I need some more growl

[jaybones]

I'm thinking a little overdrive or fuzz will further enhance my sound. Right now I've got a j copy and a Peavey TKO 115.

Might want a single pedal (fuzz or drive) or a multi unit.

So, what would you all recomend?

 

[bassbrad]

You will get lots of opinions from cheap to astronomically expensive boutique. Being frugal me likes some cheap pedals like a Joyo American Sound, California Sound or Ultimate Drive. You might also do well with a Zoom Ms60B or B3 to offer many drive options and more effects than you may (n)ever need.

 

[Frenchy-Lefty]

The term growl can be vague sometimes but if it was me (and it used to me as I started playing bass 25 yrs ago with a Jazz Bass copy and a Peavey TKO115 like you), I'd start by getting a better amp before looking into getting some effects.
Effects are like the cherry on the cake, you start by getting a nice cake, then you put the cherry on top.

 

[anavar]

growl - Boss bb1x, amazing little unit
fuzz - Darkglass duality

 

[SGT. BAKER]

I'm thinking a little overdrive or fuzz will further enhance my sound. Right now I've got a j copy and a Peavey TKO 115.

Might want a single pedal (fuzz or drive) or a multi unit.

So, what would you all recomend?

How are you equalizing your amp?

 

[socialleper]

There can be a big difference between the two. OD tends to leave more of your signal intact while fuzz can smoother your bass' tone completely, depending on the model. If you want a fuzz that can be subtle, definitely look at one with a blend like the MXR or Team Awesome Fuzz Machine.
For a low to medium OD that is inexpensive and has a lot of options, I like the Way Huge Pork Loin. For a more mid to high gain an OCD or a clone of one is pretty good.The Darkglass stuff has its moments if you like something that is more scooped and have $200 in your pocket.

 

[bcoomes]

The term growl can be vague sometimes but if it was me (and it used to me as I started playing bass 25 yrs ago with a Jazz Bass copy and a Peavey TKO115 like you), I'd start by getting a better amp before looking into getting some effects.
Effects are like the cherry on the cake, you start by getting a nice cake, then you put the cherry on top.

Yep. You can have great effects, but the foundation of your tone comes from you, your bass, and your amp. Gallien Krueger heads (for example, I have a GK 1001rb) are pretty synonymous with "growl", so that's an option. But, if a new amp isn't an option, I'd probably go with an Aguilar Agro or OCD. You could get either used for under $100 (Agros pop up in the classifieds all the time). Or you could go with a Joyo Ultimate Drive - super cheap OCD clone. Good luck!

P.S. Bump those mids!

 

[Lebowsky]

ss/bs mini

you'll also get the classic Barbershop and Blueberry answers

 

[OOD]

Lower your action.

 

[Bass Growler]

Get a P bass.

 

[OOD]

Get a P bass.

When someone says growl I think of a Jazz. I guess everyone's internal growl sound is different.

 

[dinoadventures]

I usually use my JohnK Transboost when I need some more wool on my tone when playing my P/J with tapewounds, but if I need actual growl I'll use my Stingray instead.

 

[Hypocrite]

Flats with tort pickguard.

 

[ThatLowEnd]

Try LA Bella Tape Wound strings and a BETA OD. Growl for days and not super expensive.

 

[Bass Growler]

When someone says growl I think of a Jazz. I guess everyone's internal growl sound is different.

When I tink of jazz bass, I think scooped mids, which is opposite of growl ie. Midrange bark.

 

[OOD]

When I tink of jazz bass, I think scooped mids, which is opposite of growl ie. Midrange bark.

Cool, I'm glad that works for you.

 

[wmhill]

Try a Digitech bass driver. it has settings from subtle tube grind, right up to full on fuzz. You can usually find em used for under $50

 

[Dr3thepooner]

Jazz bass bridge pickup and GK driven head = Growl.

 

[Dr3thepooner]

When I tink of jazz bass, I think scooped mids, which is opposite of growl ie. Midrange bark.

First you say - scooped mids... and then say mid-range bark.
I dont get it...

But Jazz can be growly as hell... Take Geddy's tone, not sure what you are talking about. Its anything but scooped mids.

 

[superheavydeathmetal]

What about using a band-pass filter to run the higher frequencies into an overdrive pedal and keep the low end clean. This will add some nice aggression while retaining clarity by avoiding the booming mud of distorting the low frequencies. It works for me!