Does the bass need effects?

[FaithNoMan]

Take a walk in the park, son !

Agree, you are "supposed" to lay down the low end of the band. But try take a look at what the hell you are writing.

You're almost telling us that "effects == NO bottom at all" which is NOT true, it's not like you loose the bottom at all if youre using a, lets just say overdrive, which is designed for bass.

You dislike effects, thats fair 'n square dude! Don't take it out on anyone who uses them and STILL serve the low end of their bands.

Edit: Oh, and please do not speak up about oppinions as you obviously wont let ppl share their oppinions on things without summoning a warrior inside yourself.

Thanks.

Exactly....

How "Old School" are you, Specplyrz? Hmmm....I remember Deep Purple, Yes, and Rush using a fair bit of overdriven sound on their albums......and I guess Cliff was pretty "nu school" too, as well as Duff McKagan on the intro "Civil War" with a Leslie-type of sound...and the chorus on"Sweet Child O' Mine"

....Oh yeah....don't forget Mel Shacher....he always used a "clean" sound too! Definately "nu school".....

Man....don't go disrespecting people by saying they aren't real bass players, then getting all sorts of upset when they come out of the woodwork to try and set you straight on the notion that they ARE real bassists...BTW, I don't slap, use a Rick in front of an fairly old tube amp, rarely use effects, and am into lots of classic rock....Zeppelin, Beatles, and Rush are among my faves, as well as many others that are classic rock..my favorite musicians, who aren't quite classic rock yet, are also very influenced by those pioneering bands

.....Maybe your idea of "Old School" is percieved wrongly by us, and I apologize....yes, effects are rather silly in an orchestral-minded double bassist's arsenal...

 

[iamlowsound]

effects are rather silly in an orchestral-minded double bassist's arsenal...

that would be interesting. my guitar flanger that i use on my bass gives tons of bottom. is it only distortion that lacks the bottomend sound???

lowsound

 

[FaithNoMan]

that would be interesting. my guitar flanger that i use on my bass gives tons of bottom. is it only distortion that lacks the bottomend sound???

lowsound

Not all the time....some bass distortions give really good bottom, if used properly...and some guitar effects can have waaay too much bass for a bass guitarist to use at times......The flanger can be a great example of that......I used my friend's Ibanez CF7 Chorus/Flanger, and the flange was unusable for a mainstay effect unless it was mixed with a clean signal to a different amp, or blended with one, because it also flanges the low end, resulting in mud....that's why I use a Boss Hi-Band Flanger, as it keeps your signal intact, and adds a flange one octave above the note you're playing, resulting in a clean, bassy low end, with a shimmering, pristine flange on top of it....listen to the song "Disintegration" by the Cure.....Simon Gallup may very well use a regular Boss guitar flanger(think he does), but I'm pretty sure it's blended if he does, as the low end in that song is intact, yet has an awesome, distinct flange going for the whole song....

Hope that helps!

 

[ImSquare17]

The only pedal I use is a pre-dunlop MXR Microamp, man I love that beaten old thing. The reason that it's the only pedal I use is that it's the only pedal I own, and I'm low on funds.

Anyways, I'm not sure everyone would consider this an "effects" pedal, though it does color the sound very slightly. I kick it in for solos, make them pop just a little, and colors it just perfect for my applications too. Anyone else do this? There's gotta be others right?

 

[johnvice]

"Does the bass need effects?

A better question would be, does the song need bass effects?

I love my bass effects but I use them very sparingly in a way that fit the song (as opposed to trying to develop some 'signature bass' sound).

 

[specplyrz]

Take a walk in the park, son !

Agree, you are "supposed" to lay down the low end of the band. But try take a look at what the hell you are writing.

You're almost telling us that "effects == NO bottom at all" which is NOT true, it's not like you loose the bottom at all if youre using a, lets just say overdrive, which is designed for bass.

You dislike effects, thats fair 'n square dude! Don't take it out on anyone who uses them and STILL serve the low end of their bands.

Edit: Oh, and please do not speak up about oppinions as you obviously wont let ppl share their oppinions on things without summoning a warrior inside yourself.

Thanks.

This is what you have read into my post. I never said this nor implied it. You should take your own advice....take a look at what YOU are writing.

Now, lets talk about disrespect. I put up a post on my opinion and am immediatly jumped on, am I on my period, close minded.ect.

 

[specplyrz]

Exactly....

How "Old School" are you, Specplyrz? Hmmm....I remember Deep Purple, Yes, and Rush using a fair bit of overdriven sound on their albums......and I guess Cliff was pretty "nu school" too, as well as Duff McKagan on the intro "Civil War" with a Leslie-type of sound...and the chorus on"Sweet Child O' Mine"

....Oh yeah....don't forget Mel Shacher....he always used a "clean" sound too! Definately "nu school".....

Man....don't go disrespecting people by saying they aren't real bass players, then getting all sorts of upset when they come out of the woodwork to try and set you straight on the notion that they ARE real bassists...BTW, I don't slap, use a Rick in front of an fairly old tube amp, rarely use effects, and am into lots of classic rock....Zeppelin, Beatles, and Rush are among my faves, as well as many others that are classic rock..my favorite musicians, who aren't quite classic rock yet, are also very influenced by those pioneering bands

.....Maybe your idea of "Old School" is percieved wrongly by us, and I apologize....yes, effects are rather silly in an orchestral-minded double bassist's arsenal...

See your highlighted statement above. I never said this. Once again, a poster states a fictional statement.


Originally Posted by specplyrz
The bass does NOT need effects. I appreciate all players, all styles. I don't appreciate fuzz tone, wah wah, flanger and all the other "effects" (cover ups) that so many bass players use today.

Call me old school, jerk, whatever...but I grew up supporting my band with a big, clear effortless bottom. That's why they call it bass!!! DUH!! It's the BOTTOM!!!

I am envious as well as in awe of good quality "slappers" or "funk players" but they know their place.....todays...6..7.8...string bassists....need to play what they really want...the guitar.


Where did I say you are not a real bass player if you use effects? That statement is just plain silly and very misleading by you. I don't like/use effects. It's very obvious that this board seems to "gang up" on anything or anyone they don't aggee with. Go back and read the posts. First thing said to me was am I on my period.

How adult.

 

[Orco87]

See your highlighted statement above. I never said this. Once again, a poster states a fictional statement.


Originally Posted by specplyrz
The bass does NOT need effects. I appreciate all players, all styles. I don't appreciate fuzz tone, wah wah, flanger and all the other "effects" (cover ups) that so many bass players use today.

Call me old school, jerk, whatever...but I grew up supporting my band with a big, clear effortless bottom. That's why they call it bass!!! DUH!! It's the BOTTOM!!!

I am envious as well as in awe of good quality "slappers" or "funk players" but they know their place.....todays...6..7.8...string bassists....need to play what they really want...the guitar.


Where did I say you are not a real bass player if you use effects? That statement is just plain silly and very misleading by you. I don't like/use effects. It's very obvious that this board seems to "gang up" on anything or anyone they don't aggee with. Go back and read the posts. First thing said to me was am I on my period.

How adult.

It's not how it was said, it was really the way and tone it was said in... I mean come on -

todays...6..7.8...string bassists....need to play what they really want...the guitar.

seriously.... that's not going to spark an overall defensive responsive in others?

The bass does NOT need effects.

- maybe your bass does not need effects, but for those of us who are looking for different sounds, tones, etc., for the particular song, the eq on the bass as well as the amp just might not be enough. Also, for those of us w/ just plain cheap passive basses, we need all the help we can get! haha. So yeah, I think from really the tone of the post along w/ what was said people will automatically gang up on the person comin' in swinging... they see a gun although it's really just a black bag....

As for me and effects:
I just recently got a OD pedal and I find it fun to play along w/ my chorus pedal. Those are the only pedals I own... I wouldn't mind getting one of those multi effects pedals or somethin, but whateva. I've always loved the chorus for just the extra luv in certain riffs that are played.

now I go back in the shadows....

 

[specplyrz]

It's not how it was said, it was really the way and tone it was said in... I mean come on -

seriously.... that's not going to spark an overall defensive responsive in others?

- maybe your bass does not need effects, but for those of us who are looking for different sounds, tones, etc., for the particular song, the eq on the bass as well as the amp just might not be enough. Also, for those of us w/ just plain cheap passive basses, we need all the help we can get! haha. So yeah, I think from really the tone of the post along w/ what was said people will automatically gang up on the person comin' in swinging... they see a gun although it's really just a black bag....

As for me and effects:
I just recently got a OD pedal and I find it fun to play along w/ my chorus pedal. Those are the only pedals I own... I wouldn't mind getting one of those multi effects pedals or somethin, but whateva. I've always loved the chorus for just the extra luv in certain riffs that are played.

now I go back in the shadows....

OK..I appreciate you taking the time for the post....I see your point.


Let me Rephrase this....

I personaly don't use effects, but can understand the appeal of them.

 

[these_go211]

using effects can help unleash creativity. depending on what effects you are using it can take your playing, and what new riffs you'll come up with, in new directions. come on, it's just fun as hell! envelope filters, wahs, distortion, and phasers phasers phasers! not necessarily to use thru a whole song but little flourishes here and there. adds some zing!

 

[lucas vigor]

You said you don't appreciate bassists who use effects, and you don't like extended range basses much. You made an opinion on a board where not only are there plenty of ERB players but several designers and luthiers as well. And you don't expect to get jumped on?

I use effects (Reverb)on my upright bass, quite often. So did Miroslav from Weather Report in the early 70's.

I also use my 4 string p-bass with flats for most blues. But sometimes, out comes the Carvin 6 banger with effects and E to E tuning!

The situtation and the song determines what set-up I use.

 

[uly_]

This is what you have read into my post. I never said this nor implied it. You should take your own advice....take a look at what YOU are writing.

Ofc this is what I read from your post when you're posting this:

big, clear effortless bottom. That's why they call it bass!!! DUH!! It's the BOTTOM!!!

Now, lets talk about disrespect. I put up a post on my opinion and am immediatly jumped on, am I on my period, close minded.ect.

Yeah, let's talk about that disrespect again that's a good topic!

I did what you told me to, took a look at my own post and to me the tone dosn't seem that "loud" as yours is.

You have an oppinion about effects for bass, that's fine - ppl will respect that oppinion if it's just voiced in a proper tone, you know? It's like you explode inside and has to take it out on this forum.

I don't get why it dosn't ring a bell when ppl ask you if you're having your period

And if you want to quote me on this and speak up further, do it in this proper tone please.

Thanks.

 

[FaithNoMan]

See your highlighted statement above. I never said this. Once again, a poster states a fictional statement.

I was inferring to the statement where you state that 6,7 and 8 string bassists should play the guitar, because that's what they really want.......yes, you didn't say "Not real bass players", but I think your point is written pretty clearly....

Man...what was the reasoning behind that one??

It's a bass, isn't it??

...Oh wait, I know...because they're not just like you, who really wants to play bass guitar.. because you don't use effects, or play more than four strings....
...man..wait till we break the news to all of those sorry folks...

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I use a BDDI for overdrive, could probably go without it, but the gritty/growely overdrive really compliments the music

 

[SGT. Pepper]

"Does the bass need effects?

A better question would be, does the song need bass effects?

I love my bass effects but I use them very sparingly in a way that fit the song (as opposed to trying to develop some 'signature bass' sound).

Nope! Your bass and a good amp is usually enough. For some circumstances a chorus is good especially on a fretless. Compression is good too and a box like a Sansamp Bass Driver or something of that sort. As far as all other effects they tend to trash the sound and voice of the bass. To this day there is not one Bass Distortion or Overdrive that doesn't kill the bottom of the bass. Leave the effects for the guitar player and concentrate on moving air and holding down the bottom end. Bass is the power of the band. Without bottom, there is no power.

 

[specplyrz]

Ofc this is what I read from your post when you're posting this:





Yeah, let's talk about that disrespect again that's a good topic!

I did what you told me to, took a look at my own post and to me the tone dosn't seem that "loud" as yours is.

You have an oppinion about effects for bass, that's fine - ppl will respect that oppinion if it's just voiced in a proper tone, you know? It's like you explode inside and has to take it out on this forum.

I don't get why it dosn't ring a bell when ppl ask you if you're having your period

And if you want to quote me on this and speak up further, do it in this proper tone please.

Thanks.

Yo, uly....


OK..I appreciate you taking the time for the post....I see your point.


Let me Rephrase this....

I personaly don't use effects, but can understand the appeal of them


See this uly...I posted that in reply to my "tone" and my original statement. It is an appology, uly...it's me taking a look at what I wrote as being agressive so I appologized.

I posted that well before you chose to voice your opinion about disrespect.

"It's like you explode inside and has to take it out on this forum."

Personaly, if that's how you feel, you should take some people reading skills training. No disrespect intended.