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Octave pedal instead of 5 string?

SteveC

SteveC

Supporting Member
Nov 12, 2004
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#1
Anyone do this? I "need" a 5 string for about 5% of my playing - not just low notes, but for some position stuff - and I'm wondering if using an octave pedal with no original signal would work - play up an octave but only have the lower octave audible, you know what I mean? Mostly for smooth jazz grooves down low.

Thoughts? Other ideas? I just don't do it enough to justify another bass in my mind.
 
#5
Poor Tom said:
It won't sound real.
Click to expand...

I won't say it could never "sound real," but you should heed Tom's point and test it out before committing to this approach. A lot has to do with the characteristics of your bass, where on the neck you are playing and which octave pedal you are using. Also what kind of sound is OK with you. I agree with Tom that it won't sound the same as if you had a 5th string, but it's possible you could get a sound that you like.
 
#7
Yeah, I know nothing replaces a 5, it's just a couple tunes here and thee where it would be nice. I mean, I have just played them up an octave (Eb a string 6th fret, Gb d string 4th fert, Ab d string 6th fret) and it's fine, but it has a different feel down low.

Maybe one wouldn't do it with the bass sound completely off, but have both the bass sound and the octave down in there just to fill it up a little - more like what an octave pedal is intended for...??
 
#8
That is not the same at all (the low notes on a 5 ,and an octaver).
Most people I know, including myself don't play a 5 predominantly to go deeper but to have to shift positions less.
Something an octave pedal will not provide.The low notes are a welcomed bonus nonetheless.
I also haven't heard one yet that will give as true a tone as a low string does when applied to a 4 string bass, lacking the lower pitched string.
 
#12
SteveC said:
it's just a couple tunes here and thee where it would be nice.
Click to expand...

This was my thinking before I bought a 5 string. Now I use the low B quite often. Once it's there you'll find new ways to use it. One thing I use the 5th string for a lot is playing wide intervals. Keep in mind that an analog octaver can't handle more than one note at a time, and digital octaver's will generally sound really bad without clean blended in.

That said you can buy a few decent octave pedals for $60 or less used and just try it out.

Good cheap options include:
Boss OC-2 (got mine $60 used)
DOD Octoplus (got mine $20 used)
Digitech Bass Synth Wah ($75 new, less used, does other stuff)

Buying a 5 string bass on the other hand will be quite a bit more expensive, especially depending on your standard of quality. I use a 5 string and an octave pedal, because they are completely different things. Try an octaver first if you're on a budget, but you may still be wanting a 5 string later. BTW, the only reason I think an octave pedal might work for you is because you mention 'thickening notes' as opposed to simulating a 5th string.
 
#13
I have owned many 5 strings - still have one. It's just that my 4 kicks butt. And like I said, I usually don' tneed 5. I know abou tositions, alternate fingers, etc. Just wondering about the few times I would use it.

My question has been answered.
 
#19
there were a couple gigs i did last year where i used a whammy pedal to "tune down" my bass to get a low d. worked in that situation, but even tuning down that little bit with an octave device is still a bit fake sounding.
 

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