"tone thickener" pedals

jlane72t · #1 09-09-2009, 07:11 AM

Currently, my pedalboard ends with the Behringer BDI21 as an "always on" thickener (for lack of a better word), on it's "SVT" setting. It makes a huge impact on my sound, I'm real fond of the way it fattens things up. I also like that it has the DI function in case I ever need it.

However, I want to give as many other options a try as possible. I've so far A/B'd it with the Sansamp BDDI, the Aphex Xciter, and a couple of EQ pedals. Surprisingly, none of them sounded as good to me as the Behringer does. I recently learned about the Hartke Bass Attack and plan to pick one up soon. Also the VT Bass is a possibility, tho I'm not specifically looking for that SVT sound.

Are there any other options out there (under $150 used) that are worth checking out?

Higgins666 · #2 09-09-2009, 07:49 AM

I've found that a mild chorus can thicken up sound alot

jlane72t · #3 09-09-2009, 09:31 AM

Yeah, I've run chorus pedals before, and like what they do when I'm looking for a sort of "glassy" sparkle. But my core tone is very bassy, I'm looking for something to expand more in that direction, I suppose.

theunknowndude · #4 09-09-2009, 09:35 AM

you can always try the PD7 in OD mode with treble off, attack off and everything at noon... makes it deep and very thick!

Higgins666 · #5 09-09-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlane72t

Yeah, I've run chorus pedals before, and like what they do when I'm looking for a sort of "glassy" sparkle. But my core tone is very bassy, I'm looking for something to expand more in that direction, I suppose.

Well, in that case, I'd say an Aphex Bass Xciter is definatly something you might want to look into, or maybe a bass boost of some sort.

Smurf-o-Deth · #6 09-09-2009, 11:12 AM

Low pass filter? Hog's Foot/Mole?

FeuerFrei · #7 09-09-2009, 11:31 AM

Sansamp Bass Driver, sounds great

nemo · #8 09-09-2009, 11:37 AM

EHX Black Finger tube compressor pedal will make your tone monster fat.

Strongjag · #9 09-09-2009, 11:41 AM

Submarine. Never turn mine off.

fishtx · #10 09-09-2009, 01:02 PM

Try the Tech 21 VT Bass also...it's a great tone thickener...

gjbassist · #11 09-09-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strongjag

Submarine. Never turn mine off.

+1 on the Submarine if you can find one!

shinobi · #12 09-09-2009, 01:13 PM

a mosfet boost does wonders

jlane72t · #13 09-09-2009, 01:17 PM

Some good answers here guys, thanks. I've been hoping to get my hands on a Submarine for awhile but never came across one when I had ready funds.

Bootzilla · #14 09-09-2009, 01:27 PM

Devi ever dark boost will make you sound huge. I believe the Xciter not only boosts your lows but also uses some fancy limiter that lets you boost the bass more without it getting too boomy. I could be wrong tho, it might just be an EQ with a specialized Q and width. The BBE sonic maximizer and VT bass are also valid options.

blipndub · #15 09-09-2009, 01:31 PM

**Marcus Willett** · #16 09-09-2009, 01:32 PM

The new Villex tone booster made just for bass does exactly what you are talking about. I leave mine on pretty much all the time.

If you don't want to cut an extra hole in the bass, you could always wire it up inside a small external box; it's totally passive.

RickenBoogie · #17 09-09-2009, 01:42 PM

I use a combination of 2 pedals for "fattening". Either is great by itself, the 2 together are magic. TRex Squeezer, (comp), and Barber Linden, (eq). I my not be the greatest bass player, but I have to say, my tone is awesome.

RONQUITO · #18 09-09-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I use a combination of 2 pedals for "fattening". Either is great by itself, the 2 together are magic. TRex Squeezer, (comp), and Barber Linden, (eq). I my not be the greatest bass player, but I have to say, my tone is awesome.

I believe you...i´m very basic as a player, but i get compliments on my tone all the time, it´s kind of surprising how far can you go with average chops (i won´t lie to you, i´m a solid player and a 2 or 3 trick pony) and a good ear for EQ.

My setup: Spector Euro 4LX>SansAmp BDDI> Direct out to the house desk and parallel out to whatever amp the backline company supplies, as long as it has a minimum of 200 Watts.

I usually work with the crappy pre on my Euro and the settings on the BDDI until i get a nice, fat, growly-if-pushed kind of tone,
turning on and off the bridge pickup (mine´s a P/J) dramatically changes the tone so i can vary it from song to song.

To the OP: The FAT tone is already in your head, buy a piece of gear or two, play with them, and polish your sound IMHO.

Gashaponcito · #19 09-09-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I my not be the greatest bass player, but I have to say, my tone is awesome.

I need to use that phrase someday

takfar · #20 09-09-2009, 06:11 PM

Ditto for VT Bass as a fattener. Whatever you use, it's a good idea to run it blended with the original signal to combine fatness with punch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

The new Villex tone booster made just for bass does exactly what you are talking about. I leave mine on pretty much all the time.

My Villex-PRTB-equipped bass has it active at all times as well. Adds quite a bit of volume, too.