Do I need effects pedals?

[Alien8]

WHy would I want a compressor? I can control my volume extremely well and I do not slap.

Compression isn't just about the volume control, quite the opposite. It gives you a much wider range of tones to play that don't force you into one volume.

Much of this discussion is including effects like EQ and tuners... Things you find on some practice amps. If you use a tube amp, you use compression based on some of the logic here.

What are effects and why does it matter if you use em or not?

 

[cheapbasslovin]

Well . . .

Why would somebody buy a $4,000 bass and use the $5 worth of parts for the tone stack in the Ampeg b-15? Or use almost any amp? Why plug your bass into any electronic equipment that's not at least $4,000?

The effect doesn't make the tone, it augments the tone to suit a specific situation. If the song doesn't call for the tone to be changed you should not use an effect there.

 

[EastCoastThump]

I laugh when someone buys a $4000 bass for its tone, then play it thru a $100 pedal!

Posilutely swellegant! That's how my $4000 Fiscal Fetish bass sounds ripping through a $4000 cable, dialed in with a $4000 tuner, and sportin' a $4000 strap. I haven't been able to find $4000 strap locks yet, but when I do I'm sure my tone will sound as rich as MacKenzie Bezos.

 

[SunnBass]

WHy would I want a compressor? I can control my volume extremely well and I do not slap.

Compression does a lot more than a volume knob does.

 

[HueyFreeman]

WHy would I want a compressor? I can control my volume extremely well and I do not slap.

What your describing is limiting.

Limiting == Compression
Compression != Limiting

Compression is a many splendered effect, to which limiting is just one.

I personally use compression to achieve a certain attack that a pbass lacks.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

It's cool to hear some of the reasons for the use of effects beyond a blanket Yes/No or 0 v. 100 pedals being debated.

The benefits or detraction in specific ensemble situations, various positive audible inflections as opposed to noise and stepping out of the shadows into the limelight with the use of effects on Bass.

I will always use a Compressor and prefer the Darkglass Hyper Luminal for flexibility. I will always have a boost, a light hair dirt and a full on preset Distortion. I play ROCK music. But, I also have found over time original music can find the use for other modulation, time based and multi-effects in the right place, in the appropriate amount at the correct time. I find the less is more approach to be best.

I made the decision to go with my main "could do any gig without an amp" pedal board that fits in my Mono Tick.

Then looked for a multi-effects processor that has extremely good basic all analog effects, is not a Bass specific tool and is not perfect in all regards for everything that I can work with. I found the TC Electronic NOVA System with a TC Switch 3 with some custom routing and mixing.

I figured; "if it's good enough for Dave LaRue" then I can wring something usefull out of it, too!

 

[JRA]

Do I need effects pedals?
doesn't sound like you "need" them from your OP/experience.

could you find a use for them? no clue...

me: haven't had a 'critical' need, but: i've desired a few sounds (synthy stuff mostly) that pedals can deliver. my pedal philosophy has been, "which one for the cheapest price" instead of "buy once, cry once" so i've wasted some money trying to get one or two useful sounds.

pedals are cool. but i can't say that i "need" them. if you're going to explore, my advice is "buy once, cry once." good luck with the pedal thing!

 

[Alien8]

I use guitar amps on occasion at very low volumes for recording and small clubs. Works well with fretless bass.

Have you ever used a metal zone with that setup?

 

[IamGroot]

Have you ever used a metal zone with that setup?

No.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

I think thats my situation. I almost always basses with active electronics (ZON, Warwick, Peavey Cirrus). I don t feel the need to use effects except when playing a passive bass.

Posilutely swellegant! That's how my $4000 Fiscal Fetish bass sounds ripping through a $4000 cable, dialed in with a $4000 tuner, and sportin' a $4000 strap. I haven't been able to find $4000 strap locks yet, but when I do I'm sure my tone will sound as rich as MacKenzie Bezos.

Gotta find a $4000 tort pickguard!!

 

[Matt Dean]

If you got a good amp sound you don't need any external effects.

What an ignorant perspective.

 

[WG Plum]

I don't need pedals, but I sure do enjoy them.