(Pain in the butt) Distortion

Discussion in 'Ask Steve Lawson & Michael Manring' started by B166ER, Jul 12, 2003.

  1. Hi Steve and Michael. You may have been borodged with this question before. What distortion or metal pedals work really well with a 100% passive fender jazz bass? I've looked in the search for key words but I have come up empty. The Big Muff I have is the new new york usa reissue, it worked great with my ibanez btb but sucks with my new bass (that sounds great clean, but bad with the pedal). I do not like the bass versions of the distortions, I prefer guitar fx for the bass. Would an envelope filter work along with the big muff so that I don't get the low high split with everything fading in and out? That pedal really just sounds like [email protected] I know you deal with much more important stuff but I would appreciate it if you could solve my problem, you may have solved it before.:confused:
     
  2. Steve Lawson

    Steve Lawson Solo Bass Exploration! Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2000
    Birmingham, UK
    Hi,

    your best bet is to take your bass down to the nearest well stocked music shop and try a load of pedals out. Not knowing the specifics of your gear, or the sound you're trying to get, I can't begin to suggest specific pedals, and sadly, as I've been using a Rack Mount unit for distortion for the last 10 years or so, I'm really not up on the sounds of specific distortion pedals.

    Try asking the question in the effects forum...

    sorry to not be more helpful

    Steve
     
  3. Michael Manring

    Michael Manring TalkBass Pro Supporting Member

    Apr 1, 2000
    I agree – you'll really need to try out as many boxes as you can to find the one that works for you. Good luck!
     
  4. tripwamsley

    tripwamsley

    Jan 31, 2002
    Sulphur La,
    I felt I should chime in here. Umm...Bass distorion can be quite a bear as you have already noticed. I use the Sansamp Bass Driver DI, I only go for smooth breakup and not total insanity. Also I always make sure that the tone of the bass shines through the distortion. I feel that's the most important thing. Tech 21 has a variey of really neato pedals that could work on your bass. I do hope this helps.
     
  5. Do any of you have any experience with Fulltone products? I have seen the Bass-Drive made by Fulltone and have gotten an opinion on it already from someone who uses it, vey good. Thanks guys.
     
  6. Michael Manring

    Michael Manring TalkBass Pro Supporting Member

    Apr 1, 2000
    I'm sorry, I haven't tried the Bass Drive.