Need 8-string simulator (Octave-up blend, no fuzz)

[IntrepidCellist]

Any suggestions?

I've got a used Micro POG coming in, but I'm curious what else is out there. I was using a Line 6 M5 for a while, which worked reasonably well; however, it was just too big.

 

[Steve Dallman]

I use a Line 6 Variax 5 string which has good 8 string and 12 string models which I use a lot. When it was nearly destroyed in a car accident last year, I tried a LOT of octave up pedals and was never satisfied with the result. I tried 3 Boss boxes, a Behringer knockoff of the new Boss harmonizer, Zoom box, several rack effects...but they just didn't sound right. The octave up was a bit digital sounding, often sounded out of tune (even though a tuner showed it spot on). Usually it sounded like a Farfisa organ. I even tried a 300Hz highpass filter before the octave box, which works well for effects through a separate guitar amp (in addition to my regular bass amp.) This worked better, but not perfect.

I finally fixed my Variax and I'm a happy guy. I did not try the Pog or Micro POG, but I suspect it would be better, but the cost just to try one is prohibitive to me. I'll stick with my Variax...until I modify my Squier Pro Tone 5 (3/4" string spacing) into a 10 string.

 

[eddododo]

I find that the micro POG nails it if you blend it well, and if you make some clever choices with your bass's tone, it does a killer job

 

[Hevy T]

I just bought an 8 string. You can get an LTD or a Dean for under $500

 

[bkbirge]

I had a regular POG and I was hoping for what the original poster wants also, it didn't suit the job for me, definitely digital sounding, don't know if the micro is better. It was a very cool pedal but I haven't heard anything yet that does a real 8 string sound other than a real 8 string.

 

[sillyfabe]

I personally use a EHX HOG and have used a POG2 with great success. For me the key to my success was the filter on the octaves. I.E. my 8-string setting on my HOG is dry input at 9/10,+1 oct at 7/10 with freq at 4.5/10 and res at 5.5/10. This to me is so natural sounding that I don't even look at 8-strings anymore!

 

[IntrepidCellist]

I just bought an 8 string. You can get an LTD or a Dean for under $500

Not with my tendonitis I can't. Even with low action it's just too much string tension to play.

 

[winterburn69]

Hi.

I currently have an OC-2 and a BOD on the way here. Any suggestions on how I can tweak the controls to simulate an 8-string? Is an octave pedal simulating an 8-string close in sound to an actual 8-string?

I don't have an 8-string bass and don't really want one, I have enough GAS as it is and an 8-string seems like a waste of money as it'd probably only use it for a few songs

 

[DethByDoom]

So you're looking for a pedal with an octave up function? A ehx pog would do it.

 

[fraublugher]

Like it was said , you have to doctor your tone with grissle to mask the faux upper octave .[pog]
usually set my oct up around noonish , good luck

 

[winterburn69]

Does the MXR BOD do octave up? I just looked it up and google says the OC-2 does 1 octave down and then 2 octaves down.

Anything on the cheap end of the spectrum that does octave up? I believe the last time I looked at the EHX it was well over $200.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

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Not cheap but nothing I know of come close to the accuracy and versatility of it.