Here's me being a potential vulture to ask that if either of you do deal your stuff off and have a Serrano Picoso to dispose of, please PM me.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Putting my pedals away for a while
- Thread starter Jared Lash
- Start date
OK, I've read all of this thread and it's very interesting and while people might think I'm a prime example of downsizing, they are wrong.
I didn't get an M13 because I wanted a cheap option for live, or that I was worried about my pedals getting stolen or damaged, or that I just wasn't using the 60+ pedals I owned, it was because ever with my monster PT Pro loaded with 20 pedals with all those blending and switching options and 2 volume pedals as channel faders, there were things I couldn't do, I wasn't sure I wanted to do them but it's nice to have the option.
For example the M13 I have my band board recreated to a T which was a Fuzzsaw, Noisebox, OC-2, Cream Pie Deluxe, Bass Modded Pulp Mill (OS Comp), 442 Red but I also have a whammy setup that I can use if I want but doesn't require me to have a $100+ pedal with a stupid power supply, I also have an overdrive that as I move an expression pedal it gets gainier but the volume stays the same (never been able to do this), then I have another board setup for a different band, which is alot of the same fx, like the fuzzsaw, cpd, oc-2, 442 but then I have a chorus without an Analogman chorus I would have bought for the one song in their set that uses it.
So to me I upscaled I do have like 12 smaller boards that I can control any parameter with the expression pedals I have, plus a PT mini for international touring till Line 6 release the M9 and a DM4 in my rack as backup to my core sounds Octave, Fuzz, Boost and wierd synthy fuzz.
I did have a problem with buying and selling, I had a core board that never changed and then I had a huge studio board that changed constantly at a great cost to me, one week I'd be into looping then next I'd just be jamming joy division covers and the cost of going from one to the other is huge, also while you don't have to use them just because they are infront of you, we do and this is where I've had success with my M13 I didn't get it going wooo 78 fx pedals for me to try I got it with yay 10+ distortions/fuzz's must be one in there that nails my fuzz tone etc etc I had a plan I wanted to copy and now when I make boards for other bands I copy my fuzz pedal in the M13 whereas in the past unless the 2 bands were very similar I'd build and buy a completely new board.
Also interms of weight my live rig is an 8x10, 4x10 with a 400+ and strategy 400 plus in a rolling rack rig, a fully loaded pt pro would still be the lightest thing in my setup other than a bass, but I use what I need and what covers as much as possible and that is the M13 and the only GAS I get is for the PT mini because it isn't a perfect setup for me to tour with.
Hope this helps
I didn't get an M13 because I wanted a cheap option for live, or that I was worried about my pedals getting stolen or damaged, or that I just wasn't using the 60+ pedals I owned, it was because ever with my monster PT Pro loaded with 20 pedals with all those blending and switching options and 2 volume pedals as channel faders, there were things I couldn't do, I wasn't sure I wanted to do them but it's nice to have the option.
For example the M13 I have my band board recreated to a T which was a Fuzzsaw, Noisebox, OC-2, Cream Pie Deluxe, Bass Modded Pulp Mill (OS Comp), 442 Red but I also have a whammy setup that I can use if I want but doesn't require me to have a $100+ pedal with a stupid power supply, I also have an overdrive that as I move an expression pedal it gets gainier but the volume stays the same (never been able to do this), then I have another board setup for a different band, which is alot of the same fx, like the fuzzsaw, cpd, oc-2, 442 but then I have a chorus without an Analogman chorus I would have bought for the one song in their set that uses it.
So to me I upscaled I do have like 12 smaller boards that I can control any parameter with the expression pedals I have, plus a PT mini for international touring till Line 6 release the M9 and a DM4 in my rack as backup to my core sounds Octave, Fuzz, Boost and wierd synthy fuzz.
I did have a problem with buying and selling, I had a core board that never changed and then I had a huge studio board that changed constantly at a great cost to me, one week I'd be into looping then next I'd just be jamming joy division covers and the cost of going from one to the other is huge, also while you don't have to use them just because they are infront of you, we do and this is where I've had success with my M13 I didn't get it going wooo 78 fx pedals for me to try I got it with yay 10+ distortions/fuzz's must be one in there that nails my fuzz tone etc etc I had a plan I wanted to copy and now when I make boards for other bands I copy my fuzz pedal in the M13 whereas in the past unless the 2 bands were very similar I'd build and buy a completely new board.
Also interms of weight my live rig is an 8x10, 4x10 with a 400+ and strategy 400 plus in a rolling rack rig, a fully loaded pt pro would still be the lightest thing in my setup other than a bass, but I use what I need and what covers as much as possible and that is the M13 and the only GAS I get is for the PT mini because it isn't a perfect setup for me to tour with.
Hope this helps
I always thought that the M13 was massvive, however its not as wide as most of the big multi's etc so that wouldn't worry me too much,... the more I look into and hear about it the more I like,... except that I am 'pretty' much set up... I could trade everything in for a M13 but mmm,
does the M13 have good wah / whammy stuff???
I bought a xp100 not knowing what to expect and want to sell it off asap
I always thought that the M13 was massvive, however its not as wide as most of the big multi's etc so that wouldn't worry me too much,... the more I look into and hear about it the more I like,... except that I am 'pretty' much set up... I could trade everything in for a M13 but mmm,
does the M13 have good wah / whammy stuff???
I bought a xp100 not knowing what to expect and want to sell it off asap
It's not even as big as the PT Jr I was using
I like the Whammy stuff, Toasted can atest to it being just as good/bad as the whammy.
Not tried a wah in it, I have heard Line 6 are doing a specific Wah pack for it.
The three things to come out of this thread from my perspective are:
1) When your pedalboard - which may or may not be considered excessive and unnecessary by your band mates - fails during a gig, you look like an absolute fool. Everyone from the sound guy's helper to the backing singers roll their eyes and all the punters leave the dance floor while you frantically try to resurrect your signal. But what can you do...
2) The drunken idiot spilling drinks on your board scenario happened to me on the weekend before last. See this post: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7965536&postcount=45. I've also had other problems like beach sand getting in my pedals and multiple bands on the bill complaining about the real estate required by my board.
3) I really look forward to picking some cheap pedals over the next couple of weeks.
I'm not concerned about the 'collecting' aspect. If you don't use all your pedals frequently, so what? People collect a lot stupid, useless things for the sake of collecting. Bass pedals aren't useless, they're not worthless to others - you can still choose to sell and get most of your money back - and they're appropriately rare/shiny/cool/whatever. Collect without shame, I say.
Collecting vintage basses is obviously much cooler but also much more expensive, so I'm prepared to settle for pedals for the time being.
1) When your pedalboard - which may or may not be considered excessive and unnecessary by your band mates - fails during a gig, you look like an absolute fool. Everyone from the sound guy's helper to the backing singers roll their eyes and all the punters leave the dance floor while you frantically try to resurrect your signal. But what can you do...
2) The drunken idiot spilling drinks on your board scenario happened to me on the weekend before last. See this post: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7965536&postcount=45. I've also had other problems like beach sand getting in my pedals and multiple bands on the bill complaining about the real estate required by my board.
3) I really look forward to picking some cheap pedals over the next couple of weeks.
I'm not concerned about the 'collecting' aspect. If you don't use all your pedals frequently, so what? People collect a lot stupid, useless things for the sake of collecting. Bass pedals aren't useless, they're not worthless to others - you can still choose to sell and get most of your money back - and they're appropriately rare/shiny/cool/whatever. Collect without shame, I say.
Collecting vintage basses is obviously much cooler but also much more expensive, so I'm prepared to settle for pedals for the time being.
Oh also I've never had a pedalboard fail in all the years I've been using huge ones, proper gear maintenance is a must, that's more of a fault of you than the board 
Oh also I've never had a pedalboard fail in all the years I've been using huge ones, proper gear maintenance is a must, that's more of a fault of you than the board
It's happened to me twice. Both times due to an audience member. Once during a set break - a guy fell over on to my board and unplugged a bunch of pedals in the process. So first song of the second set - no bass. The second time, as mentioned above, a glass of white wine smashed right on my board.
I feel the same way sometimes. But I need a Tuner and Overdrive. Other then that I don't. I have Nine Pedals on my Board. I find my self Justifying The pedal Even if it's for one part of a Song. Recording I feel it's nice tot have pedals. So I think I'm going to try and Minimize my pedal board. to Fit on a Pedal Train mini.
The battle to have and to not have pedals/effects - huge thing for me!! Almost from the onset, when I started playing bass in bands early in the 90's, a multi-effects processor was the first thing I aquired after a good 4-banger and reliable amp.. It wasn't until a good 6 years later when one of my multi units failed on me at a gig. After that, I abandoned everything minus the obvious - a tuner - and spent a long time just plugged in direct. Loved it. Half purist, half simplicity.
Somewhere around 5 years ago, it started with the desire for a nice chorus. Since then I've owned and sold more chorus pedals than I can remember... And every other kind of effect pedal and quite a few multi-effects processors. Now it's been madness. Want those effects, but sometimes I love the freedom of no stomping on pedals.
I've learned recently - you have to find the balance of what you need and what is fun. For me, functionality is the meter I run by. With a little bit of fun on the side. 3 or 4 pedals - any more I start getting frustrated. Too much to monitor up front and a distraction to the playing.
But I still want more. My only question now is do I sell the ones that don't make it onto the final board or keep them to rotate them and keep it fresh from time to time?
Somewhere around 5 years ago, it started with the desire for a nice chorus. Since then I've owned and sold more chorus pedals than I can remember... And every other kind of effect pedal and quite a few multi-effects processors. Now it's been madness. Want those effects, but sometimes I love the freedom of no stomping on pedals.
I've learned recently - you have to find the balance of what you need and what is fun. For me, functionality is the meter I run by. With a little bit of fun on the side. 3 or 4 pedals - any more I start getting frustrated. Too much to monitor up front and a distraction to the playing.
But I still want more. My only question now is do I sell the ones that don't make it onto the final board or keep them to rotate them and keep it fresh from time to time?
I went out last week to try some pedals that I had been reading about here on TalkBass. I had become convinced that I needed them, based on the raves and descriptions I had found on all of them. I took my favorite bass to a patient local merchant, grabbed a handful of pedals, and found seclusion in the bass room. I gave each one ample time, playing through presets and just noodling with the knobs. Each pedal was tried individually, and the more complex ones were given even more time.
My conclusion? I need none of them, and I want none of them. I wasn't inspired by the mad new colorful tone pallette at my disposal, I was annoyed by how far these boxes took me away from what I like to hear. Advertising and marketing are wonderful things for hyping one up on a potential purchase, and nothing fans the fires of GAS quite like glowing user reviews, but the bottom line is asking yourself; "Why do I need/want this?" No pedal will make me a better player, get me a better paying gig, or get me heavy rotation on MTV(they still play music, right?).
If a pedal makes a neat sound that pleases you, buy it. Use it on a recording or performance or even in your bedroom.
You may even be inspired to write something by the sound you hear. But I am happier not using them. I mean it. Seriously. Keeps my stage footprint down.
So, about this Maxon CP-9 Pro+.......
Peace
My conclusion? I need none of them, and I want none of them. I wasn't inspired by the mad new colorful tone pallette at my disposal, I was annoyed by how far these boxes took me away from what I like to hear. Advertising and marketing are wonderful things for hyping one up on a potential purchase, and nothing fans the fires of GAS quite like glowing user reviews, but the bottom line is asking yourself; "Why do I need/want this?" No pedal will make me a better player, get me a better paying gig, or get me heavy rotation on MTV(they still play music, right?).
If a pedal makes a neat sound that pleases you, buy it. Use it on a recording or performance or even in your bedroom.
You may even be inspired to write something by the sound you hear. But I am happier not using them. I mean it. Seriously. Keeps my stage footprint down.
So, about this Maxon CP-9 Pro+.......
Peace
Interesting read. I used to have several (5 or 6) pedals in my 'board.' But for the last several years I only ever bring my DOD Octoplus. And rarely use it.
I have decided recently that I will let function lead. I play in a cover band with only a drummer, singer, guitarist and myself. I have to cover a bit for the missing second guitar during solos and such. So I have a Foxrox Octron 2 which has an octavia type "octave up" with fuzz that doubles my bass signal. The fact that it also has a separate octave down feature is a nice bonus that allows me to have some fun.
I use a Chorus to add some lushness to different parts - helps to create a different sound in the mix, but still maintains a bass tone.
I also have a couple of fuzz and od pedals I bounce between b/c sometimes it's a necessity to have a dirty bass tone.
For fun? Considering an Auto Wah pedal - but not sold yet. But that's it, those 3 or 4. That will be it. (Will it? LOL)
I use a Chorus to add some lushness to different parts - helps to create a different sound in the mix, but still maintains a bass tone.
I also have a couple of fuzz and od pedals I bounce between b/c sometimes it's a necessity to have a dirty bass tone.
For fun? Considering an Auto Wah pedal - but not sold yet. But that's it, those 3 or 4. That will be it. (Will it? LOL)
Oh what you must think of my board
If it works for you then it works for you. But you're in a different situation than me. If you had to gig with that gear I think it would drive you nuts, but for playing/writing/recording at home I'm sure it suits your needs perfectly. To me, the only reason to go to a multi is to downsize and have it perform all my effects duties. Adding other pedals to it means it isn't doing what I would need it to do.
I've noticed over the years that you and I have pretty different like and dislikes when it comes to pedals which is cool, but I wonder if the M13 is varied enough that I'd find what I need. As I said, my big concern is the dirt. Can you clean blend all of them?
It does help. And it sounds familiar. I'm not a collector and I don't really get a lot of enjoyment out of trying a million pedals. But I'm very picky AND my bands/tonal goals have changed a lot the last few years. Maybe the M13 would be a way for me to stop the cycle of buying and selling and be versatile enough for me to just tweak parameters instead of buying and selling gear when I want a change. Have you ever made soundclips Steve? My only real experience with Line 6 stuff is the DL-4 (which is great), the Echo Park, the Verbzilla (which isn't bad) and brief trials with the Distortion modeler and Liquaflange.
There's a part of me that bristles at the idea of digital distortions and modulation and I know I wouldn't be completely happy playing with them in my music room, but there's another part of me that realizes (as jucas pointed out) that all that beautiful subtlety is lost in a band mix. Hmm.
Oh also I've never had a pedalboard fail in all the years I've been using huge ones, proper gear maintenance is a must, that's more of a fault of you than the board
Yes and no. I'm fully responsible for a couple failures as constant rearranging plays havoc with George L's and my boards always being super tight fitting leaves little room to fix things on the fly. But like Lindsay, I've had other people knock settings or cables loose at gigs too. And last week having my guitar player (who goes nuts on stage but can be clumsy) lose his balance and end up stumbling into my Squeeze Box wasn't pleasant.
You need to do what works for you and your band, that's always the bottom line. I already know I dig effects and in some bands I've used them extensively. Would Tool be Tool without Justin Chancellor's sounds? Likewise with Commerford, Bootsy, Wolstenholme etc. If I'm in a band that doesn't need effects, I don't try to squeeze them in if it doesn't fit. But I do enjoy them and having bands where they work makes it that much more fun for me which is what it's all about anyway, right?
Sounds familiar, other than the idea of rotating. I'm just not a guy that likes gear hanging around that I don't use. I can't explain it. It's just the way I am.
I'd love to get down to 3 or 4 pedals, but I'd need to find one long lasting band for that to work. Maybe the M13 really is a good solution. Perhaps instead of building new boards at the beginning my time in each band I'm in I could just use the M13 and if the band lasted long enough and I didn't think the Line 6 was cutting it THEN I could build a board specifically for that band.
Something to think about.
YEa. I'm not the rotating guy either - if it's not in use, it's on Ebay. But if the M13 (Line 6) is what it claims, you should be buying the last piece of effects-based gear you'll ever need.
But I do enjoy them and having bands where they work makes it that much more fun for me which is what it's all about anyway, right?
Absolutely!
Well it's not if the M13 would be suitable more if the M9 would be.
Interms of digital fx, I have an awesome fuzz setup on this, so good even Toasted said wow and I didn't even have to rehouse it into a chrome box I've managed to get a decent cream pie tone with the tube comp. To put it into perspective the sound quality was that improved it was actually my band that said "You don't need anything other than that, that's awesome"
Modulations I've not got heavily into I never used many before but they all sound pretty decent to me and having most/all of them tap tempo with blend controls is great.
I haven't done sound clips, I might do something weekend mic'ed up with a decent amp and cab since I don't have a decent preamp for recording anymore.
I don't think the M13 is for everybody but it completely satisfied me which is sales pitch enough, I was just as shocked as everyone else.
Cheers
Interms of digital fx, I have an awesome fuzz setup on this, so good even Toasted said wow and I didn't even have to rehouse it into a chrome box
I've managed to get a decent cream pie tone with the tube comp. To put it into perspective the sound quality was that improved it was actually my band that said "You don't need anything other than that, that's awesome"Modulations I've not got heavily into I never used many before but they all sound pretty decent to me and having most/all of them tap tempo with blend controls is great.
I haven't done sound clips, I might do something weekend mic'ed up with a decent amp and cab since I don't have a decent preamp for recording anymore.
I don't think the M13 is for everybody but it completely satisfied me which is sales pitch enough, I was just as shocked as everyone else.
Cheers
I'm in the same boat, having gone down to just one box (ye olde Supercollider) for the past couple weeks.
I started to miss them, I really did. There were times where I'd be yearning for a specific box, but it'd be at home, and I wouldn't be able to do recreate that effect live. It's a drag being in that situation, but it also opened me up to the differences between what sounds good for the song/onstage and what's good for the creative process.
I started to miss them, I really did. There were times where I'd be yearning for a specific box, but it'd be at home, and I wouldn't be able to do recreate that effect live. It's a drag being in that situation, but it also opened me up to the differences between what sounds good for the song/onstage and what's good for the creative process.
Interesting thread. I use a 3-space Boss pedalboard/carry case (with a TU-2 Tuner, OC-3 Octave, and ODB-3 Bass distortion) for this purpose - to RESTRICT my options.
I learned the hard way in my other incarnation as a guitar player. I got sucked into the GAS vortex, buying pedals and throwing money away because of all the hype. Eventually, I learned my lesson and just use a Boss GT-5 for all my guitar stuff.
It's weird, but I can't help but notice that a lot of gear purchases are motivated by a desire to fix something, usually a problem caused by your PRIOR purchase (noise gates to help with the hiss from the OD pedal you bought last week, buffers to help a signal chain being loaded down by all your other purchases, hum eliminators to fix the ground loop caused by your multi-amp/multi-loop rig, etc.).
I learned the hard way in my other incarnation as a guitar player. I got sucked into the GAS vortex, buying pedals and throwing money away because of all the hype. Eventually, I learned my lesson and just use a Boss GT-5 for all my guitar stuff.
It's weird, but I can't help but notice that a lot of gear purchases are motivated by a desire to fix something, usually a problem caused by your PRIOR purchase (noise gates to help with the hiss from the OD pedal you bought last week, buffers to help a signal chain being loaded down by all your other purchases, hum eliminators to fix the ground loop caused by your multi-amp/multi-loop rig, etc.).
This thread has been interesting. I'd been toying with the idea for a while, since I quit doing lessons and I haven't been jamming with my friend as much (school does this...). Of course, at the same time, I've been considering getting a phaser....
Will the madness never end?
Will the madness never end?
