How many effects/pedals should I get?

[cassanova]

Wait guys there seems to be a bit of confusion, I have two basses and an amp, with no effects. I'm wondering if I should get effects or this fretless.

If you're happy with both your basses tone and playability and your amps tone then go with the effects.

Here are a few links to some good effects should you go that route:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boss-GT-6B-Bass-Effects-Processor-AS-NEW-GT6B-GT-6B_W0QQitemZ120432741389QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item1c0a59cc0d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/BOSS-ME-50B-BASS-MULTI-EFFECTS-PEDAL-WITH-A-C-CORD_W0QQitemZ260427084724QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item3ca2a9f3b4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boss-ME-8B-Bass-Multiple-Effects-processor_W0QQitemZ260423704374QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item3ca2765f36&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

 

[SteveC]

Not even for fun?

Well, I guess I have always had a reason for buying something - I suppose fun could be a reason.

I disagree. There are many things that I have purchased plenty of things that weren't necesity but opened me up to further exploration.

I'm not denying that - but I think the question was worded in a way that implied a certain randomness to his purchases.

How did you end up buying your first bass?

I was using a school bass and NEEDED one of my own.

 

[Patrol42]

boss tu-2, you'll sound bad if you're out of tune.

 

[Wasted Bassist]

get a tuner, you'll sound bad if you're out of tune.

Fixed. And +1 to rocking in tune.

 

[SteveC]

boss tu-2, you'll sound bad if you're out of tune.

The one pedal I can't seem to get rid of...unless I go to a Pod X3.

 

[TOOL460002]

boss tu-2, you'll sound bad if you're out of tune.

im sorry, but i have heard that suggestion so many times. is there anyone in this forum that actually plays out of tune? please speak up, or form a club for bassists that dont know how to tune by ear, or who do not own, or know how to operate a tuner.

i have made my fair share of smart-a*s remarks, and maybe im just not in a great mood, but cease and desist. that dead horse cant be beat that much more.

 

[Wasted Bassist]

im sorry, but i have heard that suggestion so many times. is there anyone in this forum that actually plays out of tune? please speak up, or form a club for bassists that dont know how to tune by ear, or who do not own, or know how to operate a tuner.

i have made my fair share of smart-a*s remarks, and maybe im just not in a great mood, but cease and desist. that dead horse cant be beat that much more.

I currently use a handheld tuner that I set on top of my amp. A while back my band did a show where we only had one tuner. There was a lot of tossing that thing around during breaks. I'd suggest not trying this... ever... ever...

 

[TOOL460002]

A while back my band did a show where we only had one tuner. There was a lot of tossing that thing around during breaks. I'd suggest not trying this... ever...

my point was not that everyone needs a tuner (even though every guitarist i have EVER, EVER played with tuned off me), but that he explained he already owns two basses, and a legit amp, therefore he probably has a tuner of some sort.

i have a pedal tuner (korg pitch black) and a rack tuner (furman), and the furman is so much better than the korg. i really dont think thats a matter of opinion. my past (and kind of current) anger is directed towards the "fx r badz" trollers who insist on posting garbage on threads posted by people who are interested in pursuing that route.

cool, get a tuner. get one first, or second. a metronome is pretty cool too. anyone who is all about tuners in an effects forum should not be reading or posting in here.

THAT is my issue.

 

[jufros]

I don't think there's a real answer to the question.

My take on it would be that you should by a pedal if...
-you NEED one (tuner, DI, etc.)
-you have an idea of what type of sound you're trying to accomplish and you feel like you can dedicate a good amount of time to realizing it
-if you have a clear notion of the above, then research types of effects first (flanger, OD, distortion, phaser, etc.) and determine what kind of equipment you're going to need to accomplish your goals
-once you have this figured out, research brands and models as extensively as you can. what distinguishes different models from each other? figure out which features you need. figure out if you want analog or digital and know the differences and advantages/disadvantages of each. do you need overdrive, distortion, fuzz, or all 3? do you need analog or digital delay? which sounds better to YOU? do you need a phaser or a flanger? do you need an analog phaser or would you rather have the flexibility of digital?
-do not be suckered by marketing, buy used, be informed, be thoughtful, ask questions

 

[aguilarchris]

The best way to answer that question is with this question- what do you want to accomplish with your sound? A fretless is great, but effects can be fun. If you are looking to stand out on solo's etc than effects are great. A fretless as somebody said earlier increase the skill and ability of your left hand if you are a righty. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jewbass]

If you're happy with both your basses tone and playability and your amps tone then go with the effects.

Here are a few links to some good effects should you go that route:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boss-GT-6B-Bass-Effects-Processor-AS-NEW-GT6B-GT-6B_W0QQitemZ120432741389QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item1c0a59cc0d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/BOSS-ME-50B-BASS-MULTI-EFFECTS-PEDAL-WITH-A-C-CORD_W0QQitemZ260427084724QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item3ca2a9f3b4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boss-ME-8B-Bass-Multiple-Effects-processor_W0QQitemZ260423704374QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar_Accessories?hash=item3ca2765f36&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

Wow, ok so i checked out all of those, and damn, they sound great. I'm just wondering about the price, are they all extraordinarily expensive new, or are they affordable? Should I just go used?

 

[Thunderscreech]

Get them all.

 

[Jewbass]

Ok, well which one should i look into first? I'm thinking me-50B, it's amazing.

 

[iualum]

Solid bass. Solid amp. That's first. Then you get pedals when and IF the situation demands it. There is no answer to how many pedals should I get. For one player it's 0, for another it's 30.

...or 85...

 

[Jewbass]

...or 85...

Hehe...

 

[TheMutt]

If this is your first venture into effects, a multi effect like a BOSS ME-20B or ME-50B, Digitech BP 50/80/200 or BNX 3, or a Zoom B2.1u might be in order. It's a great way to get your feet wet and find out what you like. I have a Digitech GNX 4 that I use for guitar, and I still love how versatile it is.

As for fretless bass, I can see the draw towards getting one (I've got mjor GAS for one myself). But as far as fretless bass vs effects, I can't help you there. That's something you need to weight the options on.