No more ODB-3; looking for a more natural bass overdrive effect

[demackay]

I've used an ODB-3 for a number of years, but never liked the tone. I find it to be too "artificial" sounding and gritty. I have also used a Russian EH Big Muff Pi, but that's usually more fuzz than I'm looking for. Now I'm looking for a more natural, warm sounding bass overdrive effect.

Probably the best example of the tone I want to replicate is Ronnie Lane's sound on "(I Know) I'm Losing You":

Rod Stewart - (I Know) I'm Losing You - YouTube

I also like Stuart Zender's subtle overdrive on "Travelling Without Moving":

Travelling Without Moving - Jamiroquai - YouTube

I know ultimately I'll need to try out a few effects to see what I like best, but just looking for some suggestions to help narrow the field. Thanks!

[bassbrad]

My search for Overdrive led me to a Hjart Muller Lo|Fat OD. It ranges from just breaking peach fuzz to an almost over the top fuzz with a strong fundamental bass tone, with no low loss to my ear. Good for a solo, sustain or driving a bass line home.

a n a l o g u e h a v e n: m o o d y s o u n d s

Hjärt Müller Bass Drive [110-0070] - 1.195,00:- : Moody Sounds Store, Diy gitarreffekter - Schematics effektpedaler - Bygga effektpedal

Moodysounds - Hjärt Müller Bass Drive - YouTube

[bongomania]

OP, have you read any threads about overdrive here in the forum?

[Bassmike62]

Originally Posted by bongomania

OP, have you read any threads about overdrive here in the forum?

+ 1

There's also TBer Grygrx's fuzz page that provides a load of info. FWIW: I use the OD from a SansAmp PBDDI and am quite satisfied. It stands on its own and plays well with whatever filter and modulation effect I add.

[TomB]

If you can find a DHA pedal, they are known for being able to give you a wide range of subtle OD. They can get extreme at the far reaches if you wish, and the MkIII offers a variety of "solid state" OD types if you wish (pretty unusual), but my favorite part is their broad sweep of "just barely there" feels & sounds. Some of them are funky-looking but they work great.

[Tractorr]

What always impresses me live is the Fulltone OCD. On two separate occasions I have been blown away by a players overdriven tone to where I have to take a closer look at their gear. On both occasions the players were only using one pedal the OCD. Two different basses, two different amps, two different players...

[Darknut]

The ODB-3 is a totally different animal if you do the Wampler mod to it.

I did mine & I like it a lot now .... its alot warmer & smoother

[DeltaPhoenix]

Another DHA user here, I have a two channel tube OD that is a major part of my tone.

[Jsullivan1331]

I really love my Ibanez TSB9 overdrive. It does a great volume boost while significantly beefing up the tone.

[mellohawk]

Originally Posted by Jsullivan1331

I really love my Ibanez TSB9 overdrive. It does a great volume boost while significantly beefing up the tone.

+1 on the TS9. I didn't use the TS9B but a friend lent me a TS9 with the Keely (sp?) mod and it sounded pretty awesome. The classic Tube Screamer OD.