So are the onboard volume and tone controls, but you don't think of them as effects.
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That red Wal Mk is killer!
I just use an overdrive these days. It's a modified MXR Micro Amp. It's very simple and is my favorite I've had.
Last gig I did was bass --> Tonelab SE --> FOH.
I used five or six patches that I had tweaked for different songs/basses mainly different EQ/AMPS/CABS, but also a little bit of chorus on one of them. I had set up a ZOOM recorder at the mixing station (a fair distance from the stage and half-way up a hill, this was a big outdoor show) and on listening back to the live mix, the bass sounded basically identical on every song. So all that tweaking accomplished was a little extra comfort for my monitor mix...
I used five or six patches that I had tweaked for different songs/basses mainly different EQ/AMPS/CABS, but also a little bit of chorus on one of them. I had set up a ZOOM recorder at the mixing station (a fair distance from the stage and half-way up a hill, this was a big outdoor show) and on listening back to the live mix, the bass sounded basically identical on every song. So all that tweaking accomplished was a little extra comfort for my monitor mix...
I just saw Eric Smith playing his Mike Lull M5V into a TC Electronic Blacksmith head and a pair of TC Electronic 4x10's, supporting Lalah Hathaway.
As far as I could tell, both visually and sonically, his bass was running straight into the amp with nothing in between except a cable.
It sounded absolutely magnificent.
Of course it helps that he is a master player. But damn, it sounded SO good. Kind of makes me rethink the idea of using pedals at all.
Come to think of it, Marcus Miller, who played after him, didn't seem to be using any pedals either, except one tune where he added some overdrive.
As far as I could tell, both visually and sonically, his bass was running straight into the amp with nothing in between except a cable.
It sounded absolutely magnificent.
Of course it helps that he is a master player. But damn, it sounded SO good. Kind of makes me rethink the idea of using pedals at all.
Come to think of it, Marcus Miller, who played after him, didn't seem to be using any pedals either, except one tune where he added some overdrive.
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I have over the years used a little bit of chorus but now am looking at putting together a "small" pedalboard with a Dunlop Bass Wah, Octave pedal (not sure what brand yet, have looked at a bunch), maybe an overdrive pedal (Fulltone or something similar), a chorus pedal, and possibly something like the Aguilar Filter Twin. That would be more than enough for what I do. Have been looking mostly at Aguilar, Electro Harmonix, and Boss pedals. Know there many other great brands but these seem to be affordable and have some great demos on YouTube and other videos.
I use two pedals as part of my normal set up. One's a Boss tuner and the other is a Sansamp Bass Driver DI. I don't think of the Samsamp as an effect.
I played with effects in the 70s, now when I hear some of the recordings, they sound very dated, and contrived.
Now I prefer no effects at all.
Below (especially the bass solo) would have probably been better with just some wetness.
sweetbottom angels of the deep
Now I prefer no effects at all.
Below (especially the bass solo) would have probably been better with just some wetness.
sweetbottom angels of the deep
When used that way I do. Then again, one of my favorite basses just has an on-off switch and no knobs, so...
Straight into the amp. Once in a while I wish I could get Jack Casady's tone on the album "Crown of Creation"
(Like many here) I mostly use effects for playing around at home. I go straight into my amp on stage.
Damn. I did a good look around before posting this and didn't find this topic. I will be more thorough next time I am going to start a new topic.
- Oct 22, 2015
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Always with my VT Bass Deluxe. It's my DI, and it's my tone no matter the backine. A compressor is the most likely addition.
The closest I come to using effects is a built in compressor on one amp (that I turn off unless I'm slapping and I don't really slap) and an adjustable one on my WTDI (DI with Eden preamp built-in). I use the WTDI when I have to play through a backline and I want the Eden sound I get out of my normal amp. So far, I've used that compressor on one song, twice.
Really like the sound of my Jazz Bass as-is.
okcrum
in your chest
Damn. I did a good look around before posting this and didn't find this topic. I will be more thorough next time I am going to start a new topic.
Oh, don't sweat it. Repetition doesn't deter the best bass for metal train.
Funny, I practice with the most sterile tone possible. Come gig time, it's mostly clean, but I am NOT afraid to use effects. Two overdrives, an envelope filter, and a compressor. I also use a Moog Sub Phatty for all sorts of synthy goodness. Effects used right make songs come alive. Used poorly, they detract horribly. It's kind of an all or nothing situation for bass, unfortunately. IMO, a lot of bass players who eschew effects just plain dont know how to use them or aren't in a situation where they'll enhance the sound. I also firmly believe that all great tones, effected or otherwise, start with a rock solid clean tone.
