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Does a bass require a bass specific octave pedal?

T

tnscot60

May 16, 2009
53
1
Nashville Area
#1
If this is covered, I couldnt find it in a reasonable time frame.

I've decided that I cant live without an octave pedal. I'm not looking for the whole forum's opinion on what make and model I should get. But I would like to know if, in genral, any octave pedal will work effectively with a bass, or if I need sometihng that is more bass specific to make me happy?
 
#2
I use a POG - it is very highly regarded, as is the HOG. They are not specific to any instrument at all.
That said, a lot of folks like the EBS which is bass-specific. Sorry, but you really do need to search the forums as octavers are well-covered. Maybe you just couldn't find as specific an answer. :-) But I think I can answer it - no, there is no requirement.
 
#3
most arent instrument-specific, except for the EBS octabass is the only one i can think of (and its for bass..)

even though you dont want everyones oppinions on wich to get, you're probably going to get tons of reccomendations anyway..

boss OC-2 is where its at.
 
#4
The Octabass may be one of the only "bass-specific" octave pedals out there, but it sounds great on guitar, too. Just thought I'd add that. ;)

To answer the OP: Some octave pedals do track better on bass than others, but since only one I know of is bass-specific, the "bass-specific" part is moot. However, even the ones which are monophonic and/or don't track as well (i.e, Boss OC-2, EHX Octave Multiplexer) can deliver tones that the polyphonic trackers (i.e., EHX POG) can't. Tracking is just one of many factors to consider in selecting an octaver.
 
#7
tnscot60 said:
I would like to know if, in genral, any octave pedal will work effectively with a bass, or if I need sometihng that is more bass specific to make me happy?
Click to expand...

In general, Yes. Any octave pedal should work with bass.

Issues with tracking, tone and features are obviously specific to the pedal.

again generally: MOST octavers (assuming you mean a octave-down, not an octave up) on the market wont allow you to play chords or double-stops coz they are monophonic and can only handle one note at a time. On bass, they may not track that well below the 5th Fret on the E and A -strings (although personally my OC2 does track particularly well, and my micropog will track anything and everything, low B's to high C's)
 
#8
Foamy said:
Sorry, but you really do need to search the forums as octavers are well-covered. Maybe you just couldn't find as specific an answer. :-)
Click to expand...

Exactly.

I didnt mean to imply that I dont welcome opinions on which one is best. i just wanted to point out, in regards to starting a new thread, that it isnt what this post it about, lest I have 100 people scold me for not just searching for it. :hiding:

(also, I cant afford most of the pedals that are reccomended around here, so it's a moot point)
 

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