Wondering about my first pedal

kjpollo · #1 01-05-2009, 08:51 PM

Once I add a 2x10 cabinet in the next week or so, my next order of business is to add a pedal to the compression unit I already have.
I kind of like the idea about a distortion unit but given that I'm playing alongside 2 guitar players who can dirty things up in a hurry, I'm not so sure that's a good choice.

My budget will be somewhere around $150-175ish.
I dont know if I'd be better off with a multi-effect unit, or a good pre like a Tone Hammer or what.

Oh yeah, what do I play? My band is playing not-quite-metal hardrock originals with a few classic rock and 80's covers mixed in.
I have 2 passive basses and 3 non-bypassable actives if that matters.

Thanks in advance

I'm looking forward to the suggestions.

whoatherechunk · #2 01-05-2009, 08:58 PM

get a nice fuzz. ala......too many to name. let the gas consume you.

JohnDavisNYC · #3 01-05-2009, 09:02 PM

a fuzz is great for blowing away guitards.

that said, when i play rock, i don't usually use effects... pick, fingers, tone knob... all i need for most rock gigs... i am also lazy.

john

Bassenstien · #4 01-05-2009, 09:05 PM

Def a fuzz
Mabey a Supercollider or GGG muff...

SteveMcB · #5 01-05-2009, 09:08 PM

Buy used.
Bass Driver DI - decent DI, tone-shaper, OD device, SVT in a box, maybe about $125 used
Digitech bass synth wah - great octaver, decent autofilter/synth tones, $50 used

Steve

excane · #6 01-05-2009, 09:12 PM

Can't go wrong with a used Digitech Bass Whammy from ebay....cheap AND easy to find.

Deluge Of Sound · #7 01-05-2009, 09:16 PM

As much as I hate to suggest this, as it'll bring me lots of hate, I suggest the Boss ODB-3.

It works wonders with a Rick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

rodl2005 · #8 01-05-2009, 09:37 PM

for a 1st pedal I'd go 4 amulti-FX like a Zoom bass multi-FX pedal. this way U get a LOT of darn good quality FX & it lets U see which U might get to REALLY USE in future. Thats what I did anyway & it worked 4 me

The Universe · #9 01-05-2009, 09:40 PM

A good pedal based pre will make sound guys love you, which will only be good for you and your band.

The Tonehammer is fantastic. So is the Bass Driver. If you want more versatility, get a Programmable Bass Driver or the Bass Driver Deluxe. You can have a few different clean sounds, and a few different overdrives if you like. And all of the sounds are quality.

Swift713 · #10 01-05-2009, 11:11 PM

Can't go wrong with a Zoom B2 or B2.1
Maybe Tech 21 VT Bass, a little more flexible than the Bass Driver but no DI.
Maybe a delay

warwick.hoy · #11 01-05-2009, 11:43 PM

+1 SuperCollider. This is my next FX box purchase.

I had the Sansamp BDDI Programmable. I traded it for a great delay pedal. I've been thinking about picking up another one though.

SoonerMatt · #12 01-06-2009, 12:24 AM

Get a fuzz. I'd suggest looking at Electronix.

bigchiefbc · #13 01-06-2009, 05:32 AM

Wow, I completely disagree with all of you. If he's playing alongside 2 distorted guitars doing hard rock and some 80's, I wouldn't suggest any sort of distortion or overdrive at all. I'd go modulation, like a good chorus or even a subtle flanger (or BOTH, like the Electric Mistress or Choralflange or something). That way you'll punch through all of the fuzzy wuzzy guitars

kjpollo · #14 01-06-2009, 06:31 PM

Big Chief,
Thats what I was thinking! I tought adding more distortion would make everything more indistinct!

What's the best sounding, easiest to use multi-effect unit in my price range?

I'm thinking a Tone Hammer plus a good multi-unit but I dont know if I can get both and stay on budget.

rodl2005 · #15 01-12-2009, 03:05 PM

The ZOOM B.2 or sumthin' Is darn good-with GREAT sounds for the $$$, Boss also make one but IIRC is far more $$ than the Zoom. Digitech make a BP50- but thats a few yrs old now- I'd Go 4 the Zoom Bass multi FX- one with a expression pedal also is a good idea. I mean EACH pedal has at least 40 presets(probly 80 or more) that U can edit & make yr own- Thats GOTTA be enough for a cuppla gigs EASY!!!! I used a Zoom 506 for a few yrs as my 1st foray into pedals (since I was a teen anyway) & it STILL works well & sounds darn good. Thing is... Many pro's used 'em on their records, but now as new ones come out ppl "poo poo" the older ones- BUT IMO if it were good enough for say Marcus Miller in 1992 (or whenever/whatever) it's plenty good enough for ME now!!

uaudio · #16 01-12-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by excane

Can't go wrong with a used Digitech Bass Whammy from ebay....cheap AND easy to find.

I see what you did there.

kevteop · #17 01-12-2009, 03:47 PM

I can't imagine effects being all that useful in your current band situation, but if anything maybe a phaser or a flanger. And an overdrive to add a bit of colour esp. if you use a pick (actually the VT Bass might be a good idea).

slackinatthebas · #18 01-12-2009, 04:25 PM

i have to agree with the chorus suggestion... i think your band and mine probably play pretty similar style... (start shameless plug)

http://www.myspace.com/slackertheorymusic

unfortunately for me, when we recorded these tracks, i didn't have any chorus yet... but the link is more to confirm what you guys sound like so... anyway... what was i talking about??

oh yea... chorus. get a chorus first, then worry about the grit. live, nothing beats a good chorus on bass to cut, and when you play alone, a good distortion (tech 21, baby) is awsome.

anyway....

Quote:

As much as I hate to suggest this, as it'll bring me lots of hate, I suggest the Boss ODB-3.

It works wonders with a Rick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0

how did i not see that coming??