Ok - I Searched, I really did, here as well as using Google and on YouTube, and I can find zero about the new Fender pedals on bass. Has anybody seen any reviews on the Bends, Santa Ana, or Pugilist for bass?
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If they truly are new, I'd be leery of 'reviews', anyways... I've seen them advertised, though. I would think you'd be able to find manufacturer demos, prior to release, but who knows, these days?
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There are definitely some demo’s going around on YouTube. I couldn’t tell you much about them, though. Just look some more, I’ve watched a bit on them.
I've played the bends on bass in the store. While it didn't live up to my Cali 76, it is for sure one of the better compressors on the market for the coin. I would put it in the same category as the Fairfield Accountant, MXR Bass Comp and TC Spectra Comp. With the Cali 76, Darkglass SS and FEA being a class above.
I've played the 2 drives on guitar, while the pugulist sounded good in videos, neither did anything for me in person.
I've played the 2 drives on guitar, while the pugulist sounded good in videos, neither did anything for me in person.
I played with and am strongly considering the bends. Super transparent and flexible. Still doing research on the perfect comp though.
I played the Pugilist at my local GC. I was quite impressed. For $100, I think it would be tough to beat. I really like the sound of the dirt and the low end seemed very strong. I wasn't able to bump it obviously. But I could tell the low end was good to great. If I was thinking about trying a new OD/dist, I would def get this to see if it fit our music.
As for the other, Pedals and Effects has been doing reviews on them the last couple months. They've only made it through a couple so far though.
Here's the one they did for the Pugilist:
As for the other, Pedals and Effects has been doing reviews on them the last couple months. They've only made it through a couple so far though.
Here's the one they did for the Pugilist:
Ok...back from A/Bing some more compressors. After trying The Bends again (and comping it with an M87)...I felt it squashed out way too much the lows. It is very clean and transparent...but if you like a growly/meaty bass tone...The Bends may not be for you (it wasn't for me that's for sure). But if you like a smoother/creamy bass tone...it might be worth checking out.
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Not sure if it's allowed to resurrect an old thread, but did anyone get any of these? I'm actually particularly interested in the pugilist... 2 gain circuits for 100$? Sign me up.
The thread isn’t that old, but the Fender pedals don’t seem to get a lot of attention here.
I think we're so spoiled for choice that, unless you're doing something really different with your pedal, you're gonna fall through the cracks around here. And from what I heard so far with the demos, these seem to be nice and workmanlike middle of the road offerings at a very attractive price point. But that's about it.
I was interested in The Bends since I find any new compressor pedal intriguing. And a low cost entry that sounds good and works well is always welcome. But I thought Ampeg's Opto Comp worked a lot better for bass. And at $99 street it was $30 less expensive than Fender's.
I think these new Fender pedals are really cool! I'm still considering getting their Mirror Image Delay and Marine Layer Reverb; they seem to be focusing more in the middle tier of pedals. I have no need or use for them, but they may bring something different to the table compared to my MXR Reverb and Carbon Copy Bright.
I’ve been looking at the Engager boost as a clean EQ in my loop for my guitar board. The pedals are well thought out, sound good, and are priced right, they just don’t do much for me or I have something else that does the same thing
I’ve been looking at the Ampeg comp too, but just hit the trigger on a used Philosopher, unheard, so hopefully it’ll work out ok.
Never got a crack at one of those. Got a Bongo review on it here. Seems an unusual implementation as most Pigtronix effects are. So it should be fun if nothing else.
As far as the Ampeg goes it’s not in the same category as an FEA optical compressor. But it does the job, has that smooth optical quality, is readily available, and only costs $100. And IMO you could spend twice that amount and do a whole lot worse. So ai think it’s a winner. The People’s optical compressor if you will.
I have used the Santa Ana OD pedal, it gets pretty gnarly and is a pretty substantial pedal with a ton of tonal options. I have played bass through it, but I believe there is some low end loss (as expected) not sure what circuit it's based off of though.
It's just not a sexy boutique brand nor flavour of the month here so it's fairly overlooked.
It's just not a sexy boutique brand nor flavour of the month here so it's fairly overlooked.
Thinking about purchasing the Pugilist - does anybody own one? Thoughts?
Pedals&Effects video got me really interested!
Pedals&Effects video got me really interested!
I sold it soon after and bought a TC Electronics Spectracomp. That one has been great, for me.
The new a Fender pedals are killer for the money - the delay and reverb feature set is insane and would have dominated if they were released a few years ago, now there are just so many options, as @40Hz mentioned.
Awesome, thank you! Have you had issues with the noise from your TC? I have a buddy that works for a company aligned with TC and have been thinking about getting the SpectraComp, as I can get it for a decent price.
