• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Distortion with a Spector Euro

Gearhead17

Gearhead17

Supporting Member
May 4, 2006
5,274
3,619
Mount Prospect, IL
www.afterforeverband.com
#1
Ok, I will keep this simple. I use an Exotic BB Preamp (guitar version) with a Radial Big Shot MIX. I get a GREAT overdrive tone with this setup. The only issue: that is basically the only tone this setup can do. I can not get a higher level of distortion without the pedal compressing too much. (BB preamp has built in compression)

I noticed that my Spector Euro with EMG 40DC's, Spector 18 volt pre, and nothing boosted on the bass ends up being a VERY clean and thick signal. On many distortion pedals, this signal does not distort well and becomes a fuzzy/muffled mess.

I am looking for a midrange present distortion pedal that will work with my Spector Euro 5. I am looking for a ONE pedal solution and I am not interested in any fuzz pedals. Definitely beyond overdrive and nothing extreme/crazy.

I was just thinking, would adding another overdrive pedal to the BB Preamp get that next level of distortion without sounding like a mess?
 
#2
You need a distortion that is designed to work well with active basses. Active basses have a low-impedance buffered output and most traditional overdrive/fuzz pedals are designed to work with passive, high-impedance sources. The result is exactly as you describe: a fuzzy/muffled mess.

Check out the EBS MultiDrive, EBS Valve Drive, SansAmp Bass Driver, and VT Bass.
 
#4
testing1two said:
You need a distortion that is designed to work well with active basses. Active basses have a low-impedance buffered output and most traditional overdrive/fuzz pedals are designed to work with passive, high-impedance sources. The result is exactly as you describe: a fuzzy/muffled mess.

Check out the EBS MultiDrive, EBS Valve Drive, SansAmp Bass Driver, and VT Bass.
Click to expand...

That actually makes perfect sense. Not a big fan of the Tech 21 pedals, but I guess I owe EBS a try.

Darkglass B3K - Sounds pretty darn cool, but I do not feel it can do much above the overdrive realm. I will have to watch more youtube demos to see.
 
#6
Gearhead17 said:
Darkglass B3K - Sounds pretty darn cool, but I do not feel it can do much above the overdrive realm. I will have to watch more youtube demos to see.
Click to expand...
The B3K definitely goes easily into distortion territory and, at the upper reaches of its gain levels. it borders on fuzz. Don't dismiss it - it's got one of the widest gain ranges of any pedal I know! Worth every penny/cent of its asking price.
 
#7
testing1two said:
You need a distortion that is designed to work well with active basses. Active basses have a low-impedance buffered output and most traditional overdrive/fuzz pedals are designed to work with passive, high-impedance sources. The result is exactly as you describe: a fuzzy/muffled mess.

Check out the EBS MultiDrive, EBS Valve Drive, SansAmp Bass Driver, and VT Bass.
Click to expand...

That is kind of funny, really... I've never been much of a passive guy, and the only distortion pedals I have stuck with is the EBS Multidrive and the Tech21 VT Bass..
 
#8
4StringsEnough said:
The B3K definitely goes easily into distortion territory and, at the upper reaches of its gain levels. it borders on fuzz. Don't dismiss it - it's got one of the widest gain ranges of any pedal I know! Worth every penny/cent of its asking price.
Click to expand...

At $295, it is over what I really wanted to spend on a distortion pedal. Plus, I am getting married soon and will adding more storage units and closet configurations to my condo to handle all of the new "stuff", so money is a little tight. But I will keep an eye out for a used model...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back