I want some umph when I dig in

[scottfeldstein]

You might want to investigate how you are attacking the string. What you are after CAN be achieved with technique! If I can do it you can do it! Unfortunately everybody's hands are different so how I do it may not "work" for you. What I do is hit the string in more of a downward thwack for instance like how Geddy Lee plays vs a more traditional plucking motion. Adds a whole new level of "grit" to the tone without touching a knob or buying anything new.

I think that's true to a certain extent. There's a lot of guys who set up their basses with pretty low action and have just this kind of right hand attack. The added fret/string noise really gives it some natural grittiness. I like it.

I don't think it entirely obviates the need for an OD pedal, but it's certainly another tool in the kit.

 

[SteveC]

Going to look into the Zoom B3. Looks like an awesome unit.

 

[Happynoj]

What bass are you using?

 

[SteveC]

What bass are you using?

I have a stock Geddy Lee Jazz.

 

[Floyd Eye]

I like a clean tone mostly. I use a Genz Benz FET head. For the most party it's great. However, there are times when I'd like my sound to not distort or overdrive but just get a little nasty when I'm really digging in and playing hard - like the chorus of a song.

I have a friends Sansamp BDDI that I'm going to experiment with. I figured theft tube was a good place to start. Any suggestions?

Most good OD respond to picking/plucking dynamics. My EBS MultiDrive does. So does my TAFM.

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

Going to look into the Zoom B3. Looks like an awesome unit.

Meh. Multi-effects are known for having a couple good sounds on 'em, but a LOT of bad sounds as well. I'd recommend a multi if you had no idea what you were looking for and just wanted to play with sounds. As you know what you're looking for (or at least can ballpark it), i'd suggest you pass on the Zoom.

 

[runmikeyrun]

The valvecaster will definitely warm things up and give you a little bite, if you want it.