Need a Pedal...have no idea what kind

[jlerner]

TB'ers:

I play pretty straight ahead, jazz and Brazilian mostly. In the Brazilian band we've started to get into some funk'esque tunes, and so I've started to do some slapping and pulling. I think I need an effects pedal, to kind of soften the sound.

Obviously I don't know where to start even asking. Obviously I should just go to a store and try some stuff out. But, again, I obviously don't even know where to start.

Any advice for this very vague question?

Thanks!

 

[Seb Peters]

Envelope filter - It'll be a damn good investment! I love 'em, really nice sounds on the higher end models!

 

[5stringwonder]

Second a filter. Always useful if you are playing funky stuff...

 

[JetBlackJazz]

comp

 

[xed]

When you say soften the sound do you mean that when you go from finger style to slap pop it is too loud? If so then you are looking for a limiter (or possibly a compressor). Www.ovnilab.com. Read the faq etc then dive in.

 

[GroovyQ]

When you say soften the sound do you mean that when you go from finger style to slap pop it is too loud? If so then you are looking for a limiter (or possibly a compressor). Www.ovnilab.com. Read the faq etc then dive in.

+1

 

[parmezans]

When you say soften the sound do you mean that when you go from finger style to slap pop it is too loud? If so then you are looking for a limiter (or possibly a compressor). Compressor Reviews. Read the faq etc then dive in.

+1

If that's not what you're thinking, then a chorus would soften the general feel of the sound, but not actually balance the volume.
Don't buy an envelope filter for Brazilian music please.

 

[Ironderby]

EQ. If like me, you don't feel the need for effects, buy a MXR M109 equaliser pedal for just boosting the colour of your tone, it sharpens and enhances your kids well, especially for the diddy home practice amps that don't have a very good EQ

 

[BassDbler]

Sounds like you want a compressor to me. There are a lot of factors that go in to a decent compressor... I'd check out the Lime Aid from JHS, personally.

EQ is another option, as you might want to scoop the mids for slapping. The Boss bass one is good.

Envelope it a standard bearer for funk stuff. Mutron and Electro-harmonix are my top choices.

 

[Pollinator95]

enhances your kids

Sounds illegal to me.
But I'd say a compressor would fit you well.

 

[JehuJava]

I'm not seeing how a compressor or a limiter is going to soften the sound. Without knowing what the OP means by softening the sound, I'm led to believe he means his sound is now harsher and metallic...which I can see happening playing slap. If this IS the case EQ or possibly a preamp pedal would be my recommendation. This would allow the OP to adjust his tone on the fly. If the OP meant his dynamics are now all over the place, as in his pops are way louder than his thumps, then a compressor would be a good choice. Now, if the OP in fact meant he is slapping but his sound is not dripping with enough grease to make all the bootyliscious girls's hot pants slide off, then we need to start talking about filters and other things.

Slap doesn't automatically mean compressor.

 

[BassDbler]

I read soften as 'smooth' or 'even out' - which means compressor. If it is timbre, then yes EQ a better place to start.

Honestly, the best option is playing technique. I think we're all just trying to answer the question that was asked from our own knowledge and experience.