Bass octave for fretless!

[CallumBass]

Heyyy, my first post on TB right then, I've really gotten myself back into fretless and I'm really looking for that beefy 80s sound, I've found that many players used octave effects to get this. I live very far from anywhere with a decent range of bass octavers to try. Anyone tried anything and can give any advice??? Many thanks

 

[eastcoasteddie]

this should be in the 'effects' section...but...

I found that the Boss OC-3, being polyphonic, has one of the better units to use for bass. the analog pedals, even the newest MXR bass octave has tracking issues that annoy me. But if tracking isn't an issue you worry about, then the MXR is a great pedal. It tracks much better than the OC2 and has a thick sound.

 

[smperry]

moved to effects

 

[marijn van gils]

İ would think it doesn't matter if you play fretless or fretted, the same octavers can be used. So a search will yield a lot of info...

Meanwhile, I can recommend the Aguilar Octamizer: sounds great, is very versatile and tracks very well.

 

[bassbrad]

The Boss OC2 is that classic 80's sound a la Pino and many others. The OC 3 is indeed polyphonic to a degree and has less glitchy tracking but it does not have quite the same grunt & booty to my ear.

 

[Jared Lash]

If you're looking for that synthy 80's Pino-type tone the OC-2 is the tool for the job.

The MXR Bass Octave Deluxe has an identical tone using the "Growl" side and the ability to blend in the fat (I'd say flabby) "Girth" side as well as the ability to boost mids. It also tracks lower (which seems important to some but never mattered to me) than the OC-2 but definitely not as cleanly on fast runs.

The Aguilar Octamizer is a highly tweakable option with a range of tones. I actually liked it better on fretted than fretless but I'm sure many would disagree.

The most natural sounding octaver is the EBS Octabass in the middle position. It's an underrated octaver in general but I find that I actually prefer a more synthy sound for fretless. I like it more for rock oriented things where I'm looking for a really thick tone.

If you want polyphonic I'd recommend the OC-3. There's also the POG and POG2 which are amazing in some applications but which I absolutely hated on fretless. YMMV.

 

[Jumbotron]

The octaver on line 6's m5/m9/m13 kicks tail (it's their version of the EBS, but I think it tracks better), and you get a whole lot more options besides. If, for example, you're in the need for an octaver and a tuner, there's no reason not to spring for an m5.