Octavers and effects beginner: OC-2 or OC-3?

[Ayal]

Hi, Im pretty new to octavers and effects in general.
I have been playing for 2 and a half years now and the only effect I own is a Big Muff and I know only so much about various effects but after buying the Big muff about a year ago and looking for my next purchase, I was told I should get a Whammy or an octaver.
I am a really huge fan of Muse and Chris Wolstenholme often use an OC-2 and I was told that this is one the best choices as an octaver. The problem is its not manufactured anymore.
The only way for me of getting one is either from e-bay or waiting until someone in my country would sell their's (that will be hard to find).

So the question is: Should I buy one from e-bay which will cost me about 80~100 dollars (keep in mind I'm 18 and an effects newbie) or should I settle for an OC-3 or another more "accessible" octaver so I'll get comfortable with the sound first?
What do you suggest?

[rr5025]

If you're looking to sound like Chris get the OC-2 and pick up a black Russian muff. There is a sticky thread you should search for that could answer probably every muse question you can think of.

That being said the OC-2 is pretty popular around here and for good reason. I have one and it is absolutely perfect for me. Not only will it nail some muse songs it is also very fat sounding and sounds very synthy paired with the muff.

Check out the classifieds, I picked up mine (mij) for $40.

EDIT: I should add that you don't need to get comfortable with this. Turn OCT2 off and adjust OCT1 and dry to taste. Don't play too low on the E string (I think the fifth fret is where it begins to tweak out). That's seriously all there is to mastering this pedal (aside from obviously not playing chords on it).

[Fendr1320]

Another cheap option is the Digitech Bass Synth Wah. Yes, it does the outrageous synthy sounds too, but the straight octaver in it tracks really well. There's a knob which is assigned strictly the volume on the octave, so you can go from subtle to screamingly loud and nasty with it. I don't the Digitech pedals are built as tough as Boss or EHX, but sound and feature wise I'm a fan of it.

People dig the oc2, I've had it, thought it was fine. It didn't change my life. I also have owned the MicroPog, which tracks really well but doesn't get nasty enough for bass IMO.

[jmattbassplaya]

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with an octaver unless you know you really need it. Chris does use an OC-2, but he also uses a TON more effects, preamps, amps, cabs, basses, etc... to get the tones he gets. A muff and octave alone won't get you there, unfortunately

I suggest getting something a little more fun like an envelope filter. But if you must get an octave then I'd go for the OC-3. It tracks better, has a decent sound, and it also has a distortion knob that you can use for more grit in your tone.

[JamesHommersen]

I've tried both, OC-2 works great but I did appreciate the grit knob of the OC-3. Personally, I'd go with an MXR BOD.

[Waterpilot]

I have the OC-2 and the MXR BOD. Pretty new to both but so far I'm leaning towards the MXR. In time that could change of course. Haven't tried the OC-3 though...

[fivestringgecko]

Ayal, welcome to Talkbass! A friendly FYI: It might help us with an answer if you fill out your profile a little bit... You mentioned waiting for someone selling one "in your country," where are you?

+1 for the MXR Bass Octave Deluxe, if you can get one wherever you are. At one point, I owned an OC-2, Octabass and MXR BOD and had the pleasure of comparing them all head to head.

In a nutshell:
The OC-2 was a little too "glitchy" for my taste... too synthy and didn't track as well as the other two. I will say though, that synth-ness is exactly why some people like the OC-2 so much. Just wasn't for me.

The Octabass tracked well and had a good analog sound, but was a little too well-mannered, IMO. Smooth and consistent sound, no complaints.

The MXR BOD was my favorite (I sold the other two), because it was more versatile. It can get close to the synth sound of the OC-2 if I ever need it and the smoothness to the EBS, but also can get much more attitude than either (the MXR's MID switch is key here). It also tracked the best of the three, consistently down to low F# on my E-string.

I tried the OC-3 in Guitar Center, and it felt a lot like the OC-2 with some added features and not quite as much synthy sound.

Just my $.02, hope it helps.

5sg.

[arginator]

If you're new to effects, you might want to consider a decent multi effect. They might not be the best at any single effect, but they can give you a good intro into the many effects out there. I got a used zoom b2 for $60, and it's a nice unit. The octave on it is nice and full. Ok, it won't replace my MXR BOD, but it's surprisingly good. It has some other good effects too.

[Bassmike62]

Originally Posted by Fendr1320

Another cheap option is the Digitech Bass Synth Wah. Yes, it does the outrageous synthy sounds too, but the straight octaver in it tracks really well.

+ 1

Got mine for 60 $ off E-Bay. By far my best used pedal purchase. Way far. Like way.

[DeltaPhoenix]

I had a Digitech Bass Wah and thought that it sucked. Way sucked. Like sucked

[Bassmike62]

Lol

[crapusername]

i have the ebs, MXR BOD, OC2, BSW, and an old DOD octoplus.
i do tend to use either the DOD or the MXR as they seem to suit the situations and my sound a little better than the others.
at the end of the day, listen to some clips either here, or on youtube, and try as many as you can before deciding which one works best for you (If any!)
HTH

[Happynoj]

It really depends what you want it for.

If you want to solo the octave down sound for really dirty synthy fun, get the OC-2, no questions asked.

If you just want to double your sound then the tracking on the BSW is incredible, and they can be had for cheap. It also has a ton of fun sweepy synth sounds. No option to solo the octave down though.

I have both of these pedals on my board, but can't comment on anything else apart from the OC-3, which I had a go on once. Not as synthy as the OC-2.

[sillyfabe]

As stated before it depends on what you need...here is a breakdown of what I've tried then kept and why...hope it helps! FWIW: I love me some FAT or synthy octavers...


EBS Octabass: tried both the gray box and triple switch versions. Sounded very BIG, but not FAT. Tracked well for me (per analog rules). Dint have that bite I wanted...

EHX Micro POG: digital is sometimes good and bad and in this case it was bad. sounded too artificial (wished for a LPF).

Tried but didn't keep:

Boss OC-3: Dug the dirt mode, the OC-2 mode was ....OK and the poly mode was nice only the guitar input but even then it didn't have that synthy bite...

Tried and kept

Boss OC-2: now this thing is synthy! solo the OCT-1 and you are in FAT heaven! Tracks very well (use proper technique no sloppy playing).

Digitech Bass Synth Wah: besides all the cool other stuff it can do the octaver on it is also good. As stated before in this topic, best for blending with your signal (has a blend). Analog but tracks very well.

EHX POG2: now this is digital too but the key what helps (in regards to octaver needs) is the LPF. You can also add some detune for some slight warble and you're good!

[Lazarus.Bird]

I own an OC-3 and love it. I run it into my bluebeard fuzz. I don't use it for a synth sound but as a way of giving my tone some huge low end beef for when I want to sound heavier or fill more sonic space. The OC-3 engaged with my fuzz and chorus pedal creates a very cool effect.

[Ayal]

Originally Posted by rr5025

If you're looking to sound like Chris get the OC-2 and pick up a black Russian muff. There is a sticky thread you should search for that could answer probably every muse question you can think of.

That being said the OC-2 is pretty popular around here and for good reason. I have one and it is absolutely perfect for me. Not only will it nail some muse songs it is also very fat sounding and sounds very synthy paired with the muff.

All I am saying is that I love Chris' tone I dont want to be his shadow or anything.
I also would love a synthy sound and because fuzz and octaver is IMO one of the best pedal combos plus the fact that I already own a Big muff I would want an octaver that is really spacey and not dull.

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Honestly, I wouldn't bother with an octaver unless you know you really need it. Chris does use an OC-2, but he also uses a TON more effects, preamps, amps, cabs, basses, etc... to get the tones he gets. A muff and octave alone won't get you there, unfortunately

I suggest getting something a little more fun like an envelope filter.

Due to the fact that I am only 18, about to go (more like have to go) to the military in about 6-7 months and dont perform anywhere, I think cabs amps or another bass would be over the top and unnecessary.
Like, I said before I dont want to sound EXACTLY like Chris, If I wanted that I would be looking for something more specific, but i do dig is wobbly-spacey-synth.
Also If I do perform anywhere, most of the times the venue as its own bass amplification setup including preamps and cabs.

Originally Posted by fivestringgecko

Ayal, welcome to Talkbass! A friendly FYI: It might help us with an answer if you fill out your profile a little bit... You mentioned waiting for someone selling one "in your country," where are you?

+1 for the MXR Bass Octave Deluxe, if you can get one wherever you are. At one point, I owned an OC-2, Octabass and MXR BOD and had the pleasure of comparing them all head to head.

In a nutshell:
The OC-2 was a little too "glitchy" for my taste... too synthy and didn't track as well as the other two. I will say though, that synth-ness is exactly why some people like the OC-2 so much. Just wasn't for me.

The Octabass tracked well and had a good analog sound, but was a little too well-mannered, IMO. Smooth and consistent sound, no complaints.

The MXR BOD was my favorite (I sold the other two), because it was more versatile. It can get close to the synth sound of the OC-2 if I ever need it and the smoothness to the EBS, but also can get much more attitude than either (the MXR's MID switch is key here). It also tracked the best of the three, consistently down to low F# on my E-string.

I tried the OC-3 in Guitar Center, and it felt a lot like the OC-2 with some added features and not quite as much synthy sound.

Just my $.02, hope it helps.

5sg.

According to your review I wont care for the Octabass, I dont think I want a "well mannered" pedal.
So the three main octavers in my opinion are The OC-2, OC-3 or MXR BOD.
Only the OC-3 is sold in my country, The other ones I can probably get online.

Thank you and for your information I live in Israel. :]

Originally Posted by JamesHommersen

I've tried both, OC-2 works great but I did appreciate the grit knob of the OC-3. Personally, I'd go with an MXR BOD.

Originally Posted by Waterpilot

I have the OC-2 and the MXR BOD. Pretty new to both but so far I'm leaning towards the MXR. In time that could change of course. Haven't tried the OC-3 though...

What did both of you liked in MXR BOD that tops the OC-2?

Originally Posted by arginator

If you're new to effects, you might want to consider a decent multi effect. They might not be the best at any single effect, but they can give you a good intro into the many effects out there. I got a used zoom b2 for $60, and it's a nice unit. The octave on it is nice and full. Ok, it won't replace my MXR BOD, but it's surprisingly good. It has some other good effects too.

I dont think I want to bother and buy a multi only to resell it or even throw it out in a couple of years.
Im only new to pedals in the sense that I own only one. I do know and a bit familiar with the sounds each one produce.

Originally Posted by sillyfabe

As stated before it depends on what you need...here is a breakdown of what I've tried then kept and why...hope it helps! FWIW: I love me some FAT or synthy octavers...

You and me both, Buddy

EBS Octabass: tried both the gray box and triple switch versions. Sounded very BIG, but not FAT. Tracked well for me (per analog rules). Dint have that bite I wanted...

EHX Micro POG: digital is sometimes good and bad and in this case it was bad. sounded too artificial (wished for a LPF).

Tried but didn't keep:

Boss OC-3: Dug the dirt mode, the OC-2 mode was ....OK and the poly mode was nice only the guitar input but even then it didn't have that synthy bite...

Tried and kept

Boss OC-2: now this thing is synthy! solo the OCT-1 and you are in FAT heaven! Tracks very well (use proper technique no sloppy playing).

Digitech Bass Synth Wah: besides all the cool other stuff it can do the octaver on it is also good. As stated before in this topic, best for blending with your signal (has a blend). Analog but tracks very well.

EHX POG2: now this is digital too but the key what helps (in regards to octaver needs) is the LPF. You can also add some detune for some slight warble and you're good!

Thanks and the Digitech Bass synth Wah is sold in my area and Chris wolstenholme uses it too!

Originally Posted by Happynoj

It really depends what you want it for.

If you want to solo the octave down sound for really dirty synthy fun, get the OC-2, no questions asked.

If you just want to double your sound then the tracking on the BSW is incredible, and they can be had for cheap. It also has a ton of fun sweepy synth sounds. No option to solo the octave down though.

I have both of these pedals on my board, but can't comment on anything else apart from the OC-3, which I had a go on once. Not as synthy as the OC-2.

I dont think I want JUST to double my sound. I would like some synthy stuff aswell as plain Octave.
I guess I'll have to try them out and see what Id like best but currently Im leaning towards OC-2/3, Digitech Bass Synth Wah, and the MXR BOD. The OC-2 and MXR BOD I'll have to trust sound clips but I'll try the other two myself.

Thank you all! A great welcome to this forum, Didn't expect many responses TBH.
You've all been great help!

[jmattbassplaya]

Personally, I think the OC-3 is more synthy cause you can add grit to it.

[Ayal]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Personally, I think the OC-3 is more synthy cause you can add grit to it.

but does the grit even necessary when I'm using a big muff or overdrive?
does it really make that much difference even with a big muff on?

[jmattbassplaya]

Originally Posted by Ayal

but does the grit even necessary when I'm using a big muff or overdrive?
does it really make that much difference even with a big muff on?

Depends. You can run the OC-3 by itself without an additional pedal and still have grit. You can't do the same with the OC-2. It kinda depends if you want to get more bang for your buck in one package or if you want more options and run multiple pedals at once.

Plus, the tracking between the two pedals really is night and day. The OC-3 I had never gave me any issues tracking notes. The few OC-2s I've used all were iffy on their tracking abilities in certain parts of the neck.

[Lazarus.Bird]

I actually ran my OC-3 as my grit pedal when my fuzz was out of commission. I like the way it tracks and it handles my lower frets well. Can get a nice synth tone but also can use it to just add some low octave balls.