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effects pedal for more "fill" of sonic space

velobob

velobob

I enjoy the process
Jan 30, 2013
226
394
Carpinteria and Bakersfield, California
#1
I'm looking for a effects pedal...
I'd like to e-x-p-a-n-d my volume to fill sonic space behind our soloing guitarist in 3-piece (git/bass/drums primarily instrumental) group.
Not looking for crunch/distortion...our sound is clean.
Its not a matter of needing to be "louder", and I don't need it all of the time, just when my bass line is simple and there is airspace between my notes, but not wanting to "overplay" behind the jamming guitarist.
I'm demo-ing a Boss Chorus pedal, which helps....just want to know what other options I might consider.
Any suggestions of pedals I might try?
 
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#5
Here are two very similar (and recent) threads on the same subject.
Best bass effects for 3-piece
Pedal to "fill out" a 4-piece band?

The consensus is either:
1. it's the whole band's problem to fix. ex. drums should change up more, guitarist should solo better, make the singer learn an instrument, etc. (while a possible solution, this is very hard to implement and might cause more problems for the band...)
2. Use simple pedals to add more sonic space. ex. chorus to add movement, dirt to add more harmonics = more sonic space, add octave up or octave+fifth,, etc. (easier to implement, but might not get you there)
3. Use a signal splitter to run a second octave up signal and add effects to emulate a guitar sound, or run that separate signal into a guitar amp (more expensive options)

I had a gig on Saturday and for the first time I just added some overdrive to my signal when the guitarist solo'd, and it sounded much better! I used the EHX battalion, but I'm sure any overdrive/distortion/fuzz might work depending on the song/genre. I'm going to be working on an octave up signal into a guitar cab sim pedal to PA for the future.
 
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#6
Many effects expand your sound in different dimensions. But being in a trio I'd suggest a couple of ideas:
- a reverb/delay.
- a sophisticated way would be to split your signal (Ls-2) then send each to separate equalizers. One with bass/mids up, the other with only treble. The path with treble add a reverb and just get the resonance from the treble side which offers an excellent full sound.

i hope this helps
 
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#9
I would second the T-Rex Quint use the octave and +5th to fill in the sonic space when your guitar player takes off on a solo. More expensive route would be An Electro Harmonix HOG2 and a separate amp I use this setup and a Neo instruments Ventilator II and mild OD then I can generate either Rhythm guitar or Hammond B3 sounds . It all depends on how much you want to spend.
 
#11
I'd personally use compressor or boost. I also like to use a Russian muff with the fuzz turned almost all the way down and the volume up to the appropriate level.

I like the Wren and Cuff Super Russian for this purpose. It has a nice boost that does a good job of filling out the space (thought it can make things louder if you want it to), and the muff is great when used as described above. The mids flat switch also makes it sit well in the mix.

Super Russian — Wren and Cuff
 
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#14
EQD Astral Destiny will add some fluffy pillows of ambient texture to your mix....
Whether dialed down as a really simple reverb with subtle chorus, or dialed up into very cinematic soundscapes.
This might be more than you are looking for, but i have been having a blast playing around with mine over the past couple weeks.
 
#15
I love playing in trios for just this reason. Lots of space to fill, and a lot of ways to fill it. One technique is to learn more about double stops and bass chords. Even for something simple and non-exotic like a blues you can take up quite a bit of sonic space plucking the root with your thumb then plucking the root and the the octave simultaneously with your index and middle. Basically adopting classical guitar technique (see Damien Erskine or Matt garrison, or Evan marien, or Janek gwizdala for more) doing something along those lines essentially turns you into a rhythm guitar and a bass.
Something else I enjoy for this is a nice reverb. I have the eventide blackhole. It's excellent for this purpose. I especially like that it's a unique kind of reverb, and you can get massive sounds but also just a little ambience.
hope you find what your looking for.
 
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#18
Kinda depends what you want to fill that sonic space with.

I.e., do you simply want the sound -- and the lines/parts (aka, the "music") to sound LARGER so your voice occupies more space?
Of do you want to add more information [sic] above and beyond the bass line, and contribute an additional voice that doesn't just track your notes in unison but creates additional "music"?
 
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#20
Bob_Ross said:
Kinda depends what you want to fill that sonic space with.

I.e., do you simply want the sound -- and the lines/parts (aka, the "music") to sound LARGER so your voice occupies more space?
Of do you want to add more information [sic] above and beyond the bass line, and contribute an additional voice that doesn't just track your notes in unison but creates additional "music"?
Click to expand...
I suppose I want a bit of both, but primarily to "occupy more space"
 

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