• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

good uses for an octave pedal

I really need to play up an octave to make it useful. I know that in my current mellow gig, an analog octave is too dominant a sound to fit in without drawing attention away from the whole song. I can use the octave down on my HOG very effectively, though (micro pog could fit your situation better). I like to use them to thicken a part or make a part more funky.
 
On my OC-2 I go with a completely wet sound (no "direct level") OCT 1 all the way up and OCT 2 all the way off. Combine it with an envelope and play high up the neck and you can get a great hip hop synthy sound. Add a fuzz in between the octave and the filter for a more aggressive saw wave synthy sound.
 
Octave up (mixed)- imitate 8 string bass, fill out sound (especially good in a 1 guitar band)
Octave up (alone)- extends the range of your bass
Octave down (mixed)- Funky, synthy sounds, also great for soloing (you can keep a "real" bass sound in the mix while you solo to round it out)
Octave down (alone)- Limited uses, but if you get a pedal with really good tracking (like the Bass Octave Deluxe) you can make SUPER BR00TALZ METAL TONE!!!1!11!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jhengsman
I own the Boss OC-3. I use the 1 octave below w/ Drive mainly. Very handy for breakdowns or sections to a song thats very bass driven. driven through a decent amp it can make stuff fall of walls :)

If the section is bass driven, you should not have to use an effect it shoulf\d be driven by bass, not an octave thingy.


Hell, I like the idea of having an Octave Pedal, but when I start thinking about where I would use it, I end up realizing everything sounds better with just good strong bass tone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Thom Fioriglio
I just got an Octamizer - my 1st octave pedal. fwiw I feel the same way, like I can totally live w/o it. but I feel that way about most bass fx...

rehearsed w/ one of the bands I'm in tonight and it actually came in pretty handy...we're an original band who throws in a few covers now and then and it was quite handy on Stevie's "I Wish", Neo's "Closer" and this god aweful Justin Timberlake tune we're doing...actually makes that song more comfy, it's in F and it's easier to play up the octave...
 
Besides knocking crap off the wall, it's good for thickening your sound and all the stuff warwick and kugel said. If you go digital and pick a POG(2) or HOG, it's also great for organ emulation, which is what I primarily use my POG2 for.
 
If the section is bass driven, you should not have to use an effect it shoulf\d be driven by bass, not an octave thingy.


Hell, I like the idea of having an Octave Pedal, but when I start thinking about where I would use it, I end up realizing everything sounds better with just good strong bass tone.

Thats pretty much carbon copy what I keep coming up with