Hartke Bass Attack 2 Overdrive mod

[selassie1]

I recently picked up one of these and I really like the sound so far. All except for the overdrive sound. I’m thinking a diode swap might make the OD more interesting.

Anyone else try modding one of these pedals?

 

[selassie1]

Well I decided to give it a shot. Like many other distortion pedals, the bass attack has 2 silicon clipping diodes on the overdrive section. I am a fan of asymmetrical clipping so after some trial and error I settled on two pairs I liked best. Mode 1 pairs a black silicone with a germanium for some gnarl with fuzzy undertones. This sounds closer to the stock pedal but more aggressive. Mode 2 is a red led + greed led for more warmth and way more clean volume before breakup. This mode also acts as a band pass filter of sorts, rolling off high frequency sizzle and blocking super sub sonics. Great for recording and more vintage tones.

Overall, the pedal is now more useful to me a way more fun! Some pics:

clipping diodes D1 and D2

SPST switch with new diode pairs. There was just enough room between the DI and output jacks for it to fit.

Finished project with diode switch to the left. This made a really pedal into a great one!

 

[Heavy Blue]

Well I decided to give it a shot. Like many other distortion pedals, the bass attack has 2 silicon clipping diodes on the overdrive section. I am a fan of asymmetrical clipping so after some trial and error I settled on two pairs I liked best. Mode 1 pairs a black silicone with a germanium for some gnarl with fuzzy undertones. This sounds closer to the stock pedal but more aggressive. Mode 2 is a red led + greed led for more warmth and way more clean volume before breakup. This mode also acts as a band pass filter of sorts, rolling off high frequency sizzle and blocking super sub sonics. Great for recording and more vintage tones.

Overall, the pedal is now more useful to me a way more fun! Some pics:

View attachment 3850623
clipping diodes D1 and D2


View attachment 3850626
SPST switch with new diode pairs. There was just enough room between the DI and output jacks for it to fit.

View attachment 3850628
Finished project with diode switch to the left. This made a really pedal into a great one!

Looks very interesting. Have any sound clips?

 

[selassie1]

Looks very interesting. Have any sound clips?

I don’t have any but I’ll post when I get a chance to record some.

 

[Heavy Blue]

I don’t have any but I’ll post when I get a chance to record some.

Great! Thank you.