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Effects & Pedals?

J

Jazz Hands

Dec 16, 2007
62
0
#1
So about 2yrs I've converted from being a guitarist to a bassist & loving it. I've worked out how I like my rig, basses, etc. but the 1 thing I'm a bit in the dark on still are pedals. Currently I'm not using any, nor do I really see a need (we play just standard rock mostly)....but @ the same time I don't want to be missing out on something I wish I discovered a long time ago. So basically my question is do most people not really use pedals & if there's a must own (besides a tuner) what would it be?

Thanks!
 
#2
Yea we all use them in the effects forum :) and me and a lot of others believe the best must own starting point with effects is a compressor. After that its all up to you but I would get an overdrive. After that you'll most likely need serious help for GAS pains. Also if you ever need anything else a quick search will most likely find your answer. Perhaps search compressor for some soon to purchase ideas??? :)
 
#3
rhcp32291 said:
Yea we all use them in the effects forum :)
Click to expand...

+1 It's like going into a crack house and asking "do most of you not use crack, or am I missing out on something?" :p

Pedals and effects are only necessary if they provide a tone or function you can't get otherwise. If you like your basic bass tone and don't need anything done to it functionally, then you don't need any pedals. If OTOH you think there is something lacking, like you can't quite get the Bootsy Collins tone from the Funkadelic albums, or you can't quite get Tony Levin's action and sustain, or you have a clean-sounding amp and don't want to replace it but you do want the option of getting some dirty/overdriven tones, then *tympani rumbling and trumpets blaring* you want some effects!!!!
 
#4
bongomania said:
+1 It's like going into a crack house and asking "do most of you not use crack, or am I missing out on something?" :p
Click to expand...

Well put Bongo :)

Bottom line is have fun with effects because thats what keeps me coming back to these forums. Go to a shop and try some out but make sure you do your research first before any purchases. Find something you like in the store, then come back here and see what we all have to say :)
 
#7
Get a Boss Bass Chorus, or similar chorus pedal. You will fall in love with the sounds of Bass heaven. Once you go that route, you will want to get a delay, a synth, an envelope filter, a distortion pedal, a mild distortion (fuzz), a wah, a mini POG, a Phaser, and a Flanger.

OK, you will likely only use a few of those I mentioned in actual playing unless you are doing a solo or setting the flavor for the song. In reality, a Chromatic tuner, the chorus, and a distortion will get you through anything you want. Oh, and of course a good delay so you can get an extended reverb if needed.
 
#8
pedals make songs more interesting. Last night I played 50 songs and used effects on maybe 4 of them. A little depressed wah (held down to 80%) on that cool intro to "brick in the wall" by pink floyd. Some phase shifter on the long intro of manson's version of "sweet dreams". Little stuff like that.

As lame as it is, when you're playing the same cover songs 4 nights a week for years in a row, the little things like that keep you sane.
 
#10
The crack house analogy is spot on. I played bass in bands for years, using only a chorus pedal. Fast foward to now, and these fx forums, next thing you know, I'm using a big board full of shiny boxes, and even a couple of blue led's. It's just like a drug, once you get hooked, there's no 12 step program that I'm aware of to get you off. Must have more pedals. Just picked up an MXR Bass Auto Q for the pure fun of it. No room on the board, but that didn't stop me. Good luck to you, and may god have mercy.
 
#13
I was a strict "no effects" bassists for many years. I needed to create some huge long distorted bass notes for a slow section in one song so I bought a bass boost distortion..........

.........fast forward 2-3 years and about 120 pedal later I'm totally hooked and can't imagine not having buttons at my feet to add a diversity to my style that goes beyond just playing techniques.
 
#14
prsbass said:
I was a strict "no effects" bassists for many years. I needed to create some huge long distorted bass notes for a slow section in one song so I bought a bass boost distortion..........

.........fast forward 2-3 years and about 120 pedal later I'm totally hooked and can't imagine not having buttons at my feet to add a diversity to my style that goes beyond just playing techniques.
Click to expand...

120 :eek:
 

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