Pedal to help me improve my clean tone

bassthunder100 · #1 05-22-2010, 10:13 AM

I'm looking for an always on, preamp type pedal that will really help buff up my clean tone with more clarity in the highs and lows but still let the sound of the bass ring through.
I was thinking a VT bass, what do you think?

Cacklingjackyl · #2 05-22-2010, 10:20 AM

I'm thinking the same thing. Saw a buddy play last weekend with one and I was impressed. The VT seems to be a nice little toy. My tone needs a makeover and I'm giving it a shot.

bassthunder100 · #3 05-22-2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cacklingjackyl

I'm thinking the same thing. Saw a buddy play last weekend with one and I was impressed. The VT seems to be a nice little toy. My tone needs a makeover and I'm giving it a shot.

Let me know how you get on!

bigchiefbc · #4 05-22-2010, 10:26 AM

I highly recommend you check out the Submarine as well. It really sweetens up your tone, I couldn't live without mine.

bassthunder100 · #5 05-22-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

I highly recommend you check out the Submarine as well. It really sweetens up your tone, I couldn't live without mine.

Could you describe to me a bit more on what it does, i mean does it just add more gain to the amp? because i have an input adjust knob on my ashdown and i don't really want to push the input any higher, just inprove the tone.

Jam119 · #6 05-22-2010, 10:35 AM

I would consider Barber Electronic's Linden EQ. Its an always on equal tone Stack for me... its based on the tone stack of a 60s ampeg flip top...

Dan_T · #7 05-22-2010, 10:37 AM

I've been using the vt for a while and love what it does. It definitely fattens / sweetens up the tone. However, if you're specifically looking for something to bring out the highs you might want to get look for the frequency charts that are somewhere in the forum. There's a pretty sharp roll off of the highest frequencies and sometimes it feels like the tone is a bit dark.

bassthunder100 · #8 05-22-2010, 10:40 AM

I just want something to really punch up my tone.. im running my jaguar through my ashdown at the moment and it's good it just seems the tone is a bit flat thats all.

Jam119 · #9 05-22-2010, 10:47 AM

I would consider Barber Electronic's Linden EQ. Its an always on equal tone Stack for me... its based on the tone stack of a 60s ampeg flip top...

bigchiefbc · #10 05-22-2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassthunder100

Could you describe to me a bit more on what it does, i mean does it just add more gain to the amp? because i have an input adjust knob on my ashdown and i don't really want to push the input any higher, just inprove the tone.

No, it doesn't just add gain, it can easily be setup for no boost whatsoever. It is a preamp, but I would describe what it does as a definite sweetening of your tone. I believe it was meant to emulate a specific amp, and IIRC it boosts specific harmonics that are very pleasing to the ear. Its tone knob has a tremendous range, with several sweet spots. It is an always-on pedal for me.

cnltb · #11 05-22-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassthunder100

I'm looking for an always on, preamp type pedal that will really help buff up my clean tone with more clarity in the highs and lows but still let the sound of the bass ring through.
I was thinking a VT bass, what do you think?

If you want clean tone I wouldn't go for any pedal.
Just a good pre amp and as few components as you can.

bassthunder100 · #12 05-22-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

No, it doesn't just add gain, it can easily be setup for no boost whatsoever. It is a preamp, but I would describe what it does as a definite sweetening of your tone. I believe it was meant to emulate a specific amp, and IIRC it boosts specific harmonics that are very pleasing to the ear. Its tone knob has a tremendous range, with several sweet spots. It is an always-on pedal for me.

Thanks for the info i'm going to check this out

bassbrad · #13 05-22-2010, 11:25 AM

2nd shout for the Submarine, it just does wonderful things for your overall tone.

1kinal · #14 05-22-2010, 11:26 AM

I'd also recommend the Zeibek submarine for an always-on pedal. I have the designer edition on my board and the regular version in my gig bag for when I don't bring my pedalboard.

Another one you should consider is the Xotic RC-bass booster. I've not tried this one but some people here whose I respect their opinion use it and love it!

I also own the VT but would not consider it for an always-on pedal. While I love it and use it a LOT, I feel it changes the basic sound too much to be used as an always-on.

Emibass · #15 05-22-2010, 11:32 AM

what about the sadowsky pre-amp?

Livewire · #16 05-22-2010, 11:38 AM

Is the Submarine and the Submarine Designer essentially the same pedal just the designer allows for more tweaking capabilities? I'm also in the same boat of looking for a good pedal to improve my tone as the OP. I'm torn between the Submarine and Barber Linden...

funkinbottom · #17 05-22-2010, 12:07 PM

How about BBE Sonic Maximizer. They make a pedal version called the Sonic Stomp. I love mine. My pre-amp has one built in (BBE B-max) I love it. Here's BBE's run down how the Sonic Maximisers work.
The Sonic Maximizer restores an audio signals natural brilliance and clarity by the use of two primary functions. First it adjusts a signal’s phase relationships between it’s low, mid and high frequencies while progressively adding longer delay times to lower frequencies, this creates a kind of “mirror curve created by the speaker neutralizing its phase distortion. Secondly the Sonic Maximizer augments higher and lower frequencies; loudspeakers tend to be less efficient in their extreme treble and bass ranges. The end result is a dynamic program-driven restoration without the ear fatigue that is normally experienced with the use of equalizers or exciters.

http://www.bbesound.com/products/sto...onic-stomp.htm

engedi1 · #18 05-22-2010, 12:12 PM

+ 1 to either the BBE sonic maximizer or the Sadowsky Preamp. I play a Sadowsky and used the Sonic maximizer for years, so both is great!. The Sad preamp has its own special sadowsky tone which is really great, but might change your tone. The BBE will not change the tone as much, but really adds clarity and airyness to the highs and a lot of punch to the lows.

Happynoj · #19 05-22-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassthunder100

I just want something to really punch up my tone.. im running my jaguar through my ashdown at the moment and it's good it just seems the tone is a bit flat thats all.

Before you spend money on effects, have you changed your strings recently? If not, it might be worth changing them or trying a different brand of strings.

My name is Mudd · #20 05-22-2010, 02:02 PM

I have both a VT and a Submarine (but not on the same amp) that are used as an always-on pre. The VT does alter tone, depending on how you dial it in, but the Sub just adds a little more 'roundness' to your tone...I use mine specifically with my steel-flat-strung bass to add in a little presence.

The Designer Sub is a hopped-up Sub, adding in more tonal control options.

Either would be a good choice, IMO.