How many pedals do you use on a job?

[Deepsouthshore]

This is my kitchen sink board....

 

[sears]

Either zero or four which would always be on. Plus a tuner.

 

[Bobo]

This is my kitchen sink board....

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Wowzer!

 

[david osborn]

 

[groovaholic]

I play in a roots/R&B/funk band, and have 9 pedals on my board, that all get used at some point in a show:

1. Wah
2. Boost
3. Low gain overdrive
4. Mid gain overdrive
5. Reverb
6. Delay
7. Boost/EQ
8. Compressor
9. Tuner

The compressor is the only one that’s on for the whole show...

 

[Samatza]

Not that I’m against using pedals but I usually go straight into the amp, I will sometimes use a chorus on my fretless.

 

[smogg]

Currently four total. 2 utility & 2 fx. Boss TU-2 tuner, Boss LS-2 set up as clean blend for Joyo ultimate drive then into EHX bass clone. I use the DI off the amp when needed and amp has a one knob compressor which is set barely on. I plan to add an additional dirt pedal and a delay at some point.

 

[NKBassman]

Tuner, Compressor, Drive of some sort, and usually a preamp-type pedal of some sort. Lately I've been liking having an Octave on some gigs too.

 

[BioWeapon]

Used to have an always on compressor, but typically I'll use either of my distortion/OD pedals more than once a set with my originals band. Otherwise, I could get by without pedals!

 

[Scott Lynch]

I just put together a small board again recently after a ‘no pedal’ period:

Comp, octave, drive, filter, tuner. The comp is an always on sound for me when playing dance sets, and I use the rest sparingly as they are needed, maybe 10 - 15% of their time, if that. I also have a small switcher pedal on my board to select between the clean and drive channels on my Magellan 800.

 

[J-Mags]

I use 4: Keeley Bassist & Darkglass Vintage Microtubes are always on (I set the drive low on the Microtubes). Boss Flanger and DOD Rubberneck delay are used sparingly as special effects (i.e. heavy-handed when they're on, which isn't often). I like to focus my sound a bit and add some color here and there. I can easily get by with none.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Mostly a tuner, a compressor and a DI. Also have a HX Stomp as a kitchen sink pedal that can cover just about anything imaginable. It's like bringing along another 30 pedals that you'll use for one song.

 

[Blenin]

Just a compressor for me

 

[BurningSkies]

In an average set (let's say 60-90 minutes). I'll use all of these except one. I do use that 'one' on occasion too, depending on song choice and arrangement we choose.

 

[Meaculpa]

In my top 40 cover band I regularly use compressor (always on), chorus (cure songs), OD, and auto wah (fly away).
I use the B3n, so technically one pedal?

Yes! Same here... technically one pedal.. Boss gt1b!

 

[AngelCrusher]

I believe in buying a basic 14 inch single rack pedalboard and just adjusting for the situation. I only do original music so thats something to consider. But I've never needed a huge fx rack for anything. I do like having a nice little pedal collection so i can choose what goes on the board.

 

[fishdreams]

If I bring pedals it's this (plus volume pedal) making a total of 8.

 

[Mike Sorr]

Occasionally a chorus and reverb, especially on fretless stuff. I just picked up a used Zoom B3 and while over 90% of the presets are completely useless, it does have a few gorgeous patches for reverb and chorus which almost makes it worth the price. I use a Sansamp as a preamp for some added tone shaping. I think Mike Leage sums up effects pretty well here...

 

[Dynomuttasaurus]

Zero if we are sharing a rig for quick band changes.

If we are playing a 4 hour bar gig, then I bring a pedal board. Have 2 always on for mild signal shaping and a couple others for going over the top during solos. Compression (always on), Wah, 2 Overdrives, Boost, DG B7K (always on).

 

[mrcbass]

Including Compressor and HPF, 5 (no option to cast vote for)

 

[Jakeman]

This many. I went 20 years bass -> amp, using effects pedals at home for my own entertainment. Until a band member (singer/songwriter) showed up to my house and asked what I can do with these things. Now I'm required by most of the bands I play with to bring the board. I'm lucky to have such supportive and open-minded musicians to work with.

However, I gotta say - that 20 years spent with just bass -> amp were indispensable as far as musical growth goes. I needed to learn the in's and out's of just the basic instrument before I could venture off into effect-world and utilize pedals for more than fun noise-making. Bass comes first. Always.