Envelope Filter as Fretless Emulation?

[bdplaid]

Has anyone had success setting up an envelope filter for fretless emulation? Playing fretless, and comparing it to the Fretless effect on Zoom pedals, it sounds like it can be done. But both of my EFs have too much Oink in them to get the subtle wah needed to sound like a fretless.

Anyone? And what did you use?

Thanks.

 

[bassbrad]

The "fretless" effect is a modulated attack envelope much like the Boss Slow Gear pedal that always sounded and felt more to me like a bowed or arco to plucked upright bass rather than 'Jaco mwah' or really any one else fretless sound no matter what pickup, hand position, attack style or adjustments were made to the effect. I always used it more for that 'bowed effect' or 'Pizzacato upright' than trying to get a "fretless tone" or feel since I also play fretless. Used that way the effect has value the other was useless to me. YMMV

 

[Killing Floor]

I wouldn't describe it as exactly like fretless. But you can come close for effect. I've got some faux fretless patches on C4 (which also work for the Spectrum) and I was noodling today with Grease Juicer and noticed a little of that vibe when running it sans dirt. I have a fretless so I use that if I need to be convincing.

 

[bdplaid]

The point of this is to have an effect to quickly dial up onstage when I need, then go back to my normal tone. It not to replace fretless in the larger sense. I have and play fretless basses, but it's not practical to switch basses in my bands.

 

[bassbrad]

The most realist effects I have heard are either the Roland V Bass or the EHX Bass9.

https://www.ehx.com/products/bass9/

 

[Snaxster]

Has anyone had success setting up an envelope filter for fretless emulation?

An envelope flanger will be a much better bet, I think.

Edit: For example Dyna mode of the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

 

[bdplaid]

An envelope flanger will be a much better bet, I think.

Edit: For example Dyna mode of the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

This is like a whole new world to me. I think you may be right about a dynamic flanger being the answer. I'm going to make a dive into these. Feel free to make any more suggestions!
Thanks.

 

[Snaxster]

This is like a whole new world to me. I think you may be right about a dynamic flanger being the answer. I'm going to make a dive into these. Feel free to make any more suggestions!
Thanks.

Hello again. It turns out that the Ola has an envelope follower, too.

 

[bdplaid]

Thanks, I'll look into it. Yesterday I was getting some interesting almost fretless type sounds from an MXR envelope follower. The key seemed to be able to control the mix of the dry and effected sounds. The MXR has that. Otherwise the envelope followers I have are just too effected. Fine for Bootsy, but taming the the envelope itself is impossible with most units. I'm wondering about Source Audio?

And I haven't had time to look into an envelope flanger. If I could get one that would delay the onset of the effect, that might be useful.

 

[bdplaid]

Hello again. It turns out that the Ola has an envelope follower, too.

$300? A little rich for me.