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Alternatives to AGRO

sumeursault

sumeursault

Supporting Member
Jun 21, 2006
1,716
701
#1
I just sold an AGRO. That was my second time owning and selling one. Obviously there's something about it that a) I like and b) that still leaves me somewhat unsatisfied. I was using it as a distortion, not an overdrive (the kind of always-on tone coloration thing). I think it works relatively well for getting a modern bass distortion tone. Does anyone have suggestions for pedals that I should try as similar-but-different alternatives. Again, I don't need OD, I need distortion. Something to stomp on for the more modern pop-punk bass tones.

Challah! :D
 
#5
I run bot the tech 21 vt bass and the boss OD 3. By themselves neither cut the mustard but together I found them to be as close to what I am lookong for in bass distortion. Mind you I have to have them next to each other to step on at the same time...need to do something about that...
 
#6
I had the Agro too and I would agree with the Darkglass B3K suggestion, obvious though it may be. I'm currently trying the B3K into a VT bass.

The tronographic rusty box can do similar tones and has a built in 'boost' switch if you need something to kick on.
 
#7
Yeah, I've been thinking about the B3K. The Rusty Box crossed my mind as well, but I'm not so into the odd power supply requirement. Would prefer to keep things simple. Is there a way to power a rusty box with a Pedal Power 2?

I was also thinking perhaps the Amptweaker Bass Tight Drive? But it may not have enough "grind" for what I'm after. I actually contacted James about a blend mod on the Tight Rock, but he said it'd be near impossible with all the other stuff he has going on with that circuit. Too bad....
 
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#8
Thinking about it, the B3K is a much more better kick-on distortion than the rusty - due to the easier power requirements, and you can do everything you like with the level, drive and blend. If the price isn't out of range I think there's a good chance you'd find it worth the spondoolicks.

Going back to your original question - the EBS metaldrive isn't a million miles away from the agro either.
 
#9
topo morto said:
Thinking about it, the B3K is a much more better kick-on distortion than the rusty - due to the easier power requirements, and you can do everything you like with the level, drive and blend. If the price isn't out of range I think there's a good chance you'd find it worth the spondoolicks.

Going back to your original question - the EBS metaldrive isn't a million miles away from the agro either.
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Haven't checked the MetalDrive yet. That's an interesting idea. EBS makes great pedals IMO...very usable. Not as exciting or sexy as some other options, but definitely worth a look.
 
#12
adivin said:
What is it about the Agro that you guys don't like?
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On its own: a bit noisy and wasn't possible to dial in a big low end if that's what you wanted.

With the band: the old 'lost in the mix' complaint. I wonder if I might have that problem less now... my playing style's changed a bit,.

I did like the basic tonal quality of the agro, but just couldn't get it to work for me at the time.
 
#14
topo morto said:
On its own: a bit noisy and wasn't possible to dial in a big low end if that's what you wanted.

With the band: the old 'lost in the mix' complaint. I wonder if I might have that problem less now... my playing style's changed a bit,.

I did like the basic tonal quality of the agro, but just couldn't get it to work for me at the time.
Click to expand...

It is noisy, but then again, most distortion pedals are. I found that I could stand out in the mix more with the contour knob cranked. The downside is that you lose low-end, in which case I think a dedicated clean blend knob (with low-pass filter) would be helpful.
 
#16
I was thinking about your question and the Hao Rust Ride came to my memory.

Here is a great pedal that gets completely ignored on this site.

It's expensive and it only has one knob. People love plenty of knobs to tweak.

That being said the tone is amazing and it's completely plug and play. The three pre-select tones are perfect and the only thing you have to do is adjust the volume.

As I tried a bunch of pedals in front of an Ampeg SVT this one really performed like a champ. Highly recommended.
 
#18
Laurent said:
I was thinking about your question and the Hao Rust Ride came to my memory.

Here is a great pedal that gets completely ignored on this site.

It's expensive and it only has one knob. People love plenty of knobs to tweak.

That being said the tone is amazing and it's completely plug and play. The three pre-select tones are perfect and the only thing you have to do is adjust the volume.

As I tried a bunch of pedals in front of an Ampeg SVT this one really performed like a champ. Highly recommended.
Click to expand...

I checked out the (one) demo on youtube of the Rust Ride. Obviously these things are extremely subjective, but it seems like it might be a little on the muddy side for what I'm after. I'm really looking for something where I can dial in varying amounts of upper mid grind to suit the situation. I think I might just order a Rusty Box and call it day. Probably a little MORE pedal than I need for that application. But it's better to have more options than enough. The B3K just seems grossly overpriced as far as I'm concerned. And while in general I think I like the idea of a clean blend, it'd be nice if the clean blend came with some sort of hi freq rolloff so that you didn't have to worry about phasing issues between the clean and dirty signals.
 
#20
Crystalman85 said:
The t.c electronics dark matter distortion pedal would be a great alternative to the aguilar agro distortion pedal. although this pedal is made for guitar, it does work well on bass. it can give you a cutting edge sound. this pedal sounds really awesome on bass. check out this clip.

TC ELECTRONIC DARK MATTER DISTORTION on BASS - YouTube
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Well, I like the price. Might be worth a try. Personally, I feel like most of the T.C. stuff is pretty jive. But who knows, may work just fine. I think part of my problem is that my "base" rig is a P-bass strung with flatwounds through a Mesa Walkabout. So in order to get enough "bite" from a distortion pedal, I really have to tweak the hell out of it.
 

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