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Bass Distortion pedals you'd recommend?

#41
I think the difference between "distortion" and "overdrive" is largely subjective.
Been through quite a few pedals that called themselves either thing. A couple of favorites not mentioned here
MXR Bass Overdrive in general the MXR Bass pedals are really well done. The Distortion verison was too fuzzy for my tastes.
The Invalid Link Removed and DP3X People kinda forget about these pedals, not sure why. The DP3X is one of the most viscous distortions I've ever heard, but it doesn't play well with other pedals. SH1 is a little more flexiable and less 'metal'
 
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#42
fretlessman71 said:
Any dirt pedal you like can be made into a "bass" dirt pedal by adding a bass graphic EQ after the dirt pedal.
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Not necessarily. If the clipping circuit has a HPF before it that filters out too much low end, then there will be nothing to add back with a post-effect EQ, and most clipping circuits do filter out some bass to tune the sound.

I think the MBD3 is a fine place to start. There are several other good suggestions in this thread.
 
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#43
Not seeing mention of it here but along the Damnation Audio line there is the Dirt Fixer utility pedal. It has no distortion of its own, and it does add size and cost to a pedal board, but if that doesn’t create an issue then the Dirt Fixer offers a good clean blend function and useful EQ section for fine tuning pedals that might otherwise be less than optimal with the OP’s existing rig. I’m considering buying one now, and I think that it could’ve saved me a lot of searching for the “right” sound in other pedals.

 
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#45
Maxi Funkl said:
Has anyone tried the Empress Heavy Menace?
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Yes. It is not particularly crunchy, more of a creamy lead sort of distortion, but it is very heavy. There are no low gain sounds to be had with it. The onboard EQ and gate are excellent, and the hpf can be used to tighten up the drive and reduce the compression. I liked it for what it is, but it’s not the sort of sound I’m after, so I moved it along.

Also, as far as Rats go, I like the Blower Box the best, more so than things like the Locust Star. The Blower Box does one thing, and does it exceptionally well. I personally favor the MBD or Curmudgeon for bass distortion, though.
 
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#47
2thAche said:
For real "distortion" (like guitar) that's not just dirt /fuzz, the EBS Sheehan Ultimate is it. From your post it sounds like this is what you want. Aggressive OD that's very smooth, and lots of control to hone the character and tone, and also balance it with a clean signal. I have alot of fun with this pedal. The clean signal channel means you don't have to lose low end or round-wound type bass tone. Built-in 2-level compressor which can also be switched off.
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It really is a great distortion/drive. It’s the only one at of all that I tried that actually sounded like I was playing with a pick when playing finger style.
 
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#48
I love dirt; one not mentioned is the Heavy Elec. Oso; I also like the MXR M85 Bass Distortion and the silver distortion. Then there's the Zvex stuff (Mastortron, Basstortion, Mammoth) some of which can also be OD or fuzz. The Source Audio OFD is also cool, as is the Malekko Diabolik. Mebbe some are fuzz, it's a academic point.
 
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#49
So I realize this is some corksniffer BS, but the only full on bass distortion sound I ever liked (for myself) was biamping my highs though a Klon clone into a mesa dual rectifier with the lows into a seperate cabinet. This is not practical for my roadie-free lifestyle, so I'm using an aftershock. It's OK, but I can never get my dream sound in the mix. Neither with many main contenders from the TS and Rat bloodlines. Maybe I'm just an overdrive guy. One of the big things is that every amp and cab setup handles those distorted highs differently, so my trash may be your treasure.
 
#55
Don’t believe it’s been mentioned but a super, super solid bass distortion is the Shift Line Buzz V2, sits in the realm of Darkglass much you can get away from the Grindy mid scooped sound, 2 band EQ, clean volume, drive volume, nice range of the gain knob, boost, flat, bite and mids switches
Really solid pedal that’s built like a little tank and is slightly smaller than a normal pedal
 
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#56
_One//Man//Mutiny_ said:
Don’t believe it’s been mentioned but a super, super solid bass distortion is the Shift Line Buzz V2, sits in the realm of Darkglass much you can get away from the Grindy mid scooped sound, 2 band EQ, clean volume, drive volume, nice range of the gain knob, boost, flat, bite and mids switches
Really solid pedal that’s built like a little tank and is slightly smaller than a normal pedal
Click to expand...
just utube it sounds great this is getting harder by the post.
 

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