• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Advice on bass effects pedal

#21
As drnknmstr suggested there was briefly an unsavory post.
Just some halfwit macho misogynist.

Back to pedals.

For a present, I'd say stick with new, as opposed to second hand, unless the other person had specified the make and model before hand, and had made clear was happy with 2nd hand gear.

You can always send it back or swap it for something else if the initial purchase isn't upto scratch.
Just make sure to keep all boxes and packaging that will keep the retailer happy if you do need to return it.

This is the best place for help and advice I'd say, but beware your bloke might end up spending too much time here, and end up spending thousands on effects if he gets GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome.. a common ailment here) from the "post your pedalboard" threads... you've been duly warned :)
 
#22
BassGirlfriend said:
You guys are incredible, thank you so much!

I just think it's amazing to be able to play an instrument; I would love to be able to myself, but I just don't think I'd have the dedication or skill necessary. So if I can encourage him with something he enjoys, all the better!

He did like the ODB-3, but from what little I know from the research I've done, it's a relatively limited model and I'd love to get him something a little more fun to mess around with.

As for his music tastes; Foo Fighters, Tool, Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Avenged Sevenfold, QOTSA, NIN and Muse to name a few off the top of my head, so heavy stuff generally.

I
I did consider a gift certificate, but I really want to show that I've made an effort to find him something he'll love. I suppose I could ensure that a refund is available if he really hates it? Or I could just take up bass guitar instead and use it, haha.
did consider a gift certificate, but I really want to show that I've made an effort to find him something he'll love. I suppose I could ensure that a refund is available if he really hates it? Or I could just take up bass guitar instead and use it, haha.

So, so far I'm going to spend tonight researching:

- Behringer V-Tone Bass BDI21
- Boss OC-2
- Sansamp BDDI
- MXR M-80

If it gets to mid December and I'm still feeling in no position to choose wisely, the gift certificate idea will come in handy, thanks!

EDIT: Oh, also I will definitely be pointing him in the direction of this forum once Christmas is over, he'd love it.
Click to expand...

Alright, cool!

The ODB-3 shouldn't have broken so fast. That isn't normal of Boss pedals, in my experience. I really only asked to be sure he'd want another distortion.

The Sansamp would be a great choice, I'd bet. Perhaps a bit expensive, though?

Those bands also tend to use fuzz pedals for bass, so something like an Electro Harmonix Big Muff might suit him well. Some of those bands actually use Big Muffs, and if they have any real influence on his playing, he'd probably like it. It's more fun and "extreme" than the overdrive he had before.
 
#25
In my honest opinion, the Bass Big Muff it's a great choice, and right on the money. It has a good second-hand market (either if you want to buy second hand or he wants to sell it... although i doubt he will, it's a nice pedal and it will have sentimental value) and it fits the music he likes.

If you want to spend a little less, the bad monkey it's another option:

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/45762-digitech-dbm-bad-monkey.html

(I'm posting this web page since it shows the price in quids, but you can buy it in many other places... either online or in the street although I'm afraid you might find actual music stores slightly more expensive...)

but more ideas will keep coming....
 
#27
A gift certificate is still a really good option. If you feel that isn't personal enough or just doesn't show you put a lot of thought into it you could always make him a nice romantic dinner. When you tell him you are getting dessert bring him his gift card on a dish with a bow on it.
 
#28
dmonroe said:
A gift certificate is still a really good option. If you feel that isn't personal enough or just doesn't show you put a lot of thought into it you could always make him a nice romantic dinner. When you tell him you are getting dessert bring him his gift card on a dish with a bow on it.
Click to expand...

You guys are such romantics! Shocking! ;)

Thank you for the ongoing advice, I'm still researching so if you want to chuck any other contenders into the ring, please do.

Once again, you guys have been marvellous, and I'm going to make a contribution to the site once this is all over.
 
#31
Just caught this thread... +1, Bassgirlfriend, you're awesome!!! :cool: Welcome to Talkbass!

After reading through the whole thread (lots of good advice!), I've found a few suggestions that I agree with most.

1) Limiting yourself to £20 - £50 may make it difficult to find something he'll really like and will likely limit you to the used market for any real quality gear. If you can spend a little more, you might be better off in the long run?

2) A Sansamp Bass Driver DI. Even with all the pedals I've tried (see my comment below lol), mine has been on my board permanently since the day I bought it. It has a great sound and gets a lot of love around Talkbass. Overdrive/tube emulation and DI all in one. Next to my tuner, it's probably been the handiest tool I've bought... it even saved a recording session once!!!

Similar pedals to check out: MXR M80 Bass DI already mentioned, Aguilar Tone Hammer and Hartke Bass Attack. I never thought twice about the Bass Attack, but won one from Larry Hartke himself on Facebook and it's a surprisingly good (and good sounding) pedal!!!

3) A decent multi-effects unit. The reason I like this suggestion so much is because it's good bang-for-your-buck. Effects newcomers can get a taste of a lot of different effects and then decide if they want to get into the world of single pedals. There are some really good units out lately, too. The Line6 M9 and M13 are pretty new and seem to get a lot of love around Talkbass. There's also units like the Boss ME-20B, ME-50B and GT-10B... Zoom B2.1u and B9.1ut... Rocktron Utopia B series...

Wud said:
This is the best place for help and advice I'd say, but beware your bloke might end up spending too much time here, and end up spending thousands on effects if he gets GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome.. a common ailment here) from the "post your pedalboard" threads... you've been duly warned :)
Click to expand...

Boy, is Wud absolutely right, I can testify to it! Since joining talkbass, I've overhauled my amp setup and am about to again (just getting into tube amps :rolleyes: lol), have gone from 4 basses to 9, and have spent GOBS of money on single effects. I've had two pedal sales (15 and 14 pedals respectively) and still have 16 that I've kept. :eek:

Your guy may hate you if you introduce him to Talkbass.........

Subscribed! Let us know how you turn out!

5sg.
 
#32
Well guys...

After staying up pretty much all night (and after making sure my boyfriend was safely asleep) I spent hours researching, reading reviews and listening to videos/sound clips. I visited a ton of websites, spoke to a few other bassists and finally decided upon the Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi. It had the sounds which I most associate with the music he plays, it was just within my price range and had a great number of good reviews. I bought from a reputable online store, so if there are any issues he can return it/swap it.

Thank you all SO much for your advice and patience. I really am indebted to you all.

I was thinking, as a little add-on to his Christmas present I might buy him a contributors account here. Is that a good idea?
 
#34
First off all - The Big Muff is a classic pedal - it will make a great present and I'm sure he will like it!

On the contributors account - I think he would only enjoy the benefits of it if he uses the forum _a lot_. I don't know exactly what the extras are but the buying-selling forum won't be that useful for him since you are british (I think?).

To be honest - I'd keep him away from here :D. Really, you'd be surprised how message boards like this one make you spend a lot of money.
And your boyfriend will have more time for you if he's not on TB :P.
 
#35
tony_clifton said:
First off all - The Big Muff is a classic pedal - it will make a great present and I'm sure he will like it!

On the contributors account - I think he would only enjoy the benefits of it if he uses the forum _a lot_. I don't know exactly what the extras are but the buying-selling forum won't be that useful for him since you are british (I think?).

To be honest - I'd keep him away from here :D. Really, you'd be surprised how message boards like this one make you spend a lot of money.
And your boyfriend will have more time for you if he's not on TB :P.
Click to expand...

Haha, thank you for the advice, but he's a computer science graduate who is stuck to his computer at least 70% of the time he's at home anyway! So I'm not too worried, plus a least this forum would be more productive than COD4 or Pro Evo etc. :rolleyes:

Yes, we are British, but the contributors account would more be a 'thank you' to the site and its lovely people for helping me! He can see this thread then and see how wonderful you all were. :)
 
#37
Well done! I've never tried any of the Muff pedals myself (not quite my style), but they do have a classic sound and are very popular! I'm sure he'll really dig it and will also be impressed that you went to all the effort!

I joined for the same reason really. The people here are pretty cool and it's been a very valuable resource. Any bass related question I could ever think of, I've been able to find an answer here. Doesn't matter where you're from! I've seen quite a few people from all over the world around the forum, and as a matter of fact, I just sent a pedal to a fellow in Sweden! I'll agree with Tony though, a membership here is both a blessing and a curse! My G.A.S. never goes away! :D lol

Nice job!

5sg.
 
#38
Merry Christmas everyone! Just a quick update to say that he LOVES it, and is currently sat obsessing over it and probably annoying our neighbours at 1am. :)

He will definitely be getting an account here too, I've told him all about your help and shown him this thread.

Thank you everyone who was so kind. xx
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back