Non effects guy wants effects.

dmusic148 · #1 06-09-2009, 06:24 AM

Hi all. Lately I've been working in a trio, bass/guitar-voc/drums. Rock, funk, soul. Looking to fill it up a bit. I do some gymnastics with my hands as it it(chords, harmonics, two handed triple-stops, etc) in particular to fill it out a bit during guitar solos. I end up soloing a fair bit as well-someone's gotta do it. So, I've got an old DOD octave that I love, but am thinking maybe adding a Mutron, or similar, would be cool. Maybe distortion, dunno. Some sort of harmonizer? Take it easy on me, I'm old. All ideas appreciated.

CrispyDelicious · #2 06-09-2009, 06:37 AM

Mutron - So you're thinking a filter. An actual used Mutron will cost you an arm and a leg, but there are numerous filters/envelope followers similar. Check out the Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron, the 3leaf groove regulator, Emma DiscomBOBulator, to name a few. Or search "envelope filter" or "envelope follower", you'll find lots of reviews and soundclips, both on TB and via google/youtube.

Distortion - you can go mellow or extreme. For mild grit (OD - overdrive), look into a Sansamp VT Bass pedal, they seem to be very popular. Or just search around for "bass overdrive". If you are looking for more extreme stuff, look for fuzzes, maybe some kind of muff clone (though personally I am not a muff fan). Again, search "fuzz" for a kajillion sound samples and links and whatnot.

Harmonizers, I know NOTHING about.

CrispyDelicious · #3 06-09-2009, 06:40 AM

Groove regulator review by a fellow TB'er:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG6TWIqrpRc

CrispyDelicious · #4 06-09-2009, 06:43 AM

Q-Tron

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_XMDheZ37A

Actually, the guy who made these videos, Brian, has a bunch of reviews he's done, check out his youtube channel.

Sansamp VT bass: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_be9GSlt_eQ

CrispyDelicious · #5 06-09-2009, 06:45 AM

And if you want to look at fuzz reviews, check out our moderator Grygrx's website www.bassfuzz.com its super informative.

cgm · #6 06-09-2009, 06:52 AM

You can't beat a good chorus pedal, especially with chords, it really expands your sound. It also adds a little boost and cut through the mix under a guitar solo. The Boss bass chorus has never failed me.

dmusic148 · #7 06-09-2009, 07:09 AM

I've watched several of Brian's videos now. Interesting. I like the filter idea but haven't heard one that does it for me yet, really, except the Mutron. Chorus? Yeah, I actually have the Boss Super Chorus- don't care for it- too thin sounding. I also have a Boss Digital Reverb- maybe I'll play around with that some more. VT Bass looks promising.

CrispyDelicious · #8 06-09-2009, 07:19 AM

FWIW, I believe the Q-Tron was intended to be the faithful clone of the Mu-Tron (hence the name), I'm sure someone can find a link to the literature. Anyhoo, good luck on your search. Feel free to come at us with questions. When the more effects-literate folks show up, I'm sure thay'll be able to help you out more.

Cheers.

**rhino333** · #9 06-09-2009, 08:24 AM

Distortion (the endless search):
BOS ODB-3 is used by lots of folks. I have 2 (one as a backup unit). It has a wide range of Overdrive
MXR El Grande is very intense and very "solid"
Nobels ODR-B is nice, but can be touchy to dial in what you want. It seems to go from zero to "balls to the walls".
MXR Bass DI has a nice distortion plus the added DI. 2 functions for one pedal.

These are/were my primary OD/Distortion units. I use different ones for different applications. Most times, I use the Boss for playing blues and classic rock. Harder edge stuff I go for the El Grande or Nobels.

Reverb or Delay:
I haven't really found a reverb that I like (except for the one in my Korg AX3000B multi-effects unit). Delays I REALLY like are the MXR Carbon Copy and the EH #1 Echo digital delay. The Carbon Copy has a "warmer sound" than the EH, but both are nice.

andvari7 · #10 06-09-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

FWIW, I believe the Q-Tron was intended to be the faithful clone of the Mu-Tron (hence the name), I'm sure someone can find a link to the literature. Anyhoo, good luck on your search. Feel free to come at us with questions. When the more effects-literate folks show up, I'm sure thay'll be able to help you out more.

Cheers.

Actually, it's more than that. The Q-Tron was designed by Mike Beigel, the guy who designed (and built) the original Mu-Tron III. He is adamant that you go with that, as opposed to the HAZ Labs Mu-Tron III+. I went with the Q-Tron, because there were no other options. You can have my Q-Tron, as soon as you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

BigOldHarry · #11 06-09-2009, 03:49 PM

You want to flesh out the sound a bit? A chorus is a fine place to start. I'm not big fan of bass distortion, so I'd skip that...

I use a chorus (boss bass chorus) to add body and a envelope filter (EBS IQ) for funky riffs and soloing. Other stuff just seems to muddy things up for me.