SANS AMP BASS DRIVER D.I. OR ?

[engage757]

Hey guys, I just started using the Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver D.I. I cut back severely on effects and just ran Through A BBE Sonic Maximizer into A GK1001 Head into a Ampeg 410.

I wanted to try to get a very Low, heavy distortion, and I didn't like it as much. ProCo turbo rat is definitely an option. I am just running a MIA Fender Standard American Jazz In parallel mode. I Just don't think the Sans Amp is a dirty and defined of a distortion as I need. Any ideas? I also tried some 'Wicks, but wasn't thrilled either. any distortion suggestions?

[René_Julien]

Maybe you would prefer a fuzz?
No?

[Flipper43]

Try a Marshall Jackhammer, it has a ton of low end, and has loads and loads of distortion. You can find them on ebay for pretty cheap. It takes a while to get a good sound out of it, but once you do it's pretty sweet.

It's very tweak-able, so it takes a lot of experimenting.

[walker rosewood]

FWIW, I just got a PBDDI. With my passive mexican jazz bass, I'd dime the drive and it would be slightly overdriven, but not that much. I discovered i could use my LS-2 as a boost pedal before the sansamp (by using loop B without plugging anything in to it, and turning up the gain), and it sends the sansamp into a serious overdrive. Still not really a heavy distortion or fuzz though.

[Kirkowitz]

I like the overdrive on the Sansamp VT bass a lot more than the OD on the SABDI.
If you go the fuzz route, the best I've ever heard is the Analogman Sunface pedal. That's what fuzz should be... the Peppermint fuzz was cool too, but less bass friendly- they are expensive, but really seem to get a great sound. There are samples on their website.

[engage757]

Originally Posted by Flipper43

Try a Marshall Jackhammer, it has a ton of low end, and has loads and loads of distortion. You can find them on ebay for pretty cheap. It takes a while to get a good sound out of it, but once you do it's pretty sweet.

It's very tweak-able, so it takes a lot of experimenting.

I played one of those the other day, and you are right, it was taking some tweaking. I would have to spend quit e bit of time to make that sound the way I would like, but it was dirty! I liked it, and probably will pick one up!

Originally Posted by walker rosewood

FWIW, I just got a PBDDI. With my passive mexican jazz bass, I'd dime the drive and it would be slightly overdriven, but not that much. I discovered i could use my LS-2 as a boost pedal before the sansamp (by using loop B without plugging anything in to it, and turning up the gain), and it sends the sansamp into a serious overdrive. Still not really a heavy distortion or fuzz though.

hmmm... Interesting thought... shall try... THANKS!

Originally Posted by Kirkowitz

I like the overdrive on the Sansamp VT bass a lot more than the OD on the SABDI.
If you go the fuzz route, the best I've ever heard is the Analogman Sunface pedal. That's what fuzz should be... the Peppermint fuzz was cool too, but less bass friendly- they are expensive, but really seem to get a great sound. There are samples on their website.

I prefer a not-so fuzzy sound, but I will check that out also! Thanks bro.

[lowb1970]

Originally Posted by engage757

Hey guys, I just started using the Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver D.I. I cut back severely on effects and just ran Through A BBE Sonic Maximizer into A GK1001 Head into a Ampeg 410.

I wanted to try to get a very Low, heavy distortion, and I didn't like it as much. ProCo turbo rat is definitely an option. I am just running a MIA Fender Standard American Jazz In parallel mode. I Just don't think the Sans Amp is a dirty and defined of a distortion as I need. Any ideas? I also tried some 'Wicks, but wasn't thrilled either. any distortion suggestions?

The sansamp is designed to emulate a tube driven sound, not so much distortion (unless you're looking for tube overdrive). From what you descibe you may be better off with another pedal.

[Devil Musick]

try an MXR M-80, I love mine!!

[Flipper43]

Originally Posted by engage757

I played one of those the other day, and you are right, it was taking some tweaking. I would have to spend quit e bit of time to make that sound the way I would like, but it was dirty! I liked it, and probably will pick one up!

Yea, those things sure can get pretty distorted
I finally got one about a month ago, and i can get a lot of different tones out of it. I play in a heavy band, so that metallic edge it gives is perfect. I'm still looking to get "that" tone out of it though. I'm sure it's not the pedal, i just need to get a good ol' all tube amps one of these days (I'm looking at you SVT-II & Mesa 400+)! Hahaha.

Since you're into heavy tones, i think i might as well share some extreme-awesomeness with you, my friend. Have you ever heard of TAD? Listen to this song, and more importantly, listen to the bass (it's the first thing you'll hear). I think that's the most amazing bass tone i've ever heard. Ever. Let the gates to heaven open:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3uZHf09bNM

I had to know how he did it, so i sent him a message on myspace, and he told me exactly how he accomplished it! So if you want to know, i can tell you, but unless you have a ton of cash to buy vintage things (they were a 90's band that never really got big, but got plenty of money during the "Grunge" hype), neither you or myself will be touching that tone haha...

Tell me what you think man!

[MIJ-VI]

[Pitbull Growl]

For "Distortion" I tend to like the EHX English Muff'n w/the input cap mod. If you're looking for more of an "overdrive" tho, I prefer the EBS ValveDrive.

(All imho, ymmv, etc)

[dkhp124]

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

Seriously! If you think the BDDI isn't dirty or defined enough, you DEFINITELY want to check out the Tech21 SansAmp VTBass..

Oh God, that picture makes my heart flutter every time..

I really hope they release a non-programmable, single footswitch version though... like the VT bass version of the regular BDDI.