Help with Bass-ic pedal board effects

[clubdude]

Guys,
I settled on the Digitech Synth Wah, and using my Small Clone chorus. I've now steered away from the DOD250, because I'm in the dark a lot when I play behind the featured artist, so I cannot deal with no LED. To mod it, I would have to put in a new true bypass switch, as well as the LED, according to Analog Mike. Therefore it's not a steal anymore.

After searching the posts on here, there seems to be just as many that really like the Digitech Bad Monkey, so that's probably where I'm headed.

Lot's of good deals on DBM's, but I was wondering if any of you had experience with one with the Humphrey Badder Monkey bass mod??? I found one of them too, at a reasonable price. I have read where some like it better without the mod.

Opinions on the Bad Monkey and the modded Bad Monkey, please. Or other alternatives.

Thanks,
CD

 

[Snakeman1066]

Seriously take a look at the Voodoo labs Sparkle Drive..

It is an awesome transparent overdrive with a clean boost/blend function built in....if you don't want the overdrive simply turn the drive knob down and it serves as a signal booster which comes in handy if your playing a passive bass..

IMHO there isn't a much better mild transparent OD out there than the Sparkle drive, and being able to blend a clean signal and have a volume boost on the same pedal (two functions out of one pedal) is a win win in my book

This is an overdrive pedal based on the vintage TS808 format, it includes the original JRC4558 opamp, but has been modded with metal resistors and polyester capacitors which creates a tighter midrange, a crsiper high, and overall IMHO a far better capacity for note definition than the original 808. They have also added a clean boost channel which allows you to blend the clean signal with the overdrive circut. This allows you to boost the direct clean signal which in turn restores the attack and feel which is usually lost in most pedals when the signal is compressed in the ovedrive circut. The boost claims to be a 20db boost, i have not measured this claim but i can tell you you notice a huge difference when its on and when its not...lol

Some people don't like the tube screamer clones but this one is a vast improvement over the origianl and sounds much nicer and less in your face than the bad monkey...

You have four knobs (which i wish were metal but oh well cant have your cake and it it too...lol)

first is the Gain knob this as you figured sets the gian level of the overdrive and the overdrive only, it does not affect the clean boost signal in any way.

Next the Tone knob turn it up for a bright sound and down for a darker sound. It works only with the ovedrive circut and does not affect the clean boost channel

Third there is the Clean Boost knob This blends the boosted clean signal with the overdrive, essentially acting like layering two amps, one clean and one saturated...when it is turned all the way down you get straight overdrive, with it turned up it begins to bleed away the overdrive sound once you reach the three o' clock or 75% position most of the overdrive signal begins to fades away. In between you get a nice blend of both.

Last is the Volume knob this obviously sets the output level of the unit...lol

The box is solid aluminum, has a heavy duty switch and true bypass....and i can attest to no loss of signal when it is turned off. A red LED lets you know the unit is on.

It comes with a 5 year warranty and is made and assembled in the U.S.

can you tell i like this pedal...was that too much info?...lol

 

[Deluge Of Sound]

Guys,
I settled on the Digitech Synth Wah, and using my Small Clone chorus. I've now steered away from the DOD250, because I'm in the dark a lot when I play behind the featured artist, so I cannot deal with no LED. To mod it, I would have to put in a new true bypass switch, as well as the LED, according to Analog Mike. Therefore it's not a steal anymore.

After searching the posts on here, there seems to be just as many that really like the Digitech Bad Monkey, so that's probably where I'm headed.

Lot's of good deals on DBM's, but I was wondering if any of you had experience with one with the Humphrey Badder Monkey bass mod??? I found one of them too, at a reasonable price. I have read where some like it better without the mod.

Opinions on the Bad Monkey and the modded Bad Monkey, please. Or other alternatives.

Thanks,
CD

Firstly, shouldn't you be from "North(eastern) Carolina?"


Secondly, you could always check out the various incarnations of the Ibanez Tube Screamer, I've only played around briefly with one, but I liked what I heard.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

Let me start by saying I don't care for Tubescreamer-style ODs. I've tried several well-revered ones, and haven't liked a single one. That being said, the Bad Monkey I tried (which was modded by Humphrey) was very bass-friendly, but I felt it absolutely ate all the attack out of my notes, and added noticeable color to my tone, to the point it seemed like I was playing the pedal when I stomped it on instead of my bass. That's fine for some things, but not an OD (for me). If you just want "an overdrive" sound, it'll probably tide you over. However, if you want a "my bass overdriven" sound, the Bad Monkey would not be a top choice in my book. Then again, I'm learning more and more that I'm just too picky for less boutique-y pedals to please me, so there's that to consider.

 

[clubdude]

I will do some research on it, Snakeman. I do want some growl. Just not fuzz. Thanks for the tip.

Deluge of Sound. I have a modded TS-808 on my guitar pedalboard. Sounds like crap on bass. Haven't tried a stock one. I'll see if I can round one up.

Our school, and my alma mater, here is called East Carolina. We call this area the 51st state (long story). lol But yes, we are in eastern North Carolina, about halfway between Raleigh and the beautiful NC coast.

 

[clubdude]

Smurf. That is what I originally was thinking of. A bass overdrive that you could mix the clean with the effected.

Then everyone was raving about the DOD250 and the Bad Monkey, so I thought, maybe that's the way to go.

Now I'm back at square one with the distortion, which I have never used on bass, but need for our three piece band. I'm up on what I like for guitar, but not bass. And since I can't buy every one that everyone likes, I'm hoping for a majority opinion.

Thanks,
CD

 

[cheapbasslovin]

I've written to several manufacturers about why they don't make a mult-stompbox pedal, and of course they said they would pass it on. Not something you have to program and use multi-function dials and buttons to use. Something for stage, that had the most popular effects in it, and a loop for adding more. One power source and true bypass would be awesome, imo.

I will listen to suggestions regarding Multi-fx, though. But it would have to be one that is simple to operate on stage, and have the effects talked about in this thread, and not cost more than my amp head did.

Thanks,
CD

This will probably cost more than your amp head did, but if you get more than about 4 pedals I think it may do what you want.
Line 6 M13. There are only knobs and pushbuttons, the effects go in any order you want, there is a record and loop, and an effects loop that you can put in between any two stompbox models. It's pretty cool, but the footprint, money, and quality of my favorite effects (filter, phaser) are keeping me from buying it. It has a lot of other really good sounds, though. $500.
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Outside of that, I can only suggest to you what I like. I like the BSW because it's neat and versatile, but for the other stuff I don't know what is going to be up your alley.

 

[clubdude]

Cheapbasslovin'. I love that handle. lol

Yep, out of my budget right now. But it does make me drool, though. I don't buy my musical stuff on credit, so when I recover from the purchase of my rig, I can step up to the plate a little more. I'm not a boutique snob, anyway. I've heard great and bad cheap pedals, and I've heard great and bad boutique pedals. I'm more in the used Boss range $$ right now. ha Even the Voodoo Sparkle is more than I want to put into one single pedal right now, unless I found a real deal on used one, which I haven't, btw.

Once I get into actally playing with bass effects more, and really find out what I utilize most, then I can make a more informed decision, and by then I will be able to shell out the coins for better, too.

Since the BSW is so well received, any opinions on the X-series Digitech Bass Driver? Or any others in that range.

Thanks a lot,
CD

 

[clubdude]

Latest Update...
First I'd like to thank everyone. You suggestions and feedback have saved me time and money.

I have ordered a Digitech Bass Synth Wah.
I have ordered a Ibanez LU20 tuner (not an effect, but new, and I learned about on here).
I have my Small Clone on my new pedalboard, and it sounds great with bass.
I've already got a single effects loop, + tuner out loop pedal. (I had thought about a double loop, but I need some buffer, which the Digitech's have.)

I have narrowed my choices down on overdrives, but can't decide whether I want a guitar one, like a Bad Monkey, or a Bass one, with blend, like the Digitech Bass Driver (opinions?). ($100 max)

I have located a stock Bad Monkey locally for 30 bucks, that is two weeks old-never gigged. Owner got a multi-fx.
I was outbid on the last second on a Humphrey Audio Badder Bass Monkey. A new Humphrey Badder Bass Monkey is $105 shipped.

I'd like to try the stock Bad Monkey against the Humphrey BM, but that's not possible. Has anyone on here compared them? Is the mod necessary, especially for bottom end loss?

And then the made-for-bass overdrives have a blend of dry and effected signals which is cool, so that makes me wonder if I want a guitar pedal without that feature, or is it really necessary.

I want to be able to use the sub-octave on the BSW with some overdrive at times, so I guess I'll have to experiment with them to see what order sounds best, or if they (either the BM or a bass overdrive + BSW sub-octave) just don't need to be used together.

Your thoughts?

Thanks again,
CD

 

[isher1992]

All I can say to bass-ic pedals is all you really need is chorus, distortion and envelope filter.

Even though I like using more stuff,
Like pitch shifting, phaser, Delay/Echo, Wah...

 

[isher1992]

Latest Update...
First I'd like to thank everyone. You suggestions and feedback have saved me time and money.

I have ordered a Digitech Bass Synth Wah.
I have ordered a Ibanez LU20 tuner (not an effect, but new, and I learned about on here).
I have my Small Clone on my new pedalboard, and it sounds great with bass.
I've already got a single effects loop, + tuner out loop pedal. (I had thought about a double loop, but I need some buffer, which the Digitech's have.)

I have narrowed my choices down on overdrives, but can't decide whether I want a guitar one, like a Bad Monkey, or a Bass one, with blend, like the Digitech Bass Driver (opinions?). ($100 max)

I have located a stock Bad Monkey locally for 30 bucks, that is two weeks old-never gigged. Owner got a multi-fx.
I was outbid on the last second on a Humphrey Audio Badder Bass Monkey. A new Humphrey Badder Bass Monkey is $105 shipped.

I'd like to try the stock Bad Monkey against the Humphrey BM, but that's not possible. Has anyone on here compared them? Is the mod necessary, especially for bottom end loss?

And then the made-for-bass overdrives have a blend of dry and effected signals which is cool, so that makes me wonder if I want a guitar pedal without that feature, or is it really necessary.

I want to be able to use the sub-octave on the BSW with some overdrive at times, so I guess I'll have to experiment with them to see what order sounds best, or if they (either the BM or a bass overdrive + BSW sub-octave) just don't need to be used together.

Your thoughts?

Thanks again,
CD

I tried working with a DigiTech Bass OD once...I didn't find the blend very helpful. I just use my DigiTech Stereo chorus pedal to split channels before it gets that far in the chain, and then run one channel clean into my amplifier (Considering I don't have a full rig yet) and then run the Distortion through another Chorus to a Noise Supressor and to the main input on my amplfier. I have a picture showing my board, if you wanna see.

But I'd go with an Ibanez PD-7. Best Bass O.D. I've used, and cheapest too.

 

[clubdude]

Thanks a lot Isher. I agree on all points.

I did try a Digitech Bass Drive. Too sterile. I just didn't like it.
As I mentioned before, I bought the Bad Monkey, and right after that I got lucky on a Humphey Audio Badder Bass Monkey. I'll start a thread about it when I have time, but a stock Bad Monkey sounded better to me than the Digi Bass Drive.

The H.A. Badder Bass Monkey is the sheet, when it comes to bass overdrive. No, it's not a fuzz, but it is a killer overdrive up to distortion, depending on the gain level, of course.

None of the bottom end drops out at all after the Humphrey Mod, and you can dial in as much gain as you want without changing the volume. I play guitar, too, and the Badder is the closest thing to a modded tube screamer for bass you'll find, imho.

So, I'm set for now. I, too, like delay, etc, but I'm working in what I have for a while before I go further out.

So, MY BASS-IC PEDALBOARD IS: (no drum roll necessary)

Maxx Play Single Loop pedal + tuner/mute out
*Ibanez LU20 Tuner
Digitech Bass Synth Wah
Humphrey Audio Badder Bass Monkey
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus.
Johnson Powered Pedalboard

* I love this tuner! True bypass, much bigger readout than Boss, and only $40. Check it out.

Thanks to all. I'll post the differences between the stock BM & the HA Badder Monkey when I have time. I've A/B'd them side by side.

CD
P/S: The Badder Bass Monkey + the Digi BSW on sub-octave sounds phat when playing in the mids (above low C) to highs, especially middle E up.

 

[isher1992]

Thanks a lot Isher. I agree on all points.

I did try a Digitech Bass Drive. Too sterile. I just didn't like it.
As I mentioned before, I bought the Bad Monkey, and right after that I got lucky on a Humphey Audio Badder Bass Monkey. I'll start a thread about it when I have time, but a stock Bad Monkey sounded better to me than the Digi Bass Drive.

The H.A. Badder Bass Monkey is the sheet, when it comes to bass overdrive. No, it's not a fuzz, but it is a killer overdrive up to distortion, depending on the gain level, of course.

None of the bottom end drops out at all after the Humphrey Mod, and you can dial in as much gain as you want without changing the volume. I play guitar, too, and the Badder is the closest thing to a modded tube screamer for bass you'll find, imho.

So, I'm set for now. I, too, like delay, etc, but I'm working in what I have for a while before I go further out.

So, MY BASS-IC PEDALBOARD IS: (no drum roll necessary)

Maxx Play Single Loop pedal + tuner/mute out
*Ibanez LU20 Tuner
Digitech Bass Synth Wah
Humphrey Audio Badder Bass Monkey
Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus.
Johnson Powered Pedalboard

* I love this tuner! True bypass, much bigger readout than Boss, and only $40. Check it out.

Thanks to all. I'll post the differences between the stock BM & the HA Badder Monkey when I have time. I've A/B'd them side by side.

CD
P/S: The Badder Bass Monkey + the Digi BSW on sub-octave sounds phat when playing in the mids (above low C) to highs, especially middle E up.

I have the Synth Wah, on the 2nd setting, with a the middle 2 knobs set at 12 o clock and the first knob at 7 o' clock (0) And it sounds like a deep, sub octave/clean blended filter. It's nice for soloing, especially in covers I do like Stone Cold Bush.

But, what exactly do you use the looper for?

 

[clubdude]

"But, what exactly do you use the looper for?"

It's an effects loop pedal, to be clear. It has an out for tuner, and one send and one return for effects. It has two true bypass mechanical switches. One for tuner/mute, and one for effects loop. No electricity needed, except for LED's.

All three effects go into the effects loop on the pedal.
(you can get as many loops as you want. Some like chorus, delay, distortion, etc on separate loops, but I like it simple, plus my chorus is true bypass anyway. I could take it out if I wanted to.
The tuner has a separate out only. When I hit the tuner button, it mutes everything. Not only can I tune, but I can switch instruments, etc.

I can cut any combinaton of effects in and out with one stomp.
I can preset the ones I'm going to use in a passage before the song begins, then engage and disengage the ones chosen with one stomp.
When the effects are bypassed, it is true bypass, so no tone sucking, which the BSW does pretty badly, imo.
I can add any other effects without regard to how well their switches work or how well they bypass/suck tone when bypassed.

I hope that answers you question.
CD

 

[isher1992]

"But, what exactly do you use the looper for?"

It's an effects loop pedal, to be clear. It has an out for tuner, and one send and one return for effects. It has two true bypass mechanical switches. One for tuner/mute, and one for effects loop. No electricity needed, except for LED's.

All three effects go into the effects loop on the pedal.
(you can get as many loops as you want. Some like chorus, delay, distortion, etc on separate loops, but I like it simple, plus my chorus is true bypass anyway. I could take it out if I wanted to.
The tuner has a separate out only. When I hit the tuner button, it mutes everything. Not only can I tune, but I can switch instruments, etc.

I can cut any combinaton of effects in and out with one stomp.
I can preset the ones I'm going to use in a passage before the song begins, then engage and disengage the ones chosen with one stomp.
When the effects are bypassed, it is true bypass, so no tone sucking, which the BSW does pretty badly, imo.
I can add any other effects without regard to how well their switches work or how well they bypass/suck tone when bypassed.

I hope that answers you question.
CD

See, I never play with stuff like that. I like the frustrations of having to switch everything yourself for the song.

But okay, I thought it was gonna end up being something like a looped playback pedal or so, if you were soloing and wanted a layered solo (even if that's odd, it's possible...) and so I thought I'd ask before I said anything.

 

[clubdude]

It's cool, man. I try to be specific by saying it's a loop pedal, instead of a looper, but a lot of folks call it a looper.

It's essentially like your effects loop on your amp, except that it is a footswitch, and it comes before the preamp, instead of between the preamp and the power section, like on an amp.

Remember, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask!
You can read all about them here: AnT is the guy's name. He's great! Every pedal is a custom pedal, without the price.
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I have soloed on guitar with a vintage echoplex, which was cool. But I don't believe in a lot of bass solos. Just several short ones here and there. At a dance club or party, people get bored real fast by long solos. Different than concerts.

I'm out for the night. Take 'em easy.
CD

 

[isher1992]

It's cool, man. I try to be specific by saying it's a loop pedal, instead of a looper, but a lot of folks call it a looper.

It's essentially like your effects loop on your amp, except that it is a footswitch, and it comes before the preamp, instead of between the preamp and the power section, like on an amp.

Remember, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask!
You can read all about them here: AnT is the guy's name. He's great! Every pedal is a custom pedal, without the price.
Link Removed

I have soloed on guitar with a vintage echoplex, which was cool. But I don't believe in a lot of bass solos. Just several short ones here and there. At a dance club or party, people get bored real fast by long solos. Different than concerts.

I'm out for the night. Take 'em easy.
CD

Ah but you see, I play different kinds of stuff like Alternative and sometimes I kick back and let the drummer set the groove while I kick off a solo.

I love it when the rest of the band drops out but the drummer and the bassist jams along.