Onboard distortion? Anyone tried this?

[Basstovsky]

So I'm working on a parts bass from stuff I have lying around and I want a P-bass that sounds like something different. Looking around on Guitarpartsonline I find this gem:
Active Distortion Unit
5 position clean/boost/overdrive/distortion/uber distortion active unit. I'm thinking of wiring the P-bass pickup stright to a volume knob and into this thing. Anyone try something like it?

 

[Rick Auricchio]

That unit appears to be designed for guitars, not basses. I doubt it will sound good.

 

[Basstovsky]

well, how about this then?

 

[Basstovsky]

Also, how would I wire the P-pickup with only a volume pot? I would be replacing my tone knob with either of those distortion units.

 

[GeoffByrne]

well, how about this then?

I've got one of these on a Telecaster. It's a gain boost, and works OK, but as you say, you'll lose your tone control.

 

[JamesTaylor85]

my guitarist has this on his deluxe telecaster, i dunno about the bass, might sound odd

 

[therex]

this looks interesting
how well does it sounds on a guitar? on a bass?

 

[JamesTaylor85]

this looks interesting
how well does it sounds on a guitar? on a bass?

as someone already said its a big tone boost, good for guitar solo/big chorus'. Not a clue how it would go on a bass, keen to find out though

 

[bassguitarded]

you could get a stacked pot and put volume on top and tone on bottom... then use the second hole for your distortion unit.... i say go for and let us now what it sounds like.... the website says "We guarantee you'll love this item, or your money back!"

 

[Basstovsky]

Well I could use the hole for the jack and add a tone knob after the distortion, (I have 2 fender 250K pots I'd rather use than have to buy a stacked pot) then route a hole for the jack in the side, but I have no clue how I would wire it that way.

 

[Stinsok]

Here's a thought.....






It's Devo.

 

[Basstovsky]

It's Devo.

LOL

I wish there was some kind of onboard chorus or even octave, those are more the kind of thing I'd want controllable on-board, but if all there is is this distortion unit, I have to try it!

 

[Rick Auricchio]

If you put all these effects inside the bass, you'll need more batteries and thus more weight.

Sounds like way too much work when there's such an assortment of pedals, digital pods, and the like.

 

[Alaska Bass]

LOL

I wish there was some kind of onboard chorus or even octave, those are more the kind of thing I'd want controllable on-board, but if all there is is this distortion unit, I have to try it!

There is an onboard chorus available, but the size of the body cavity will determine if it can fit. Onboard distortion is also great as an option. The only question is whether you are looking for typical electronic distortion or tube (you won't get the tube style on-board, sorry.)

 

[Basstovsky]

I'm most likely going to use the second link I posted, the one that behaves more like a gain knob, as long as I can figure out how to add a tone AFTER it like most distortion pedals have, so I have more control over the sound. Then I just have to blast a hole in the side fro the jack and I'll be in business. Anyone have any idea on how I would wire it?

 

[kyral210]

I really like the concept!

 

[thombo]

So I'm working on a parts bass from stuff I have lying around and I want a P-bass that sounds like something different. Looking around on Guitarpartsonline I find this gem:
Active Distortion Unit
5 position clean/boost/overdrive/distortion/uber distortion active unit. I'm thinking of wiring the P-bass pickup stright to a volume knob and into this thing. Anyone try something like it?

i like the idea, but i think you would need a blend knob to control the amount of the effect: then you could dial in some low.

 

[FaithNoMan]

This guy runs Dimarzios, like me, and seems to get it out of his Aguilar preamp(first review):

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/...kup/product/Aguilar/OBP-1+Onboard+Preamp/10/1

I've thought about this mod on my next bass, the Aguilar, based on that review and some other TB'ers recording with them in the "Recording" section of this forum. He has since deleted it(the recording).

 

[Showdown]

I'd rather have distortion in an outboard box that I can use with any bass, instead of having it built into only one bass. I use a Boss Bass OD, it sounds great with whatever bass I use.

There was a brand of guitars and basses in the 70s that had effects modules that could be plugged into a cavity in the back. It never really took off.

 

[Stealth]

There is an onboard chorus available, but the size of the body cavity will determine if it can fit. Onboard distortion is also great as an option. The only question is whether you are looking for typical electronic distortion or tube (you won't get the tube style on-board, sorry.)

Think again.

Source: http://www.bas-extravaganza.nl/?page=bassen&BassenID=14

Heck, even comes with phantom power...