Creation Labs Audio - Grizzly Bass Pedal

[reddavid]

I want to give props to Alex at Creation Labs. I ordered a Grizzly Bass pedal but was initially disappointed.

I had to crank my Dingwall (active) volume to the max to hear any OD/Distortion. Not really getting the tone I heard on the samples on their web site. I called and spoke with Alex, who said the more gain, the more breakup/OD. I guess I have a lighter touch - the pedal wasn't really working at my 'normal' levels.

Alex suggested I send it back, and he would change the resistor (for free) so that the pedal would be more sensitive to the input signal. I sent it back, and it was returned and in my hands just days later.

Problem solved! I get great OD and Distortion and can hear how the pedal responds to playing lightly or digging in. Very versatile. Keeper for sure.

Great pedal and GREAT company to work with. Highly recommended. Thanks Creation Labs!

 

[awelti]

The Grizzly Bass acts a lot like a tube. If the signal from the pickup is low, it will be cleaner… If the signal from the pickup is hot it will hit the tube harder and overdrive and distort more… It is OK if you run the Grizzly up to 3 o'clock if that is the sound you are looking for… if going to the top still isn't overdriven and distorted enough you can add a boost pedal in front to push the Grizzly Bass. Or, add a 3K resistor which increases gain to the circuit and has the same effect... If you are careful and can do a good job soldering, or know someone who can, you can add the resistor, it's just a little tight and tricky… you don't want to flex the ribbons too much or they can break. The trade-off is with everything at 10, the extra gain can cause noise to break through, and if you do a hatchet job it could void the warranty. I wouldn't do it if your pick-ups are hot enough already, and if you can get your hands on a Boost pedal to push the Grizzly that's easiest...

Thanks,
Alex

Grizzly Bass gain mod

• awelti
• Aug 26, 2015

Grizzly Bass extra gain for low output pick-ups mod

 

[Amplified]

Love the pedal. Cannot wait to test this out Sat for a P&P service.

 

[leomilani]

The Grizzly Bass acts a lot like a tube. If the signal from the pickup is low, it will be cleaner… If the signal from the pickup is hot it will hit the tube harder and overdrive and distort more… It is OK if you run the Grizzly up to 3 o'clock if that is the sound you are looking for… if going to the top still isn't overdriven and distorted enough you can add a boost pedal in front to push the Grizzly Bass. Or, add a 3K resistor which increases gain to the circuit and has the same effect... If you are careful and can do a good job soldering, or know someone who can, you can add the resistor, it's just a little tight and tricky… you don't want to flex the ribbons too much or they can break. The trade-off is with everything at 10, the extra gain can cause noise to break through, and if you do a hatchet job it could void the warranty. I wouldn't do it if your pick-ups are hot enough already, and if you can get your hands on a Boost pedal to push the Grizzly that's easiest...

Thanks,
Alex

Grizzly Bass gain mod

• awelti
• Aug 26, 2015

Grizzly Bass extra gain for low output pick-ups mod

Alex, the pedal really shines when combined with a booster. Both overdrive and the distortion sounds awesome! Great job.

I might go through with installing the 3k resistor. However, I'm curious about when you say noise break through @10 o'clock: is it the normal hi-gain overdrive/distortion noise that is present when you're not playing (and goes away when you play) or something else? Wouldnt the same happen with a booster?

Thanks!

 

[FunkHead]

Great Customer Service! I love my Grizzly. It's almost always on. I bought mine direct and was also very impressed with the customer service. Top notch!

 

[reddavid]

Maybe they can add this as an option or build in as a switch setting? Not sure how common the need. Sure helped me.

 

[leomilani]

Maybe they can add this as an option or build in as a switch setting? Not sure how common the need. Sure helped me.

That would be very interesting.

Could you comment about the noise mentioned by Alex? Is it really that bad?

 

[reddavid]

I have the overdrive and distortion cranked and don't notice a ton of noise. That's kind of what I'm looking for in the effect. I'm not looking for subtle! Just good tone, and this pedal has THAT.

 

[leomilani]

I just went through with the boost mod, and now I don't need to crank the knobs to get some lovely distortion.
However, the added noise is really noticeable at some points when I'm playing through headphones, but it can be reduced with the hi-cut knob with no issues. This might bother some, but not me (although I may need to undo it if I take it to the studio...)

 

[smeet]

I just received my Grizzly bass and gave it a quick run-through for a few minutes to make sure it all works, which it does. Nice and unusual looking pedal, and surprisingly small.

At first blush, it sounds really great. Very transparent, nice overdrive/distortion, great scoop and LPF controls. There's only one thing I would really like to make it an always-on pedal for me... The pedal does great things with the lows and mids. But it can only cut highs. Especially with my P bass played fingerstyle, I like to boost high mids and highs when playing live. Does anybody know if Alex can do a mod with some high boost type mods? I have other eq pedals, but it would make this pedal that much more complete if I could have a high boost control in addition to what it already has...