what effects is good to start with

whiterelic · #1 08-05-2010, 06:55 AM

I wonder what effects is good to start with, and should I choose a pedal or choose to buy something like the behringer v-amp, I already got the chorus effect on my amp.

champbassist · #2 08-05-2010, 07:13 AM

We need to know what kind of sound you're aiming at and what kind of music you play to provide further advice.

I see it this way: if you want a little taste of effects, a little multifx unit will serve the purpose. See what effects you like and take it from there.

Floyd Eye · #3 08-05-2010, 07:19 AM

Go to GC and play all the effects pedals they have, then decide which ones you think will be useful for your purposes.

busta_bird · #4 08-05-2010, 07:19 AM

Like champ said, if you are starting the world of effects and aren't actively gigging, I would shoot for a cheap multi-fx unit. That way you can see what effects interest you, then start buying individual pedals from there.

Crystalman85 · #5 08-06-2010, 01:45 AM

If you're a beginner, check out the digitech bp50/bp80 or the zoom b1/b1x. multi-effects processors are usually a good way for beginners to find their sound before up-grading stomp boxes. although there some multi-effects processors that has good sound quality.

cnltb · #6 08-06-2010, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whiterelic

I wonder what effects is good to start with, and should I choose a pedal or choose to buy something like the behringer v-amp, I already got the chorus effect on my amp.

It doesn't matter at all.
Not a bit, as long as you have no "need" for a certain effect( a client asks fo rsomething you can't cater for, your band needs a certain sound covered etc...). Get whatever you like.
I personaly like good distortion sounds and octave pedals(mxr 288 is a decent one I think)

Swift713 · #7 08-06-2010, 06:47 AM

+1 to the MXR 288. I'm pretty sure there one available in the classifieds.

cheapbasslovin · #8 08-06-2010, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

+1 to the MXR 288. I'm pretty sure there one available in the classifieds.

Subtle

.

Swift713 · #9 08-06-2010, 03:55 PM

As many effects junkies know, subtlety is often lost in the mix.

guroove · #10 08-06-2010, 03:57 PM

If you don't know what effects you want, don't get any. Save your money for lessons, a good gig rig with XLR out, or a DI box.

Bassmike62 · #11 08-06-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busta_bird

Like champ said, if you are starting the world of effects and aren't actively gigging, I would shoot for a cheap multi-fx unit. That way you can see what effects interest you, then start buying individual pedals from there.

+1

I started out with the Zoom B1, which is probably as low-end as you can find in terms of multi-effects unit (cost me 50 $). But it did help me sort out what I want !

Mrdak · #12 08-06-2010, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guroove

If you don't know what effects you want, don't get any. Save your money for lessons, a good gig rig with XLR out, or a DI box.

+1 on the best advice so far. Take it seriously.........

Don't waste your time or money on effects, until you have a need for them. Until then........ practice like a mad man.

SoonerMatt · #13 08-06-2010, 05:14 PM

A tuner.

paul_5 · #14 08-06-2010, 06:41 PM

I'd agree with both replies here; don't think that as a bass player you HAVE to have effects pedals, being able to play your instrument properly with some personality and expression will get you more gigs than being 'the guy who has loads of effects'. That said, effects will open up new sonic avenues that will enable you to see your instrument from different perspectives (which shouldn't be underestimated as part of the creative process). Bottom line is this (in my opinion) play as often as you can with specific goals in mind (i.e. by next friday i will be able to play x,y and Z) and until you hear a sound on someone else's record (or even better in your head) that you just HAVE to have then don't worry about FX, have fun getting to know your instrument and finding your own approach to playing; once you get these essential elements down then the world is your mollusc of choice... Sorry for getting a bit deep, but this advice would have saved me LOADS of time (and money) if I'd had it when I started playing.

zachoff · #15 08-06-2010, 09:01 PM

I started w/ my Peavey Max 100 multi. I think a multi is a good way to go because you can play around and find out what you like and don't and then buy individual pedals as you see the need.

darkstorm · #16 08-06-2010, 10:39 PM

I find higher end multi effects better choice then seperates. What most needed effects a player needs is up to them. Me I require heavy comp/sustainer, heavy overdrive, extensive eq options, ring mod, and a little reverb for room ambience. The sound out of my processor is the ready for recording voice and tone. amps and monitors are just sound reproducers to me and not meant to color the sound. I do use chorus, echo, and flanger a little bit along with looper. But comp, overdrive, eq, ring mod, and little bit of reverb are main things used all the time for me. Some prefer just comp/sustainer and chorus or other less involved sound modification/shaping. If I could only use two effects it would be comp/sustainer and overdrive.

guroove · #17 08-07-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

Go to GC and play all the effects pedals they have, then decide which ones you think will be useful for your purposes.

This is good advice. It's nearly impossible to say what will be right for someone else.

As for my earlier post, I'd like to add that I never got a gig because I had effects. In fact, during my busiest and most financial successful time gigging, I never used any effects. I use them now because I lead my own band where I like the bass to stand out and be an up-front part of the mix.

You won't get gigs from having effects, but you will be able to afford effects from getting gigs.

mid_life_crisis · #18 08-07-2010, 10:52 AM

I wish I could find the link now, but I read a very convincing argument that the only effect a bass player needs is a high quality compressor, most of which have a sustain circuit incorporated into them.
His argument essentially was that bass players tend to get lost in the mix anyway and should do whatever they can to be as clean and clear as possible. The first step of which is don't go adding layers of unneeded effects onto your sound. You aren't playing a lead guitar.

Bassnut62 · #19 08-07-2010, 11:02 AM

well there's a lot of wise advice you've received there.

however

music is all about living hard and leaving a beautiful corpse, isn't it?
So I say just get a fuzz and be done with it - you'll be in love with FX for ever!

if you can afford it and have a passive bass, i would recommend a ZVex Woolly Mammoth - this will make you grin like a loon. period.

mid_life_crisis · #20 08-07-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassnut62

well there's a lot of wise advice you've received there.

however

music is all about living hard and leaving a beautiful corpse, isn't it?

...and here I thought it was all about leaving a corpse that was so thoroughly worn out that scientists want it to try and figure out how it stayed animated as long as it did.
Louis Lamour wrote that he once met an indian who could shoot the head off of a quail with a six shooter and claimed to be over 100 years old. Louis said, "I don't know how old he really was, but his face looked old enough to have worn out two bodies."
Isn't that the mark of a true lifelong musician, too?
Kind of like Keith Richards.