Overdrive (i think) question

bleeding · #1 01-10-2010, 07:44 PM

I am trying to achieve a slightly overdriven sound - similar to what Mark Stoermer of The Killers sounded like on thier first album 'Hot Fuss'

Example : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlOqXcPkUis

I have read probably every article available about this specific bassist - he used a Geddy Lee Jazz for at least the tour during this album - and I imagine in the studio as well.

There seems to be some debate that he used a Boss DS-1 and also has used a Boss BD-2 with this bass - but he does state that he always uses some sort of distortion.

My question is - has anyone used a DS-1 and had any luck? Has anyone used the modded blues driver BD-2? He did mention in an artile that it was modded, but not from where.

Thanks - any additional information about these pedals is appreciated.

Silent Fly · #2 01-11-2010, 02:30 AM

I modded a DS-1 for a customer a while ago but as far as I can remember I didn't sound like the bass in the YouTube clip. At least with my Fender Jazz.

I never tried a Boss BD-2 with bass but I suspect that without a little bit of tweaking it would filter a lot of bass frequencies.

I would use a Digitech Bad Monkey or a similar overdrive to get that type of sound.

Bootzilla · #3 01-11-2010, 02:34 AM

What he used in the studio and what he used live might not be the same.

+1 for the bad monkey

bleeding · #4 01-11-2010, 07:07 AM

is there anywhere i can hear a clip of one?

Valerus · #5 01-11-2010, 10:42 AM

I love his overdrive tone on Jenny was a friend of mine!

It's like overdriven but with no distortion.

bleeding · #6 01-11-2010, 11:05 AM

Can this be done with ODB-3 type of overdrive?

Jared Lash · #7 01-11-2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeding

Can this be done with ODB-3 type of overdrive?

In front of an all-tube amp? Maybe, but I haven't tried it.

With a solid state amp? Absolutely not. The ODB-3 will sound harsh and industrial and not at all like that clip.

somedumbguy · #8 01-11-2010, 11:11 AM

I think it could, keep the overdrive maxed out, but the gain all the way off. That usually gives me an overdriven sound, but not any distortion. Also, he's been quoted as saying he uses a Boss GEB to cut out the treble, which might help you out.

Also, I'm fairly certain he uses Hiwatt amps too, which might help... I'm not too familiar with their preamps though

bleeding · #9 01-11-2010, 11:16 AM

I play through an SVT CL - I just Dont want to buy a bunch of pedals experimenting....

bleeding · #10 01-11-2010, 12:50 PM

Either one of you have a way to demonstrate that sound with a clip?? I am assuming I can cut the treble with my amp enough to get close if I can find the right effect for the overdrive.

I actually just put new preamp tubes in the SVT that are high gain also - this should only help...

Jared Lash · #11 01-11-2010, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleeding

I play through an SVT CL - I just Dont want to buy a bunch of pedals experimenting....

Sorry. The one unavoidable truth is that rig, bass and especially playing style will make every pedal sound differently to different people. You may get exactly what you want on the first try, but I doubt it.

Rather than trying to hone in on exactly the right pedal from opinions on a bass forum, I'd collect a list of possibilities and then go to the nearest music store that carries any of them and try them out yourself with your bass and the closest amp they have to yours.

I will say that I doubt the Boss ODB-3 is what you want. It's a lot more high gain than the clip you posted unless you dial it way back. And if that's the case, why not just get a pedal that is better designed for lower gain sounds.

Just my $0.02

bleeding · #12 01-11-2010, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the advice Jared. You are probabaly right.

If you have any suggestions on pedals designed for low gain, I'll start that list!

Jared Lash · #13 01-11-2010, 02:27 PM

I've tried the unmodded BD-2 and it cut lows a ton. But beyond that, I just didn't think it was a great tone, at least to my ears.

One pedal that I'm guessing most local music stores would carry for you to try out would be the Way Huge Pork Loin.

Especially with a tube amp behind it, I think it might work for what you're looking for. I'd say the Barber LTD SR but you'd have more trouble finding it in a music store to test out.

crapusername · #14 01-11-2010, 04:51 PM

when i saw them live on the hot fuss tour, i'm certain i remember him having a usa muff on the floor, amongst other pedals.
i'm sure i have an interview with him somewhere here where it gives the details of his board. I'll try and find it.

bleeding · #15 01-12-2010, 11:02 AM

That would help. I have read he uses fuzz on "Andy, you're a star" - and I have also seen /read that he uses the DS-1 live...but that all may sound different than what is used on Jenny to get that tone