Advice for power trio application?

[oldcatfish]

I'd get a Zoom B1, B2, or B3 multi-effect unit, and try out the different effects out at a practice/rehearsal.

Even if you don't like a multi-effect unit, the experience will point you in the direction that you need to go. Then you can narrow your search down for the specific pedal that you want. And like many casual effects users, you may find that the multi does the job just fine.

 

[alec]

mxr bass fuzz deluxe with a more dry than fuzz. Will thicken the sound up nicely

Agreed. TAFM is another fuzz that would handle that.

 

[Freight Train]

OK - I'm old and I'm old school. I also don't have time (nor should I spend the money) doing extensive experimenting but I recognize I'll need to invest some time in the learning curve.

I tinkered with pedals back in the dark ages but in reality, I don't know a thing. Right now I have a MarkBass Super Booster (mostly for the two EQ knobs especially the VLE). Like I said - old and old school!

To the point: I'm in a power trio and I'm looking for ways to fill out the sound when the guitarist is soloing. Solutions that are simple and require no more than 2 pedals are strongly preferred.

Thanks so much, TB world!

I've played more in power trios than any other format, my first in 1967/68 when I was in 8th grade. It's so ingrained in me I can't quite say what I do, but (no ego, just saying) my bands usually always get compliments every gig that it 'sure sounds big for just three people'. I haven't used any fx, except occasional overdrive, since the mid 70's when I used some crazy Morely power-wah thing for a while. The one thing I have consciously done is to work on having an excellent tone, and playing with absolutely authority - every note clear and distinct and played like you're mad. And I do chord quite a bit. Also, somehow it's worked out for me that every trio I've been in I've had an excellent, powerful drummer. And it's the same with them - it's not how much they play, it's the power and authority with which they play.
The biggest mistake I see people in trios make is they think everyone needs to play as much as possible so every hole is filled with something, when instead if you open it up and let it breath, the holes actually make things sound bigger, not smaller. It's hard to get guitarists to come around to the idea, but what sounds really great is if they will lay off the constant power chord grinding and let the sound establish itself as being bass & drums driven, then when they go to a solo it doesn't sound like half the band dropped out. I just went through this with a new band, and especially after our first gig the guitarist totally gets it and loves it, plus it makes it easier for him to handle the vocals if he isn't trying to put out a constant wall of sound. It can really sound huge if you can find a guitarist who will cooperate. It's the classic 'less is more' thing.

 

[LowEndPrinciple]

(First Post)
Great point Freight Train - agreed.

I have tried to include different pedals over the years just to fill in the holes and it just seemed to muddy the song up. I have come to the conclusion for the alternative and classic rock genres - the noticable change of the rhythm guitar part dropping out to play a lead lends the attention of the listener to the solo without the guitarist having to boost volume.

Our guitarist has used a looper for approximately 1 out of 20 songs for that occassional tune that just has to have the second guitar part. (Need a human metronome drummer.)

Now after all of that...
If the band is rocking and the crowd is pumping, it doesn't really matter what you do -just keep the energy.