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Pedals about which I disagree with the norm

eddododo

eddododo

Apr 7, 2010
4,421
3,833
37
#1
Curious what everyone has to say

EBS Octabass- why is it unpopular?? Tracks better than 90% of pedals if you 'follow the rules' 3 useful modes, 2 of which are super tight fat blended octaves that sound WAY more natural than the gross sounding MXR

Markbass Compressore: The absolute best value compressor at 160 used, and its been going for 105-120 even! I swear the only reason these resell constantly is that it's too legitimate of a compressor and people either use it zealously because they can't detect the transparent compression until they put it at a ridiculous (bad) setting. That or plain ol' GAS for something more tangible.

Diamond Compressor: suprisingly not what i hoped for; or perhaps i misunderstood what i really wanted. I found this to suck the life out of my sound! I know its well loved, and the action is in fact very clear and transparent, but i just felt like my dig-ins had ZERO life. It sounds fantastic, but i could not keep it usable live, at least as an 'always-on' pedal
 
#5
EBS Octabass...I bought this along with an MXR Bass Octave and an Aguilar Octamizer to test them. The EBS had BY FAR the worst tracking. It wasn't even close. Makes me think now there could have been something wrong with it...but if it breaks that easy I don't want it.
 
#9
skulletwhip said:
I was never thrilled with the Darkglass stuff. The owner seems like a real stand up dude though. That's always good.
Click to expand...

At first blush, I didn't like my b3k. After powering through it for 2 weeks, I've found it to be a really great OD that does have a wide range of sounds. The blend knob is the knob that I end up turning the most to get different sounds. Give them another shot. YMMV.
 
#11
JonnyAngle said:
At first blush, I didn't like my b3k. After powering through it for 2 weeks, I've found it to be a really great OD that does have a wide range of sounds. The blend knob is the knob that I end up turning the most to get different sounds. Give them another shot. YMMV.
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I just think the sound isn't for me. I've heard other people rock a nice sound with those gadgets, but at the end of the day, its just not the sound I go for with my music.

I'm in no way hostile towards the product. I don't think I am about any brand.
 
#14
eddododo said:
Curious what everyone has to say

Markbass Compressore: The absolute best value compressor at 160 used, and its been going for 105-120 even! I swear the only reason these resell constantly is that it's too legitimate of a compressor and people either use it zealously because they can't detect the transparent compression until they put it at a ridiculous (bad) setting. That or plain ol' GAS for something more tangible.
Click to expand...

I don't think that's the complaint. I think there is almost universal praise for the sound quality and features, but people dislike the giant footprint and dificult power requirements when implementing it on your average pedalboard.
 
#15
Yeah I get what the op is saying. I've gotten a few pedals because I heard them talked up here on TB. Didn't like them and wondered why they were so popular. But one thing TB has def taught me, it's all relative. There are so many variables rig to rig. I remember when I got the wren and cuff TFR. Thought it would be awesome from a lot of folks said about it. Didn't like it at all. But it floats a lot of other peoples boats so who am I to say it stinks. I can't live without my B7K. My tone would feel lifeless without it after using all the time I have. But as stated above, it's not for everyone.
 
#18
I use TB and Ovnilabs as a general guideline, but not as a rule. There's lots of valuable info out there, but I know what I like and it doesn't always sync with the most popular reviews or opinions. Two pedals I bought based on TB recommendations I sold within a week: the Markbass comp and the EBS Multidrive. I don't really worry about what is trending at the moment and just base it on the application and tone that works for me. A glowing review on Ovnilabs can put a pedal at the top of the TB gas list, but this doesn't mean it will work for everyone in every context. Use what works for you.
 
#19
sillyfabe said:
Eventide Pitchfactor: can't handle poly-phony, half the modes sound too wonky,some mode felt gimmicky and overall I choose the EHX H.O.G. (LOADS better, can actually handle polyphony and everything in it is useful).
Click to expand...

I'll spin this the other way. I would point out that I find the Pitchfactor to be between adequate and even perhaps good in terms of polyphony on certain effects (PitchFlex, MicroPitch, H910/H949, etc.). On the ones where it is not, I mostly wouldn't want/need polyphonic capabilities anyway (Diatonic, Quadravox, etc.). So I disagree in way that is positive for the pedal, I feel like this a common criticism of the unit that isn't totally fair or accurate.

And on that note, while I've never owned a HOG or even tested one, I have never understood why this pedal is often thought of as superior to the Pitchfactor. I'm not saying it's not great at what it does or that it doesn't exceed the Pitchfactor in certain aspects, but they are so clearly two different beasts. They each have different functions and modes, it is absolutely Mandarins and Granny Smiths.
 
#20
My pedal that I love from the land of TB-unloved-pedals is the Sparkle Drive. I am going to move forward with a Keeley mod on it eventually, which I think will make it even better.

As for the EBS Octabass, I thought it tracked very well, but the low octave sounds were just not intense enough for me. I traded my guitarist at the time for his OC-2 and we both came out ahead.
 

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