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- Compressor
- Preamp w/ some sort of EQ
- DI
Everything else is gravy:
- Distortion/fuzz/overdrive
- Phaser
- Chorus
- Delay
- Octave
- Whatever crazy sounding s*!+ that make you happy
Tuner - check KORG Pitchblack
Compressor - check Keeley Bassist and Super Symmetry on the way
Preamp with EQ - check Darkglass VMTD
Gravy - check EBS UniChorus
Thinking about - Wonderlove, B3K
Dan K
Subdecay Prometheus DLX
Empress Tape Delay
Empress Nebulus
Empress Phaser
Chunk System Octavius Squeezer
Digitech Bass Whammy
Moog MuRF
Sansamp BDDI
Malekko B:Assmaster
ZVex Machine
Iron Ether Franta Bit
You know, just the bare essentials.
Empress Tape Delay
Empress Nebulus
Empress Phaser
Chunk System Octavius Squeezer
Digitech Bass Whammy
Moog MuRF
Sansamp BDDI
Malekko B:Assmaster
ZVex Machine
Iron Ether Franta Bit
You know, just the bare essentials.
Only one I think is absolutely necessary in this day and age (and for some it's still not necessary) is a mild-medium overdrive of some sort.
Tuner w/mute is probably the only mandatory pedal. Not trolling.
Depending on what else you play, OD would be the next, then maybe something with an eq. Some will need reverb/echo/delay or wah/envelope.
For actual pedals everyone should at least try...B7k, or b3k for the more budget minded.
Depending on what else you play, OD would be the next, then maybe something with an eq. Some will need reverb/echo/delay or wah/envelope.
For actual pedals everyone should at least try...B7k, or b3k for the more budget minded.
I feel like I can't be without compressor, tuner, fuzz and modulation - I like univibes and phasers more than chorus and flangers myself
...But lately with the stuff I've been playing, I find I don't need an envelope filter except for goofing off, and I am realizing that an octave pedal, which previously I was baffled by the prevalence of (we're already playing low!), really adds a new tone that I enjoy, especially for synthy parts. Course, I also find that having overdrive is sometimes way more useful than not, while fuzz is getting to be more about goofing around as well.
...But lately with the stuff I've been playing, I find I don't need an envelope filter except for goofing off, and I am realizing that an octave pedal, which previously I was baffled by the prevalence of (we're already playing low!), really adds a new tone that I enjoy, especially for synthy parts. Course, I also find that having overdrive is sometimes way more useful than not, while fuzz is getting to be more about goofing around as well.
The only ESSENTIAL pedal is a tuner. But I would say that for actual effects...
- DI + dirt pedal. MXR M-80, Aguilar Tone Hammer, Darkglass, VT Bass, et al. Too many to list, pick one that works for you.
- Something to fill space, such as an octave pedal and/or modulation, like a chorus or delay.
- A good compressor. Check bongomania's site.
Beyond that, it's really up to you and whatever your group has on its set list.
- DI + dirt pedal. MXR M-80, Aguilar Tone Hammer, Darkglass, VT Bass, et al. Too many to list, pick one that works for you.
- Something to fill space, such as an octave pedal and/or modulation, like a chorus or delay.
- A good compressor. Check bongomania's site.
Beyond that, it's really up to you and whatever your group has on its set list.
I'm really missing the boat I guess.
The only thing between my bass and amp is a cord or three, a tuner, and a JDI.
The only thing between my bass and amp is a cord or three, a tuner, and a JDI.
Sure. Without a killer distortion box (I believe it to be a Rat or Rat derivative), you can't get this sound:
I'm not an argumentative sort of fellow,
...but I usually play a 1977 Gen 2 Sunn Model T into a GK 412.
Are you sure I can't get the sounds I want ?
...but I usually play a 1977 Gen 2 Sunn Model T into a GK 412.
Are you sure I can't get the sounds I want ?
You may want to review this sticky:
'no effects' trolling in the Effects forum
I'll quote the relevant information from it here.
As for the OP, can you elaborate on what "expanding" your sound means to you? That could mean anything from using a compressor to an overdrive to a chorus pedal to an octaver to a reverb...etc etc etc.
It depends on what direction you want to go when you say you want to expand your sound. Maybe you can give some examples of sounds/songs you want to create, that would make it easier to advise.
I have a big pedalboard but consider my effects as "spice" that can add a different flavour where it fits the song. None of the effects are crucial but can add something interesting in the right place.
Almost must-haves to me are tuner, compressor, EQ and DI - i.e utilities rather than outright effects. Often used effects are overdrive, phaser and chorus, applied in small to moderate amounts. Several other effects like envelope filter and octaver are used in maybe just one or two songs, but add something characteristic that would be missed or at least make the song more bland if not there.
Work from examples of what you want to achieve, get effects if and when they add something to a song.
I have a big pedalboard but consider my effects as "spice" that can add a different flavour where it fits the song. None of the effects are crucial but can add something interesting in the right place.
Almost must-haves to me are tuner, compressor, EQ and DI - i.e utilities rather than outright effects. Often used effects are overdrive, phaser and chorus, applied in small to moderate amounts. Several other effects like envelope filter and octaver are used in maybe just one or two songs, but add something characteristic that would be missed or at least make the song more bland if not there.
Work from examples of what you want to achieve, get effects if and when they add something to a song.
Man, I've been really loving my Malekko Ekko 616 mkII.. I got it for $90. It has a sort of chorus/flanger modulation built in that can be used solo, and the delay on it is sooooo cool. It really lets me open up my playing, especially on ambient, musical space filling parts. Mostly, I love playing tenths on my fretless p bass with it.
That's my new baby.. using an envelope filter (3leaf groove regulator 2), octave (DOD Meatsmoke RI), and distortion/fuzz (MXR M85), I can lay down some funky synthy lines.
The fairfield accountant compressor is really nice to bring out some overtones on the fretless, as well.
That's my new baby.. using an envelope filter (3leaf groove regulator 2), octave (DOD Meatsmoke RI), and distortion/fuzz (MXR M85), I can lay down some funky synthy lines.
The fairfield accountant compressor is really nice to bring out some overtones on the fretless, as well.
