Have points at MF. What sounds nice?

[DavePlaysBass]

I have $64 worth of expiring points at MF. Don't need anything. Just curious what might be worth experimenting with:

EHX Micro Q-Tron at $112 has always been on my radar. I didn't like my MXR bass envelope. I am OK an old Digitech bass synth envelope but have digitech shame every time I play it. And I love my MXR Auto Q but it is not touch sensitive.

Line 6 Pod Bass Express for $179. Looks like a nice portable pedal with a tuner that could allow me to leave a pedal board at home and get some compression and distortion. I have an EBS multicomp, EBS multidrive, and VT bass for comp and overdrive today. I can't say they sound great but they are OK to mess around with. Maybe paired with a Sadowsky outboard pedal could be a direct into the PA if not taking a bass amp. And there are chorus, flanger, etc which may be something just to play around with.

Maybe a dunlop 105Q wah pedal for $159. I have wondered if I could get foot control of the wet and bass heavy sound of the MXR Bass Auto Q that has served me well in live jams.

MXR Phase 90 for like $90. I could use it on guitar but maybe would be good for bass?

Or I just buy some overpriced strings as it looks like they increase the string prices knowing that we get points.

Any of these effect options blow you guys away. I put limiting myself to about $100 after using points. Thanks

 

[Lobster11]

Personally, I wouldn't want to spend $100 that I wouldn't otherwise spend, on something I don't really want or need, just to use the points. I would just go with strings -- maybe a set that you wouldn't ordinarily buy because they're too expensive.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Unless you need an effect, you are wasting money imo. You will always need strings, and they don't go bad

 

[ardgedee]

Another vote for stocking up on strings. If you play rounds you'll probably want to change them up sooner rather than later, if you play flats they're going to be marked up so very much higher by the time you need them.

 

[bmac314]

You can always stock up on AA or 9 volt batteries…..

 

[FilterFunk]

I'm surprised to hear you say the Auto Q is not touch sensitive. Like my Jacques Trinity Wah, the Auto Q does envelope filter and LFO. You can also blend the LFO and envelope.

 

[Sharko]

MXR Phase 90 for like $90. I could use it on guitar but maybe would be good for bass?

Have tried, it’s not

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

If youre looking to experiment, maybe put that money towards a mxr bass synth? I have one and it’s nuts.

 

[sdjfoh]

Patch cables, strings, snark tuner.

I’d try out some effects if I felt like I needed something but a lot of those at that price level don’t sound that good - and resale value not great.

 

[DavePlaysBass]

I'm surprised to hear you say the Auto Q is not touch sensitive. Like my Jacques Trinity Wah, the Auto Q does envelope filter and LFO. You can also blend the LFO and envelope.

Nope. Not touch sensitive. If it was it would be the perfect envelope for me.

 

[FilterFunk]

Nope. Not touch sensitive. If it was it would be the perfect envelope for me.

I owned one, and IME it reacts to softer and stronger input like other envelope filters, and demos show this, too. The key for me was to have the Blend at minimum and a short Decay setting. Apparently, it didn't work that way for you, but I didn't want anyone else to assume the Auto Q doesn't do envelope filter.

 

[Pings Bass]

Consumables and small accessories: strings, cords, straps, picks, capos, tuners, rosin

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

"Digitech shame"? I do not understand, but perhaps I am simply unaware of what this means.
Could the OP or anyone else enlighten me, please? Thanks.

 

[DavePlaysBass]

I owned one, and IME it reacts to softer and stronger input like other envelope filters, and demos show this, too. The key for me was to have the Blend at minimum and a short Decay setting. Apparently, it didn't work that way for you, but I didn't want anyone else to assume the Auto Q doesn't do envelope filter.

The M188 Bass Auto Q has no sensitivity knob and has not responded to the dynamics of active G&Ls or passive Fenders and a few on between. Envelope filters do.

 

[DavePlaysBass]

"Digitech shame"? I do not understand, but perhaps I am simply unaware of what this means.
Could the OP or anyone else enlighten me, please? Thanks.

Cheap, power Hungary, over digitized old technology. I bought it for the octave and do like the extreme of the envelope with descent bottom but it does feel more synthy. It was meant as a joke sorry if it doesn’t resonate with your sense of humor.

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

Cheap, power Hungary, over digitized old technology. I bought it for the octave and do like the extreme of the envelope with descent bottom but it does feel more synthy. It was meant as a joke sorry if it doesn’t resonate with your sense of humor.

Well okay. Thanks for the explanation of your intention.

 

[beanondabass]

Strings are a safe buy, but the Micro Q tron is one of my favourites. Granted I have no experience with any other envelope filter but I don't desire more from it. It's touch sensitive and the low end pass through is amazing, can even be a boost if desired. Also love it into a modded DS1 but thats probably not relevant xD.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

If I had that amount of free money, EB Cobalt Flats 45-105. Love them strings but sheesh are they getting expensive. I only keep one bass with them on it, the rest get DR Fat Beams

 

[DanAdams]

I just tested your string theory. My strings are the same price at Amazon and Musicians Friend.
I happily use basic Dunlop Super brights or EB slinky bass
So I would go with strings if I were in your predicament.

I've got $300 in points at Best Buy, and I don't want anything there.

 

[Leisure Weaver]

As others have. mentioned, strings are the practical choice, but kinda boring, eh? Seems like you want a new toy to play with. That sounds like fun. Life is short, enjoy yourself.

If you're already think about the Pod Express Bass, also take a look at the Zoom MS-60B+. It's $70 cheaper, more road worthy, and it sounds better than it should for the price and size. Most importantly, it has a ton of effects to play around with, which should keep you busy for a while. Whatever you do, enjoy!