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Okay so I'm old & old school so help me out.

coastie72

coastie72

Apr 6, 2009
153
0
Columbia SC
#1
I have never had or used any effects while playing. The only thing inline is a Korg tuner. So I have been told for years by other bass players that I should get a compression pedal. The question is why and if I get enough saying I should add one, which one. I like a clean sound, play finger style only, no slap.
I play blues, country, southern rock, classic rock, and some beach. I am open for suggestions, what will that compression offer to my sound what I am not getting now? Thanks in advance ;)
 
#3
Compression is usually a solution to a problem, that often being consistent volume levels in styles that have percussive attack modes. Have you been having a problem? As well, tube amps tend to compress the signal as you drive the tubes. Do you use a tube amp? It may already doing the job for you somewhat.

Are you sure your friends aren't pedal salesmen?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just have fun.
 
#4
There are a couple reasons to use compression:

(1) To even out your dynamics. This is especially useful for people who alternate between fingerstyle and slap/pick/tapping etc. Because the overall gain is increased it can also bring up the volume of nuances like harmonics. However, a compressor shouldn't take the place of good, fundamental control of your plucking/picking hand.

(2) To add to your tone. A side effect of compression is that it often gives "punch" or has a "fattening" effect on your sound. I look for this quality in a compressor when playing fretless. Others want a more transparent compression that affects their tone as little as possible. Different strokes.

(3) To limit volume spikes from other effects such as envelope filters.

(4) To use large levels of compression as an effect itself. Check out some of Tony Levin's stuff with Peter Gabriel for very "effecty" compression use.

If any of those sound like something you'd want, then you might want to find a compressor that excels at that job. If not, then you don't really need compression. Personally I think MOST players benefit from a slight amount of compression, and the vast majority of recordings use some level of compression on the bass for that reason.
 
#5
I'll caution you to search for something that pleases your ears in some way before you buy. Comps do a lot of different things depending on what they were designed for and if they are any good. Just because a bunch of people say they like a comp doesn't mean it will do anything but annoy you. I tried a bunch of low and medium cost pedal comps and didn't like any of them until I tried a couple of recommended limiters from Bongos list. The LMB-3 and the Alesis Micro Limiter were the first two that I really felt would help me do what I want. That doesn't mean a Black Finger or a CP-9 wont do what you want, it just didn't work for me.

Good luck.
 
#6
Thanks for all the advice and opinions. I think I am going to to borrow one from someone before I spend money on something I am having trouble understanding why I need it. Sustain has never been an issue, so maybe I should just remain old school.
 

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