Going no effects

[Parzival]

I was straight into the amp until about 5 years ago. It was due to getting in a regular band and starting to see there where things that would be nice to have.

It started with preamp/DI because I wanted something to send to FOH and not depend on the amp. Then I wanted a tuner pedal (had been using a clip on) so I could mute my small board with the preamp. Started a board because didn’t want the preamp just on the floor. Then I realized I wanted something chorus for some songs. Then I started realizing how some dirt would sound good in the mix. And compression. Then trying other stuff. Now I have 5 to 6 pedals on the board, but the only things always on are compressor and preamp. Not terribly far from straight in.

I played the other day at rehearsal straight into the amp and it sounded great. Sounds great with the board too.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

After being effects obsessed for years, I got a new J bass and decided to just play it in practice on its own for a while to get used to it. Now, I'm finding that I'm going through a phase of not wanting any effects at all. I'm happy just focusing on refining my basic tone. What's happening to me! What do I do with the pile of effects at home?

Save them for when you get board or you get into some music or situation when you need them.

Me? I prefer the sound of a well EQ’d bass to one with effects mainly because I’m an ensemble player, not the star of the show.

 

[Peteyboy]

In more than 20 years I have NEVER played with any effect.
If I want a tone I assume it comes from my playing, nothing else.

When I see a bass player with an insane pedal board, I know he doesn't master his art

I don't completely disagree with you, but remember some of us play thru random backline amps. It can really help to give you a more uniform tone thru different rigs. Not exactly what you want, but always closer.

 

[baxter_x]

I don't completely disagree with you, but remember some of us play thru random backline amps. It can really help to give you a more uniform tone thru different rigs. Not exactly what you want, but always closer.

I should mention that I play Sadowsky basses. And I noticed whatever gear I play through, I always get the same tone and I'm always Happy with my tone.

I guess it comes mainly from those great instrument that cut through better than anything else.

 

[Cleezmo]

Bears mentioning that from 1982-1992 I played bass in bands and I didn't even own a tuner.

Same! In college and post-college bands, I didn't own a pedal tuner - I'd just tune using my Korg hand-held tuner, and play the rest of the set. I didn't own a pedal tuner until like 10 years ago...

 

[tothemax]

PB,
We are all spoiled these days... I remember making the jump from a pitch pipe to a tuning fork (and tuning from "A" 440).

 

[bherman]

In more than 20 years I have NEVER played with any effect.
If I want a tone I assume it comes from my playing, nothing else.

When I see a bass player with an insane pedal board, I know he doesn't master his art

I was in your camp (playing for 50+ yrs) but now use some pedals. There's some things you can't do with just your hands - for me, it's octave pedal, chorus, and OD. Its still my tone, but enhanced/modified when it fits what I want to do. Most of the time, its just me and the bass. But I cant create a chorus sound with just my hands.

 

[Dust2Dust]

I may just use the pedals at home and keep things ultra simple at rehearsals and gigs.

This is the way

 

[dreamadream99]

Are compression and HPF considered effects?

Effects pedals are generally described as being in three groups: utilities, do-nothings, and actual effects.

• Utilities. Things that help clarify your sound without altering it too much. Tuner, compressor, HPF, LPF, DI (just a DI – not the kind with preamps)
• Do-nothings. Things like splitters, routers, A/B pedals, signal switchers, MIDI hubs, switches, controllers. These don’t alter the sound at all
• Effects. Chorus, delay, reverb, envelope filters, synth pedals, distortion, overdrive, fuzz, EQ, preamps, modulation, fretless emmulation, etc.

 

[deepestend]

This is what I’ve been running. Could prob just run the top row

 

[joel the bass player]

Pedals are part of the art. Looking down on someone just because they use pedals is a pretty lame way of thinking. Pedals don't keep time for you or fix your flubs. They can inspire you though, and can add to the music when used tastefully.

Plus, many (myself included) rarely use an amp, so what is on my pedalboard is just part of what I use to get my sound from my fingers to the house. Do I have more than I need? Yes, but it is just part of the fun. I'm never lacking for options, and just because it is on my pedalboard doesn't mean I'm going to use it every time I plug in.

 

[micguy]

Are compression and HPF considered effects?

I consider eq to be less of an effect than a compressor. A high pass is just eq of a particular nature.

 

[Snake101st]

The reaction I sometimes get when I show up with a pedalboard (albeit not an "insane" one) is..."Whoa....This guy's serious". No matter how much or how little gear you show up with, if you can play well, it doesn't matter one bit. The cool thing about music is you can't really brag your way out of not having your stuff together - sooner or later, we're all gonna crank it up, and how good you are (or aren't) will become obvious very shortly hereafter.

Not if you use a flanger!

I am a "crazy pedalboard" guy, and I love effects, but I also love the role of bass in music...

You can achieve both, and writing one side of the game off is similar to the "I only play with fingers, never pick, slap, tap, etc" camp - you're only limiting yourself, and as long as you dedicate time to practice and be a good bassist and develop your personal style and tonal goals, you're on the right track.

If what you set your tonal goal(s) as doesn't require pedals, that's cool, but others like to have more tonal paintbrushes to play with for one reason or another. No reason to look down on people for having different goals imo

 

[deepestend]

I don’t think one side is better than the other. I just think that it’s good to take forays into each.

 

[Aussie Player]

After being effects obsessed for years, I got a new J bass and decided to just play it in practice on its own for a while to get used to it. Now, I'm finding that I'm going through a phase of not wanting any effects at all. I'm happy just focusing on refining my basic tone. What's happening to me! What do I do with the pile of effects at home?

Nothing wrong with not using effects. I never have in 55 years playing but don't tell anyone or you'll get negative feedback for daring to say so. Let the sound do the talking for you.

 

[Iristone]

A good core tone will help when you add in effects, too.

 

[Peteyboy]

Same! In college and post-college bands, I didn't own a pedal tuner - I'd just tune using my Korg hand-held tuner, and play the rest of the set. I didn't own a pedal tuner until like 10 years ago...

I mean I didn't even have a hand held tuner. I'd just have the guitar (or preferably keys) give me an E.

 

[JimmyO]

I'm going thru the opposite. After decades of just bass-->cable/wireless-->amp I have started down the dubious path of effects pedals. I just have a Keeley Compressor and MXR Stereo Chorus at the moment, but am looking at a pedal tuner, fuzz/distortion, DI, small pedalboard and power unit in the future. Those power units are $$$!!!

I may just use the pedals at home and keep things ultra simple at rehearsals and gigs.

Similar deal here. Like OP is starting to do, I played my J straight no chaser for like 20 years. Like you, only when I started in a new project did I really need some pedals. Tuner, fuzz, compressor, octave and chorus. My advice to help avoid GASing yourself into the poor house with a pedal addiction: Get a small pedalboard that only holds like 4-5 pedals. It’s worked for me so far. If I’m gonna add another one, that means a current one’s gotta go.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I keep it clean at home. At the gig I almost always use overdrive, and fairly heavy distortion for hard rock.

Just for grins, I joined a Cheap Trick tribute band. Try doing that without effects!

 

[Fuzzbass]

OMG ! Most people wouldn't dare talk about this in public. Too late, here they come . . . .

View attachment 7200139
NO EFFECTS ! NO PEDALBOARD ! YOU HEATHEN INFIDEL ! YOU MUST BURN ! ! ! ! !

Sad. Wish I could have got to you first.

WTH are you talking about? The only snarkiness here was from the dude who dissed pedalboards. I hardly ever see FX proselytizing here on TB. OTOH there's plenty of condescension from the anti FX crowd. It's why there's a stickied warning at the top of this forum.