Pedal for SVT/B15 from a "Modern" amp

[MobileHolmes]

I'm currently running a GK MB500 through either a Hartke 410xl or a GK Neo 112. I really like the tone from each of those set ups (the Neo a little more) but both are more in the "modern" family (articulate, crisp, snappy). While that suits me AOK most of the time, I'd really like something that can warm up/put a little wool on the sound sometimes. I've got an MXR Bass Distortion which I like, but it doesn't do that "just on the edge of break up" thing very well.

I like what I hear of the Tech 21 Bass VT, but am curious how that works in front of an amp. It seems to be described as a DI, but I'm not sure if that will give decent results in front of an amp or not. I'm open to other suggestions as well (or if somebody has knob settings for my mxr), but am on a budget. So like a darkglass Vintage deluxe is probably out of my range.

 

[bassbrad]

There are a lot of pedals that can get you that vintage Ampeg B15 vibe and the Tech 21 VT is an excellent choice that will pair well with the GK amp you use. I also use a GK amp and use a Zoom B3 to get that vintage vibe, it will also do several other vintage amp sounds as well, my usual is the Bassman.

 

[DirtyDuke]

A Ginger and an SFT will get you there as well

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

+1 for Ginger. My favorite pedal so far.

 

[40Hz]

Definitely a Catalinbread SFT.

 

[jumblemind]

Another +1 for the Ginger. I used it for this purpose with my GK rig for a long time. Fairfield Barbershop is also great for on-the-verge-of-tube-breakup.

If your budget is still lower than that, you should seriously check out the EHX Hot Tubes. It will warm up the most hifi of rigs. Excellent hidden gem.

 

[Nunovsky]

I like what I hear of the Tech 21 Bass VT, but am curious how that works in front of an amp. It seems to be described as a DI, but I'm not sure if that will give decent results in front of an amp or not.

You also have the VT bass pedal without the DI. I think there are one or two of those in the classifieds. Just make sure you get the version 2.
You could also look to the eden glow plug to warm up the sound with a tube preamp.

 

[4Mal]

Zoom B3 has several effects that will provide warmth including AmpegSVT and B15 models. I personally don't use them - not what I'm lookimg for. The modulation and synth effects are the call for me.

 

[dannybuoy]

Bearfoot Blueberry - might not be designed as an Ampeg simulator, but cops that warm vintage tube amp tone better than anything else I've found. For me it beat the VT Bass, SFT, Ginger, Beta, Barbershop, Vintage, etc by a wide margin.

 

[fclefgeoff]

Pike Amplification Vulcan XL.

 

[NKBassman]

Catalinbread SFT - Works great as an always-on tone shaper or as an on/off OD pedal.
Fairfield Barbershop - Not SVT/B15 specific, but does the "edge of breakup" thing nicely
Catalinbread WIIO - Also not Ampeg specific (HiWatt), but sounds great same as SFT.
SolidgoldFX Beta - Never tried it, but the video clips on their website make it sound great.

 

[Pocket4]

I don't have any legit experience with the B15, but I run the Fairfield Barbershop in front of a first generation VT pedal. At times I can't get them to work together in the way I want, but I am getting really close to the tone I am searching for.

 

[JimmyM]

VT is really good, and so is the Ampeg SCR-DI.

 

[AndyLES]

Another vote for the VT bass. It was in fact designed for exactly what you want.

 

[Crystalman85]

The darkglass vmt and vintage deluxe is capable of duplicating such sounds. rolling back the era control and the drive control can give you warm dirty sound that resembles a b15 and/or a 70s svt. the catalinbread sft is another good choice for that.

 

[4StringsEnough]

Two Notes Le Bass nails it. It beats the VT Bass imo.