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Is distortion normal for live performances?

#2
It doesn't help cut through the mix. If anything, it may sound muddy. It is really a matter of personal taste. Personally, I like a clean, fat, punchy tone. I hate effects or distortion on bass. I know others disagree and that's fine but to me, bass is a critical support instrument. If you want to use distortion, phasers, tremolo, 6,7 8 string basses, do us all a favor and just play guitar.
 
#3
Rockmusician said:
It doesn't help cut through the mix. If anything, it may sound muddy. It is really a matter of personal taste. Personally, I like a clean, fat, punchy tone. I hate effects or distortion on bass. I know others disagree and that's fine but to me, bass is a critical support instrument. If you want to use distortion, phasers, tremolo, 6,7 8 string basses, do us all a favor and just play guitar.
Click to expand...

That is exactly how I thought. I was listening though, and his bass has a nice clear growl. I didn't expect there to be any affects.
 
#4
ZOMGEFFECTSAREFORGUITARDSONLY.

As to the OP. I tried to watch the vid but I think the length and file size of the vid is playing havoc with my computer.

For Jazz Guys you'll likely find that Distortion is not the norm. Rock and Roll in general and Metal and hardcore and more aggressive genres specifically,...distortion will probably be more prevalent.

As far as specific pedal suggestions,...oh man,..the world is your oyster. Not having heard the tone you are talking about (visa vi the vid you linked) I cannot comment specifically on what will get you the sound,...but it could be anything from a Cranked Tube Bass amp to a mainstream overdrive pedal like the BOSS ODB-1 or an Ibanez TS-9 Tubescreamer to some sort of fuzz pedal.

What I can suggest is you do some research (see that little search bar up there?) and see what's out there. The current od/disto pedal du jour seems to be the Darkglass B3k.

If you go out and start trying out pedals,...try everything you can get your hands on and base you decision on something that sounds good while preserving low end.

Lastly,...I think it's important to have a solid rig and good clean tone before you can start assaulting with OD/Distortion/Fuzz.
 
#8
Rockmusician said:
I hate effects or distortion on bass. I know others disagree and that's fine but to me, bass is a critical support instrument. If you want to use distortion, phasers, tremolo, 6,7 8 string basses, do us all a favor and just play guitar.
Click to expand...

So you're posting in the effects forum why? And who are the "us" you're speaking for?
 
#10
warwick.hoy said:
ZOMGEFFECTSAREFORGUITARDSONLY.

As to the OP. I tried to watch the vid but I think the length and file size of the vid is playing havoc with my computer.

For Jazz Guys you'll likely find that Distortion is not the norm. Rock and Roll in general and Metal and hardcore and more aggressive genres specifically,...distortion will probably be more prevalent.

As far as specific pedal suggestions,...oh man,..the world is your oyster. Not having heard the tone you are talking about (visa vi the vid you linked) I cannot comment specifically on what will get you the sound,...but it could be anything from a Cranked Tube Bass amp to a mainstream overdrive pedal like the BOSS ODB-1 or an Ibanez TS-9 Tubescreamer to some sort of fuzz pedal.

What I can suggest is you do some research (see that little search bar up there?) and see what's out there. The current od/disto pedal du jour seems to be the Darkglass B3k.

If you go out and start trying out pedals,...try everything you can get your hands on and base you decision on something that sounds good while preserving low end.

Lastly,...I think it's important to have a solid rig and good clean tone before you can start assaulting with OD/Distortion/Fuzz.
Click to expand...

O ya, my rig will be able to play clean enough. I just never really got into effects, but that bass tone sounds real nice in the band and with the distortion by itself. I don't know which pedal would sound best like that either.
 
#11
SwagAttack said:
I was watching a live vid AUGUST BURNS RED LIVE COMPLETELY CONCERT IN GOOD QUALITY - YouTube, and at 8:25 you here the bassist playing a couple notes during a break, and it has some distortion. Does it help cut through mix?

If so, what is the best kind of effect pedal to get that sound? I have a Behringer rack effect, but it isn't that great. I would like something that gives a better quality sound out of it.
Click to expand...

Distortion does not help cut through the mix ... but it does add character to the sound.
 
#14
Rockmusician said:
It doesn't help cut through the mix. If anything, it may sound muddy. It is really a matter of personal taste. Personally, I like a clean, fat, punchy tone. I hate effects or distortion on bass. I know others disagree and that's fine but to me, bass is a critical support instrument. If you want to use distortion, phasers, tremolo, 6,7 8 string basses, do us all a favor and just play guitar.
Click to expand...

Please immediatly leave the Effects forum. "bass is a support instrument" haha
 
#17

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