New to FX after a few pointers.

Conrad52 · #1 10-12-2010, 02:28 AM

Hey guys, i just got myself a bass around 3 weeks ago now! Loving it so far, teaching myself off youtube basically, getting there!

I wanna get some FX pedals, not sure if I should start with a multi-FX pedal or get some stand alone ones to begin with, I like the distortion, wah and fuzz sounds so would like to get some that are pretty decent at that, not wanting to spend a fortune to start with though!

Any idea on pedals or just a multi unit that can do those for around $200-$300?

Thanks in advance!

René_Julien · #2 10-12-2010, 02:52 AM

EHX Bass Big Muff would be a great first pedal for your distortion/fuzz needs.
It's cheap new, and you can probably find a lot of used ones.

Wah, I'm not an expert on that but I like the Ibanez Weeping Demon.
Otherwise Dunlop and Morley seem the best wah pedals out there, and you can find a lot of these used.

puddin tame · #3 10-12-2010, 03:02 AM

multi effects are certainly a lot of fun, you could check out something like a boss ME-50b

of course I basically snagged a gt-10b on sale and then said "this is all the effects I will ever use ever", which seems like good GAS justification

**TheMutt** · #4 10-12-2010, 03:21 AM

I'd say that you would be best served by getting a multi effects unit. There's a lot of love for the Line6 M9 and M13 units, the Zoom line of bass multi effects, and the BOSS line of bass multi effects. This will give you the most flexibility in different tones that are available, and let you try all of the different effects out.

For example, you may think that you like distortion, but really wanted an overdrive or a fuzz instead. You could also think that you wanted a wah, but really wanted an envelope filter instead.

Sure, some of the effects may not be the best sounding quality-wise out there, but it will at least help you to decide what you like, and why.

Conrad52 · #5 10-12-2010, 04:34 AM

thanks, i'm looking at a multi fx more so now than before, i'm curious about if you plug it in before or after the amp.

I have a laney RB8 amp and on the rear it has FX send and FX return ports.

Would I be using either of them or do I plug my guitar into the pedal and then into the input on the front of the amp?

Jared Lash · #6 10-12-2010, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conrad52

thanks, i'm looking at a multi fx more so now than before, i'm curious about if you plug it in before or after the amp.

I have a laney RB8 amp and on the rear it has FX send and FX return ports.

Would I be using either of them or do I plug my guitar into the pedal and then into the input on the front of the amp?

THe FX send and return ports are designed for line level gear - the type that you'd put in a rack. Most pedals are instrument level meaning that you're best served plugging a cable from your bass to the effects and then a cable from the effects to the input on the amp.

The Line 6 M9 or Boss ME-50 would both be around your price range and a good introduction to effects.

When you say you just got a bass three weeks ago are you saying that you are brand new to bass? Have you played another instrument before?

Either way, as much of an effects junkie as I am, just be sure that playing with effects and cool tones is not a substitute for serious practice.

Welcome and good luck.

Conrad52 · #7 10-13-2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared Lash

When you say you just got a bass three weeks ago are you saying that you are brand new to bass? Have you played another instrument before?

Either way, as much of an effects junkie as I am, just be sure that playing with effects and cool tones is not a substitute for serious practice.

Welcome and good luck.

Yeah brand new to playing a guitar or any instrument, I know it's not ideal to practice with effects, I just wanna get in and have a fiddle while i teach myself a few things. I wont be learning anything proper while having any effects running though.

gumtownbassman · #8 10-17-2010, 04:13 PM

a multi effects would be the way to start off with, i would hold off on stomp pedals until you know exactly what you want.

My first multi effects was an A.R.T SGE MkII, rack mount thing with a midi foot controller, it served me well for 12 years.
Then i got a Boss GT-6B multi which is an all-in-one floorboard, and then upgraded to the Boss GT-10B, and integrated a GR-20 midi guitar/bass synth too.
So i have more effects than i can shake a stick at, but find i want more.