorus. the 80's burned me totally out on it. but octave is cool when you want to do synthy sounding parts without using a synth, or when you want to add a big burst of bass stepping all over everything at the ends of songs, or just for doubling your part an octave lower or higher.

[tony_clifton]

That youtube clip doesn't sound good to my ears (personal opinion off course). Imo there is no need for such a heavy tone in this song.

Sounds good around 4:20 when the bass guitar starts playing again, but only for the first measure I think.

[smogg]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i can understand not liking chorus. the 80's burned me totally out on it. but octave is cool when you want to do synthy sounding parts without using a synth, or when you want to add a big burst of bass stepping all over everything at the ends of songs, or just for doubling your part an octave lower or higher.

Yes the 80's were very much about chorus and flange.
I'm Burning for You by Blue Oyster Cult is a great example of a well executed 80's bass line with chorus/flange & a pick. Still one of my favorite tunes. Actually, I wish I still had my old mid eighties chorus and flanger. I think if I remember correctly, they were made by Boss. Also the old t.c. electronics SCF stereo chorus/flanger was a real sweet box as well.

As always YMMV

[fitz420]

i use an octaver to get super nasty on hip hop stuff we play. real synthy sounding. i can feel the subs out front pushing hard and the crowd feels it too.

[BigOldHarry]

I agree - I've decided, for my part, that FX are more for just plain *fun* than anything else - fun as in fun to play with, not really fun for the music. A nice, clean, well-played bass signal sits in the mix better than anything else.. .in my opinion.

[skulletwhip]

^^ That is a broad generalization.

[ninepoundjammer]

I really rarely use strong effects, but on the rare occasion that I get to bring out the nasty funk, nothing like an analog octave. Maybe throw in a tasteful envelope filter.

I think that Juan Nelson clip sums up why octaves are cool.

[gnasher1993]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I agree - I've decided, for my part, that FX are more for just plain *fun* than anything else - fun as in fun to play with, not really fun for the music. A nice, clean, well-played bass signal sits in the mix better than anything else.. .in my opinion.

Why are you in the effects forum again?

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by gnasher1993

Why are you in the effects forum again?

Actually, this is on the "home page" - all new entries. This guy chimed in the he was puzzled by the whole fx thing, so I commented. Why are *you* questioning me, by the way?

[P-oddz]

I use my octave to beef up our rock-out parts (mostly used in conjunction with my overdrive) to really boost the fullness of the rock. It's kind of like dropping the balls of the song.

(Sorry to those offended by bass balls).

[TrevorOfDoom]

i use an octave because i don't own a 5 string, and a songwriter i used to play for had some songs that needed that low B.
at the push of a button, i was good to go!

[gnasher1993]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Actually, this is on the "home page" - all new entries. This guy chimed in the he was puzzled by the whole fx thing, so I commented. Why are *you* questioning me, by the way?

I think there's a problem with your sarcasm detector.

[gus1894]

Can't we all just get along?

Octave is great if used properly, I think over the top octave is a distraction, but half volume or similar behind the natural tone is a nice addition at times. Of course, if I am just enjoying myself playing for fun, then I can play with an octave pedal for hours...

[gnasher1993]

Originally Posted by gus1894

Can't we all just get along?

Where's the fun in that?