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Is Boss GEB-7 enough?

#21
I actually do what's been suggested above with a little variation. I run stereo out of my pedalboard. One goes into my VT bass as my pre into the the effect loop return. This gives me the majority of my "character". The second goes into the front of the actual amp, but I eq every thing but lows. From there, I just blend the two, bringing in the amp's pre for additional low end of really needed.

I own the GEB-7 too. Nice pedal for sculpting an already, semi-usable sound, but I don't see it as an ultimate solution for a staple sound. The VT would be a much better bet.
 
#22
I'm surprised that the Radial Bassbone has not been mentioned; I find it indespensible...a 'Swiss Army Knife' of tone shaping, plus a few other useful features in a small package. The Eden pedal preamp looks interesting, but I've not tried it. If you're you're looking for a particular tone style, check out all of the Tech 21 character pedals, even the 'guitar' models. As fantastic as the VT's are, the Leeds(Hiwatt)and Oxford(Orange)might be to your taste.
 
#23
McGillian, how much have you actually tried to use the GEB-7?

You'll find lots of people on TB don't like Boss products for one reason or another. Some people don't like Boss just because it seems to be cool NOT to like Boss.

You already own the GEB-7. There is alot of advice in here suggesting you spend MORE money in search of tone. Lots of people tossing up their favorite pedals as a suggestion. My suggestion is learn about EQ'ing and start experimenting with your Boss pedal and see what it can get you. I have a GEB-7 that I use onstage regularly. I find that with some practice using it, it can really help you shape your sound. As with all EQ'ing a little goes a long way; meaning that you don't need to make drastic changes on the EQ pedal to get good tone. Small, subtle adjustments are usually best to start with.

When you're at home, though, just get in there and start boosting and cutting until you get a feel for what the pedal can do for you. I would suggest that you figure out what it is about your tone that you DON'T like and start by cutting those frequencies a bit--but--since you are struggling with different amps all the time, that won't really work for you.

You need to learn what the pedal can do (and what it can't do) and then when you meet a new amp, you'll at least have an idea of what the GEB-7 can do to help you shape a tone that's decent. I'd recommend doing that BEFORE you run off with your bag of money to start buying all the gear these pedal nuts are suggesting. Learn to use what you have. The GEB-7 isn't bad, it's a decent bass EQ pedal for the price. Don't give up on it yet. Take some time to get to know it.

P.S. Keep in mind that if you are forced to use different amps all the time, be realistic about your expectations. You probably aren't going to be able to recreate YOUR tone on each different amp. If you can get a good, usable tone that's great. If you can get a tone that resembles YOUR tone, that's even better. You may have to be satisfied with just getting a "decent" tone with some of those amps.
 
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#24
Yes, you're right, I should try harder to learn how to profit the GEB-7, it seems to be a very useable device.

But, as said before, I play just for hobby, with no big expectations, maybe a gig here and some recording there... When I was younger and gigged frequently, I had to get used to great tones and also to fight horrible ones, and it was just part of it.

Now my view is quite different and I wish I could really enjoy every rehearsal, which is not happening because of this sounding problem.
 
#26
McGillian said:
Yes, you're right, I should try harder to learn how to profit the GEB-7, it seems to be a very useable device.

But, as said before, I play just for hobby, with no big expectations, maybe a gig here and some recording there... When I was younger and gigged frequently, I had to get used to great tones and also to fight horrible ones, and it was just part of it.

Now my view is quite different and I wish I could really enjoy every rehearsal, which is not happening because of this sounding problem.
Click to expand...
I think that in order to know what kind of effects you may need (if any at all), you have to first decide what "your tone" sounds like. What is it that you hear in your head that you want to duplicate with your gear?
 

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