I don't use any effects. Am I missing something?

[Derelict78]

Almost all of the pedals "designed for bass" or "retaining low-end" do that with a clean-blend. Clean blend is kinda a lazy way around designing your circuit to retain low-end. I'm not a fan of clean-blended distortion. It's like playing a game of "just the tip".

Yeah and who needs a clean blend when you have a clean amp and a dirty amp. really dirty amp that little slut.

 

[FilterFunk]

Effects like anything else are only inappropriate when used inappropriately, same with anything else.

Perfectly said. If you're using effects in the wrong way or in the wrong context, effects aren't the problem. YOU are the problem.

 

[bluewine]

I'm a late-to-the game bassist (age 49) who is now in my second band and the first really serious band that's likely to play a variety of venues. (We play R&B and classic rock.)

Partly due to cost and laziness, but largely because I'm happy with my tone, I've avoided buying effects. I plug into my amp and go. Hell, I don't even have an inline tuner; I just use my clip-on. Is that unusual? Is there something wrong with me? Am I missing out?

As I said earlier, I'm happy with the tone I've been able to get with my fingers, strings, pickups and tone controls on bass and amp. I don't obsess about my tone beyond that, and I enjoy the simplicity of my setup. A big effects setup sure looks cool on stage, though.

If your doing rythem & blues effects are not that important. I am 58 and use to be a purist played with my fingers and no effects.

A few years ago I went to playing in Pop Rock Bands, now I use a pick and a ton of effects, I'm having a lot of fun.

 

[caeman]

I think an open mind is required when it comes to the many methods of music to which the bass guitar lends its sonic range. As it is, the preamp in each different brand amp does something different to one's bass. A GK doesn't sound like an SVT which doesn't sound like a MarkBass. I suppose if one is going to limit their sonic world -- effects bad! -- they might as well also declare that only one bass amp is the right for proper bass tone. The preamp is an effect, in my opinion, as it changes the tone from your bass, defining it in a new way.

I think they only true straight tone one could claim would be a passive bass plugged straight into a solid state power amp, with no EQ, no nothing.

 

[FilterFunk]

I think they only true straight tone one could claim would be a passive bass plugged straight into a solid state power amp, with no EQ, no nothing.

There you go. Everything you use colors your tone one way or another. As someone wrote in another thread IIRC, tone is in the fingers...and the bass...and the strings...and the pickups...and the cables...and the amp...and the room...

 

[jwr]

I like playing my bass like Dave Matthews plays his guitar. Right under my chin. Everyone knows this is where tone is truly located. The chin region that is. I hear the best tone comes from a full thick butt chin.

 

[behndy]

lulz Cleft Chin Resonator. best punkabilly band name EVERRRRRRR.

big ups to anybody with a sense of humor making the funny on this SILLY ASS THREAD.

 

[JimmyM]

lulz Cleft Chin Resonator. best punkabilly band name EVERRRRRRR.

big ups to anybody with a sense of humor making the funny on this SILLY ASS THREAD.

i just want to yell at people who come to the effects forum and say how proud they are that they don't use effects. like anyone gives a crap. if they want to impress me, they can buy me lunch.

 

[behndy]

exACTLY. seriously. go blow.

Teh Interwebs have introduced so many new and beautiful flavors of douchiness. woo!

 

[HeadyVan Halen]

Hell, I can't even get my guitar player to use effects..any effects...ever..not even a Tube Screamer :scowl:

 

[SLIV]

if they want to impress me, they can buy me lunch.

This is why you kick butt, JimmyM. Love it.