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First effect?

#42
I think it's preference, but I'm going to make an objective case that filters work better first. They respond to signal dynamics, and those can be affected one way or the other by other effects in the chain before the filter. If it's first in line, you have the most control over how much you open it up.

Then again, a muted effect of having the filter behind a compressor could be just what you're trying to do.
 
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#43
Phaser is my favorite, though as others have mentioned it can get washed away in a mix so have to pick my spots in a band context.

Envelope filters and octavers are fun too, and also (in my opinion) are useful since they are impacted by your technique. I've found them to help my overall playing improve, which is a bonus.

I also keep a tremolo around for the sole purpose of pairing it with the phaser, as in Pink Floyd's "One Of These Days". Not really useful otherwise, but sure is fun to just make noise every now and then!
 
#44
A preamp/Overdrive/DI like a sansamp or darkglass ultra is an extremely handy thing to have around. I can confirm that the Darkglass Vintage Ultra plays very well with my Mesa Bass 400+ and GK 800rb. You get overdrive, EQ, boost, and DI all in one. A preamp is great for making different basses play nicely with your amp as well.
 
#48
Greg Jones said:
OTHER THAN A COMPRESSOR .... :)

What should my first effect pedal be? I'm playing mostly a Fender P through a Mesa WD-800 ... I have a tuner pedal already. :) ... I'm pondering hard on a chorus or flanger ... if anyone can recommend a distortion pedal that plays nice with Mesa stuff I'd be interested in that as well. Cheers!
Click to expand...

Bass EQ pedal ...

then a distortion / overdrive pedal
 
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#49
There are really two ways to buy effects - first, and most economical, figure out what you are trying to achieve and buy the effect that helps you reach that goal. Second, and much more expensive, the poke and hope method of just buying effects because someone else recommended them and seeing if they do anything for you.

Actually, there is a third method - buy a muti-effects unit and you'll get a generic version of each type of effect and you can see if any of them speak to you.
 
#50
mxr_m117_002.jpg

giphy (14).gif
Was DJ Bebop's first pedal, this next one was this:
e1c1pvx4x9nlsn8vzawe.jpg


Both still used today :)
 
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#58
Greg Jones said:
OTHER THAN A COMPRESSOR .... :)

What should my first effect pedal be? I'm playing mostly a Fender P through a Mesa WD-800 ... I have a tuner pedal already. :) ... I'm pondering hard on a chorus or flanger ... if anyone can recommend a distortion pedal that plays nice with Mesa stuff I'd be interested in that as well. Cheers!
Click to expand...

Definitely go for either a Digitech The Drop or a chorus pedal. Outside of those two, and my compressor and tuner, there's nothing I really need.
 
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#59
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#60
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