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Pedal Virgin

mansjasont

mansjasont

Sep 18, 2012
334
172
Beamsville, Ontario, Canada
#1
Hey guys,

The title is a little deceiving as I do have a pedal tuner. My setup right now is: Bass->Tuner->Amp

I've been looking into pedals for a while now, but I don't know where to start. For reference I mostly play Country covers and prefer a fairly clean sound. Let me know your recommendations for me. I don't have a tonne of money to spend on gear so budget friendly options are a plus ;).
 
#2
Check out the Zoom multis. That will get you started and let you play with a ton of effects to see what you think you'd like or use. It's the MS60b is what I was thinking. Or the B1Xon or B3n. Look into those and see if you'd think that may be for you.
mansjasont said:
Hey guys,

The title is a little deceiving as I do have a pedal tuner. My setup right now is: Bass->Tuner->Amp

I've been looking into pedals for a while now, but I don't know where to start. For reference I mostly play Country covers and prefer a fairly clean sound. Let me know your recommendations for me. I don't have a tonne of money to spend on gear so budget friendly options are a plus ;).
Click to expand...
 
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#4
vivaknoxvegas said:
A compressor, check out Compressor Reviews
Fairfield Barbershop or Southampton 5th Gear for some mild overdrive maybe? Or a nice DI that has mild OD. MXR Bass DI, Darkglass Vintage Ultra, Aguilar Tone Hammer.

That may be all you need for what you described.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure a compressor will be my first purchase. Just have to decide on which one. Thanks for the thread link, that will help tons
 
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#8
mansjasont said:
I'm pretty sure a compressor will be my first purchase. Just have to decide on which one. Thanks for the thread link, that will help tons
Click to expand...

There are going to be a ton of different options and everybody has their favorites.
If you want something simple that's easy to use, I highly suggest checking out the Keeley Bassist.

In my country band my rig is: Bass > Bassist > Noble Preamp
 
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#10
You have perfect timing on this. BOSS just announced the GT-1B. Yes, it's $200. But you'll get a wide array of effects. If you only use it for tuning, compression, and maybe a bit of dirt and delay, you'll more than get your money's worth. Then there's everything else. Learn how to program it, and you may never need another pedal.

At least that's what I would do if I were starting with effects today.
 
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#11
mansjasont said:
Definitely been looking at those. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Def do, they are worth. Everyone has their opinions about the quality of sound in these units, obviously, but I feel most aren't bad. A few are not great at all. But more are passable to good IMO. You may or may not have better luck with the new Boss one @HelplmaRock suggested. The world of digital multi effects units have come a long way in the last 5 years or so.

DiabolusInMusic said:
I would throw another vote for a multi like the B3. For the most part, they don't do any one effect very well but they can show a wide array of effects so you can pursue the ones that appeal to you. They are great entry points into effects.
Click to expand...
 
#15
mansjasont said:
Thanks all, what is the general consensus on the Zoom MS-60B?
Click to expand...

I like my MS60b, and I ilke it more with the v2 firmware that added another 80ish effects.

FWIW, I think a multi is great way to find out if you really have any interest or need in that stuff, you may discover that you're one of those guys who only needs a bass and an amp, or you may love all the ways that effects can expand your palette. For the price of just one pedal, you get access to dozens of different things and you'll be able to start learning what directions yo want to open up and chase down your ideal tone through effects.

The only place I don't care for my Zoom MS60b, or any multi I've experienced yet, is in drive. I think a dedicated OD or fuzz is an important purchase if you decide that dirty tone is something you like. That's not just my advise, but also my practice. Other than a wah pedal, I own a multi and a small pile of dirt pedals. I don't see a need for anything more, personally, but everyone's got their own opinion.

Good luck.
 
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#17
+1 on "effects might not be for you." However, compressors can be luscious along with a good preamp.

The Henretta Emerald Prince is a superb preamp that simply takes your current tone and makes it sound even better. It does wonders while being super-simple in operation.
 
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#20
My amp has a built in compressor and several effects like chorus etc. I messed around with the effects for about 20 minutes a couple of weeks ago and they quickly lost their allure to me. I stick with a tiny amount of compression as it seems to thicken the tone up a tad in my setup but ymmv. Otherwise, no pedals.
 
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