Swollen Pickle Mk II

runmikeyrun · #1 08-03-2011, 10:36 PM

I played one today and was not that impressed. It was either totally fizzy or muffled and farty. It seemed the "filter" control was the wrong pot value or something, because there was a VERY narrow spot along the sweep that seemed to control the sweet spot.

Maybe my problem was using it with an active bass... my experience with Muffs and their variants is that some don't like active basses.

Discuss?

vegas532 · #2 08-03-2011, 10:56 PM

It's been said before and I'll say it again...unless you messed with the internal trimpots, you have yet to really try this pedal. The "stock setting" they ship the Pickle out with is horrible on bass!

paganjack · #3 08-03-2011, 11:01 PM

Ooh I kinda like mine! I've had it on my board for years. There are a couple of settings that I particularly like. The filter does have a relatively small area that works best, but somewhere around 12 is ideal. Sometimes I like the scoop all the way left and the crunch all the way right. Other times I like the scoop a little more to the middle. Kinda depends on my mood.

sillyfabe · #4 08-04-2011, 06:39 AM

Listen to Vegas! Its a good pedal...open it and mess with the trimpots....AWESOME!

rob_thebassman · #5 08-04-2011, 06:55 AM

I had the same issue and tbh I think its really hard to get a good sound out of.. in a band setting I could never hear it

blastjv · #6 08-04-2011, 09:03 AM

Yeah, it's a little bit of a hassle that you need to open it up, but if you don't then you'll have no idea what the pedal is capable of.

-JV

runmikeyrun · #7 08-04-2011, 11:33 AM

yeah the guy at the store mentioned the trimpots but was definitely NOT interested in opening it for me. Oh well.

HolmeBass · #8 08-04-2011, 11:38 AM

I think it's an awesome pedal, BUT it is not the easiest one to use in a band setting. But do open it up and turn up the left inside knob, I like mine about 1/3 of the way up. Really I wish that knob was on the outside of the pedal. The other thing I've found is crank it up obnoxiously loud- it's meant to be mean and loud, and works best that way. I find it's not much of a texture pedal, more of a statement pedal, and it *will* make a statement!

blastjv · #9 08-04-2011, 11:45 AM

It's easy to open up even without a screwdriver by just turning the rubber feet.....don't ask the clerk...just do it.....!!!!!

-JV

scHism · #10 08-04-2011, 12:01 PM

I bought the Swollen Pickle based on recommendations from TB'ers, and they were correct in pointing out that until you have messed w/ the internal pots, you won't really like the Pickle. Once you open her up, you'll have all the MUFFy FUZZy in your face goodness.

paganjack · #11 08-04-2011, 12:11 PM

huh, I have never gotten around to opening mine up. Tonight shall be the night! I bought it used, so I wonder if someone else had messed around before me...

BROKEN OHMS · #12 08-16-2011, 06:03 AM

I love mine, especially after messing with the inside controls.