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Looking for OD pedal to add to VMT

taylor16

taylor16

Dec 25, 2012
1,829
1,742
Sedona, AZ
#1
My band does a mix of covers and some originals. As such, the covers range from Zeppelin to 90s grunge. My ideal "dream" tone is Helmet's "Unsung". I currently have a Darkglass VMT pedal which I really like but would like an add-on pedal to those songs where I need extra break up and grit. I currently have a great "mild" version of this with the VMT but want something to add to really put those Helmet, Tool, Filter songs into another level.

I really am avoiding purchasing an SVT or V4B amp as I already have a TH500 which I have invested in an otherwise is a great amp.

Any suggestions? B3K? VT bass? Barbershop?
 
#4
taylor16 said:
Any suggestions? B3K? VT bass? Barbershop?
Click to expand...

I would stick with something that really emphasizes the highs and high mids to fill out what is lacking in the VMT for those tunes. That would mean the above suggestions for the B3K, which would also work as a standalone. A slightly left field suggestion is the Wren & Cuff Mercy Phuk. It doesn't do so great on bass by itself, but paired with a VMT it's one of the best grindy bass tones I've gotten. It really complemented the VMT when I had the two together.

You may also find an OCD-based (Joyo Ultimate Drive) or tubescreamer-based (Hardwire CM-2) circuit works well for that, and for much less money. Both would give the grind to the VMT, and the VMT would help beef their low end.
 
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#6
B3K would be fantastic because it has the same basic voice as the VMT but picks up roughly where the VMT stops as far as gain and drive. They are a great pair. Add something super low gain like a Fairfield Barbershop or SolidGold Beta and you've got the trifecta of overdrive!
 
#9
I've found that feeding the VMT with medium gain into the B3K with light gain works really great when it comes to play that Henry Bogdan tone (both with blend at 40-50 percent, depending on your bass' output). I totally agree with Bongo about the frequencies they work with. With the VMT you get that gritty-middy character, and then, when it goes through the B3K, it gets that tight sound, giving you definition and sculpting your tone. Well, using an L2K always helps.
 
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#12
I had an L2k for a short minute. It was an awesome bass except for the Indonesian quality control. I will have another one one day. Only this time I will get a USA.

As far as OD goes. I really love my Mesa Bottle Rocket. I will be replacing it with a Meatsmoke soon hopefully.
 
#13
taylor16 said:
Went with the VT bass DI and Fairfield Accountant compressor. Really want that Ampeg sound without having to sell my Aguilar TH500 and DB 410 :)
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I sold my TH500 last week along with a few other pedals and such I had acquired trying get more of that Ampeg sound. Just played with the band using my new v4b / svt212av and I couldn't be happier. Nothing sounds like the real deal once you've played through one.
 
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