Noob question: Zoom B2.1u or Tech21 Character series VT Bass pedal?

1337p1ra73 · #1 01-15-2009, 07:19 PM

Sup guys, I'm a serious noob at bass guitar technical jargon, but I was wondering, whether I should get the Zoom B2.1U (or maybe just the B2) or the new Tech21 Character Series VT Bass Pedal. At first I wanted the Zoom cuz it had the drum machine thing and u could plug it into your comp and it had a bunch of effects. But then I came across the VT Bass, which is available for me to demo locally, and i've been hearing a lot of good reviews that it sounds great. Which one should I pick!?!??!?
Please list the pros and cons of each one for me in simple terms. No mumbo jumbo.

BTW I'm a church bassist, but I also play a lot of other music such as post rock, alternative, metal, rock, etc.
Thanks guys!

Also, if you have any suggestion on a different pedal at a similar price, don't hesitate to throw them out with some comments.

FreaqyFrequency · #2 01-15-2009, 09:10 PM

What are you going for? Do you want to sound like you're playing through an Ampeg, or do you want to have models (and that is what they will sound like) of 10 different amps with some light reverb and chorus to taste on the side?

The VT Bass will cop Ampeg tones 95% faithfully, the Zoom, not so much, but it will give you many options, none of which may be what you're looking for. Can you elaborate a bit more?

ihateusernames · #3 01-15-2009, 09:25 PM

Depends what you're looking for - the ZOOM SVT modelling is actually pretty decent, not going to have the range of Ampeg modelling as available in the VT Bass though.

The drum 'machine' isn't much to speak of IMHO - no editing, it's just some samples to practice along with.

Hard to answer your question further without more specific information on your needs. The B2.1u is a fun multi unit that has served me very well over the years I've had it, and I love my Sansamp stuff as well (haven't picked up a VT bass yet, but have used the GT2 extensively, an RPM, a couple of items only used on guitar, and some of the Behringer copies which are quite good)

For fun you could snag a used BDDI and B2, play around, then sell what you don't like (or both). If you like the BDDI you can almost always sell for what you pay and upgrade to the VT Bass - or you may find it your favorite simply by trying it locally?

1337p1ra73 · #4 01-15-2009, 10:00 PM

Hmm... see I have no clue how an SVT really sounds like. All I know is that the VT sounds pretty nice on the demos ive listened to (and I might try it out this weekend at Bass Emporium). I REALLY wanna try out the Zoom so I can jsut make up my mind on if its worth it or not. But the reason that i can't choose between them is because people, like Ihateusernames, say that the zoom is so versatile and stuff. man this is tough. I don't wanna spend a lot of money on analog effects, but then again something in my head keeps nudging me that digital isnt good. Right now im leading in favor of the VT cuz it just seems more tonefully beneficial and also versatile too.
Idk what more to elaborate about except that I want tone, but I kinda want to have fun messing around with the B2.... argh..................

Marill · #5 01-16-2009, 12:57 AM

you could always get the Zoom first, and who knows perhaps it's already enough for your needs.

the VT can wait, until you're really sure the VT has the exact sound you want.

as for the Zoom, the amp modelling there is really good (good enough for me) and I really love the Zoom tube model sound. I have a real tube pre-amp, and the Zoom one comes very very close to it.

dannybuoy · #6 01-16-2009, 02:00 AM

I say get a second hand B2 first. They're quite common on here and eBay etc, and you'll be able to get back the same amount you paid for it if you decide to swap later. I had a B2 but ended up going the VT Bass option mainly because the B2 was noisy when sharing a daisy chain with my other pedals (fine with it's own power supply though) and it was a pain to tweak the drive and EQ settings in a live situation. They're great for starting out though and learning which effects you like, it has a great tuner built in and the drum machine and headphone output make it ideal for practicing!

1337p1ra73 · #7 01-16-2009, 08:10 AM

Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll have to decide after I demo the VT Basss :/ I really hate just buying things without knowing its quality and if its right for me. If I don't like the VT Bass, which I doubt, I'll get the Zoom B2. I'm also afraid that the zoom will be useless in live use. sounds like too much stomping on buttons to get an effect. Oh by the way, this might sound noobish to some people but can you use the two at the same time? just wondering.

1337p1ra73 · #8 01-16-2009, 09:04 AM

Dang it... After seeing that TengBurton dude on YouTube, now I'm at a standstill again. ***. If I get the Zoom should I go for the B2 or the B2.1u? Anyone selling these on here?

bassbrad · #9 01-16-2009, 03:47 PM

Not for sale but I can say both the B2 and B2.1u are very good pedals, the ampeg models are adequate but not as good as the VT Bass but there are many more sounds in the Zoom.
IMO the B2.1u is worth the extra bucks, for the expression pedal, the xlr and usb outs, cubase le. The Zoom is a great utility unit, nice tuner and it certainbly has all the effects you could hope for but I dunno if you'll be able to demo one in Austin.

ihateusernames · #10 01-16-2009, 04:49 PM

b2.1u is worth price difference over b2, and b9 is worth price difference over b2.1u. not comparing used prices on that one though as used values aren't yet established.

1337p1ra73 · #11 01-17-2009, 04:12 PM

Well ive decided to get the VT bass, since it sounds pretty good and seems versatile. The B2 might be the next hting I get

FreaqyFrequency · #12 01-17-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1337p1ra73

Well ive decided to get the VT bass, since it sounds pretty good and seems versatile. The B2 might be the next hting I get

You have a PM.