Need some help choosing a Bass Flanger Pedal.

Kevin P. Ryan · #1 11-12-2007, 02:11 PM

Hi All.

Please listen to 'Bad Chemistry' at www.myspace.com/temperancerock. We recorded this a few months back; the Flange effect was added with a generic effects processor in the mixing stages. I'm looking for a pedal to:-

a). Recreate a similar effect live, or

b). Improve on this sound (it doesn't sound great at high volumes, which is how I like to listen to music!!)

I usually play through an Ibanez EDA900 or a American Fender Jazz.

I've seen numerous Flanger Pedals for guitars, but there is nowhere locally to try them out. Which pedals have an adequate range to accomodate bass frequencies (down to low B, if necessary).

Thankyou all in advance for your help.

Kevin Patrick Ryan
Bassist for Temperance
www.myspace.com/temperancerock

assboglin · #2 11-12-2007, 02:30 PM

Some flangers that could work for you: Boss BF-2, Boss BF-3, Maxon FL-9, MXR Flanger, EHX Electric Mistress. There are more others will probably mention. I recommend checking out reviews and any soundclips you can find to get a feel for what kind of flanger you would like. I did some quick soundclips of my pick, the MXR Flanger, here: MXR Flanger SOUNDCLIPS

And Temperance? Are you guys anti-alcohol?

Kevin P. Ryan · #3 11-12-2007, 02:36 PM

Which do you recommend? The soundclips that you suggest will most likely be for Guitars, which doesn't really help with my decision.

Personally, I don't drink! Temperance is reference to a Tarot card which means Harmony or Balance (or chaos and dischord when upside-down).

Kind Regards,

Kevin Patrick Ryan
Bassist for Temperance
www.myspace.com/temperancerock

bigchiefbc · #4 11-12-2007, 03:39 PM

The two flangers I can directly talk about are the DOD FX72 and the EHX Stereo Electric Mistress. I think of the DOD as a warmer, more organic sounding flanger, whereas the Electric Mistress is more metallic sounding. The Mistress also has a Chorus built into it as well, and the Filter Matrix mode, which is a frozen flanger, and is VERY metallic sounding. ANY flanger can work with bass, regardless of whether its made for guitar or not.

I don't have a clip of my bass through the Mistress yet, but here is a clip of me clowning around on the DOD.

assboglin · #5 11-12-2007, 03:45 PM

Well, all of the pedals I listed would work great with bass. I guess it comes down to what kind of sound you want and how much you're willing to spend. The Boss Flanger has a more metallic sound, where I prefer the MXR for a warmer Flange sound unlike that in the quick bass soundclips I did for it. The Electric Mistress is more known for a deep dramatic flange, though I'm sure you can get lots of cool sounds out of it in EHX fashion, and I can't speak for the Maxon.

The Boss BF-3 does have a dedicated Bass input, so if that'll satisfy your qualms about the pedal being bass friendly, that might be the route you want to go.

davedamage · #6 11-12-2007, 03:46 PM

there's one for sale in the classifieds... cheap

markjazzbassist · #7 11-12-2007, 04:01 PM

Maxon FL-9. Nice unit and yes it worked well with Bass frequencies.

iualum · #8 11-13-2007, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

Maxon FL-9. Nice unit and yes it worked well with Bass frequencies.

...it's a good deal better than a nice unit, IMO, it's an excellent box...in fact, I don't think there is a finer flanger out there...THIS is the one to buy, used of course...

Kevin P. Ryan · #9 11-15-2007, 06:43 AM

Any more ideas?

Kevin Patrick Ryan
Bassist for Temperance
www.myspace.com/temperancerock

Lebowsky · #10 11-15-2007, 08:56 AM

I'm very satisfied with my BF-2

Kevin P. Ryan · #11 11-15-2007, 12:56 PM

Thanks for the mp3, bigchiefbc, the DOD FX72 sounds great. However, it appears that the manufacturer no longer makes this pedal! I would love to know hwere to get one.

Kevin Patrick Ryan
Bassist for Temperance
www.myspace.com/temperancerock

bigchiefbc · #12 11-15-2007, 02:55 PM

Alas, it would have to be used. I see two on eBay right now, both for under $50. eBay is where I got mine. I have nothing but great things to say about that pedal. The only reason I got rid of mine was because I wanted to get a Stereo Electric Mistress for the Filter Matrix mode, but I couldn't justify keeping two flangers on my board.

Kevin P. Ryan · #13 11-15-2007, 03:18 PM

Thanks for your help, bigchiefbc. The EHX Stereo Electric Mistress seems to be readily available, and obviously your preference if you use it in favour of the DODFX72. What is the attaction of the EHX and (excuse my ignorance) what is the filter matrix mode? I'm not an effects junkie, and currently the only pedal on my board is a Peterson Stobe, but I have used EHX products in the past (Russian Big Muff, Bassballs) which I loved (even though the rest of the band didn't; a Bassballs doesn't really have a place in a Rock/Metal/Gothic Band, but it was bloody good fun).

Kevin Patrick Ryan
Bassist for Temperance
www.myspace.com/temperancerock

Kevin P. Ryan · #14 11-15-2007, 03:20 PM

It would be grand if you could post some Stereo Electric Mistress samples.

Kevin Patrick Ryan
Bassist for Temperance
www.myspace.com/temperancerock

JanusZarate · #15 11-15-2007, 03:41 PM

I've got a few. It's my flanger of choice.

I also have a thread dedicated to my review of the pedal. Links to the clips are in there - they were done with an EBMM Stingray and stainless steel strings: Another Night on the Town... (EHX Stereo Electric Mistress Review)

They're not the best clips, but they'll give you the idea of what it can really pull off. I tended to show the more extreme sides of the pedal in the clips, but there's some moderation in there, too.

I'll try to record some new samples of all my pedals (Mistress included) this weekend. I've changed my strings recently to D'Addario XLs (nickel-plated roundwounds), and I've changed my pick, too. I'll also try to record some fingerstyle stuff.

Kevin P. Ryan · #16 11-15-2007, 03:49 PM

Thanks, MysticBoo. Definately 50% more useful!!!

bigchiefbc · #17 11-15-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin P. Ryan

Thanks for your help, bigchiefbc. The EHX Stereo Electric Mistress seems to be readily available, and obviously your preference if you use it in favour of the DODFX72. What is the attaction of the EHX and (excuse my ignorance) what is the filter matrix mode?

Well, I have to say that they are very different sounding flangers. I find the DOD to be much warmer and organic, whereas I find the Mistress to be a bit more metallic. It just depends on what your preference is. The filter matrix mode on the mistress basically stops the flanger from oscillating, so its a "frozen flanger", i.e. the comb filter is not moving. This produces a very pingy, metallic sound. I needed this specific sound for a musical project I am working on, so it was more of a need-based decision than preference over the DOD. I greatly suggest BOTH, it just depends how you like your flanger.