I was about to buy a Boss ODB-3 today, but my buddy told me no because a Sans-Am would sound a whole lot better. What do you guys think? I love the fuzz from an overdrive and it would totlly fit my sound, but now i dont know what to believe. 
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
ODB-3 or Sans-Am?
- Thread starter hippopotamus
- Start date
A Sans-am(p) is not really a fuzz type overdrive pedal. It is however a decent tone shaping device. I played a show this weekend and as the last band was setting up I was impressed with the bass players tone. I ran to the stage area to have a look and the only pedal he was using was the ODB-3. I was very surprised, it sounded great. I say, go with what will make you happy.
I used an ODB-3 for quite awhile and it is a really nice pedal. I left it always on with a slight bass boost and not to much gain as a subtle tone shaper in front of a Guv'nor clone and a Bass big muff Pi. The sansamp is primarily a DI, so if you're going to be playing in venues without a bass amp (direct into the PA) or on ****** amps, this will have a more pronounced effect on your sound.
That said, if you want versatility, go with the programmable bass driver. It's only $10 more
In summary, ODB-3 = good crunchy sound, Sansamp = more versatile tone shaping, more adaptable to your playing environment.
That said, if you want versatility, go with the programmable bass driver. It's only $10 more
In summary, ODB-3 = good crunchy sound, Sansamp = more versatile tone shaping, more adaptable to your playing environment.
I don't think you'll find a lot of love for the OBD-3 on here. Some like them, most do not.
As for the Sansamp, I prefer the ParaDriver to the BassDriver.
As for the Sansamp, I prefer the ParaDriver to the BassDriver.
I agree, but it is capable of some decent sounds.
Here it is in front of a crappy old Crate amp:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I prefer the B3K and Tech 21 Oxford, but just showing the ODB-3 isn't always a horrid choice.
I was just looking for a simple pedal to give me Distortion...the ODB-3 will work for that...right?
Listen to the "soft" parts of that clip I posted - those are when the ODB-3 is turned off and the clean amp sound is going.
Yes. If possible, try it out first to make sure you like it's particular flavor. Most GC's have them in stock, so it should be fairly easy to find.
I've used both for a number of years - for different applications.
The ODB-3 is good for fuzzy, buzzy tones, and mixing it with your original tone.
However, the ODB-3 bypass is not true, and leaves your bypassed tone with much to be desired...
On the flip-side, the sansamp is great as an overdrive, preamp, DI, multi-out, etc, etc...
The O/D on the sansamp is that of a tube amp - woolly, warm O/D and can get crusty if you like it like that. You won't get the fuzzy buzzy tones from this, but it depends on what you like.
If I needed to choose one (as an all-rounder) I'd go the Sansamp - just for sheer versatility, being so handy - and the crusty overdive tones are quite nice.
Cheers! John
The ODB-3 is good for fuzzy, buzzy tones, and mixing it with your original tone.
However, the ODB-3 bypass is not true, and leaves your bypassed tone with much to be desired...
On the flip-side, the sansamp is great as an overdrive, preamp, DI, multi-out, etc, etc...
The O/D on the sansamp is that of a tube amp - woolly, warm O/D and can get crusty if you like it like that. You won't get the fuzzy buzzy tones from this, but it depends on what you like.
If I needed to choose one (as an all-rounder) I'd go the Sansamp - just for sheer versatility, being so handy - and the crusty overdive tones are quite nice.
Cheers! John
yeah thanks guys, i didnt buy either, because i am broke, but i think i like the sansamp more, the ODB-3 is just too fuzzy, i like it but not for my sound.
The ODB-3 fuzz can be tamed, and honestly, the "tone sucking" abilities of pedals with active FET switching and buffers are highly overstated, IMHO. Running a long signal chain with no buffers to prevent signal loading and capacitance are fare more important.
Anyway, I'm probably going to end up with the ODB-3, AND the Bass driver programmable. I've tried the bass driver DI, and it does great warm tones, and also can get crunchy. For real FUZZ, I like the ODB-3 (and own one) and *gasp* like it better than some of the boutique pedals I have tried. like the Fulltone Bass drive. Sure it's got a good sound, but it's got NO BLEND CONTROL!! BAD BAD BAD!
One of the biggest problems with fuzz is the compression, which really takes the hit out of your bass notes. With blending you can get your fuzz, but also still have your thump. Without that, I don't want to play it. Also the ODB-3 has bass and treble level controls, and overall level, which offer quite a bit of tone shaping ability.
for some discussion, here are some reads:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://www.analogman.com/boss.htm#bypass
http://www.petecornish.co.uk/case_against_true_bypass.html
Anyway, I'm probably going to end up with the ODB-3, AND the Bass driver programmable. I've tried the bass driver DI, and it does great warm tones, and also can get crunchy. For real FUZZ, I like the ODB-3 (and own one) and *gasp* like it better than some of the boutique pedals I have tried. like the Fulltone Bass drive. Sure it's got a good sound, but it's got NO BLEND CONTROL!! BAD BAD BAD!
One of the biggest problems with fuzz is the compression, which really takes the hit out of your bass notes. With blending you can get your fuzz, but also still have your thump. Without that, I don't want to play it. Also the ODB-3 has bass and treble level controls, and overall level, which offer quite a bit of tone shaping ability.
for some discussion, here are some reads:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
http://www.analogman.com/boss.htm#bypass
http://www.petecornish.co.uk/case_against_true_bypass.html
