The TB "Essential" Pedalboard?

[GrapeBass]

Depending on your amp and effects, an
hpf/lpf at the start of your signal chain and an hpf at the end. Keep your effected signal clean of artifacts in and out.

I'm the opposite, The LPF/HPF at the end, before any 'spacial' effects
TUNER>HPF>TERRAFORMER>SV-PRE>Silver Deluxe (pre)>LPF/HPF>REVERB

 

[MultiScaleMale]

In addition to the OP, I've added a Line 6 G70 because I like to have the option of playing without an electrical connection to myself if it's outdoors or sketchy wiring. I guess it also gives an additional clean DI out, but I've never used that. I like Octaves and I have a space on top of the board where I can swap out different octaves. Currently have an Aguilar Octamizer in that spot.

 

[kittywithabanjo]

I'm looking at building a small board that would be, hpf/lpf, compressor, sunbup, and maybe some kind of preamp with di that can do dirt and clean, but needs a good.mid presence...

 

[oZZma]

Wow I don't use any of the pedals mentioned so far except for the tuner
And I would have never guessed HPF were so popular.

 

[JimmyM]

Let's decide what goes on the "essential" pedalboard ala TalkBass edition.

1) Tuner - we'll agree that this is almost an essential for the board. I'll even go so far as to say that the TurboTuner ST-300 (mini or regular) is the king of this pedal. Faster tuning and more stable tuning probably cuts 1-2 seconds off tuning each string and the newer relay switch on the 300 series makes it silent. But - do you put it early in the chain or right before the next pedal - a DI.

2) A DI? A lot are using IEM and not showing up with an amp, or maybe there's a supplied backline. A DI of your choice probably qualifies as an "essential". Contenders might be Tech 21 BDDI, Noble DI on the high end, Mesa Subway, etc.

3) Next up, I see a compressor on most boards. And this is going to be a case where taste comes into play. From easy one knob Spectracomp to FEA or Cali76 Compact multi knob / more control, and a ton in between.

4) A HPF(optional LPF) - I think this is not a fad, but recognition that a HPF is useful enough of the time to call it essential. In a pedal format, it's probably going to be a Broughton. Are there others in a pedal format?


I think those categories, maybe not the specific pedals will be acceptable to the super majority for the basis of an "essential" pedalboard. What else would you add to an "essential" setup?

Only the DI is essential to me, and my most used one is way too big to fit on a board without taking up too much room (REDDI). I do like to have an HPF and LPF for the DI line, but it's not essential when I'm working with a sound tech who knows what I like or when I'm just using my amp to feed the house.

Comp is completely non-essential to me. I quit it for years, tried to bring it back last year, and I still feel the same about it as I did when I stopped.

Tuner is essential, but not a pedal tuner. I prefer a clip-on when possible because I don't like a pedal tuner taking up space where a fun pedal could go. Of course, when I'm done tuning I take it off my bass because I hate the look of a tuner on my bass. But that's another thread.

I noticed there's no overdrive on your list, and I think in today's music market, it's essential. Some may disagree, and that's OK. And in this band I started playing with, I just use bass and amp with no effects at all. So I guess it's not really essential but if there's one pedal I'd say is essential, OD would be it.

 

[oZZma]

Let's decide what goes on the "essential" pedalboard ala TalkBass edition.

1) Tuner - we'll agree that this is almost an essential for the board. I'll even go so far as to say that the TurboTuner ST-300 (mini or regular) is the king of this pedal. Faster tuning and more stable tuning probably cuts 1-2 seconds off tuning each string and the newer relay switch on the 300 series makes it silent. But - do you put it early in the chain or right before the next pedal - a DI.

2) A DI? A lot are using IEM and not showing up with an amp, or maybe there's a supplied backline. A DI of your choice probably qualifies as an "essential". Contenders might be Tech 21 BDDI, Noble DI on the high end, Mesa Subway, etc.

3) Next up, I see a compressor on most boards. And this is going to be a case where taste comes into play. From easy one knob Spectracomp to FEA or Cali76 Compact multi knob / more control, and a ton in between.

4) A HPF(optional LPF) - I think this is not a fad, but recognition that a HPF is useful enough of the time to call it essential. In a pedal format, it's probably going to be a Broughton. Are there others in a pedal format?


I think those categories, maybe not the specific pedals will be acceptable to the super majority for the basis of an "essential" pedalboard. What else would you add to an "essential" setup?

I think HPF and DIs are not statistically THAT relevant to be considered "essentials".
I don't think I have ever seen a HPF in real life (=gigs) and they seem to me a very TB-specific mania/cult.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I think HPF and DIs are not statistically THAT relevant to be considered "essentials".
I don't think I have ever seen a HPF in real life (=gigs) and they seem to me a very TB-specific mania/cult.

Well, it is the *TB* Essential Pedalboard. ;-)

 

[bombpop14]

Bare essentials travel board (IMHO).

 

[Stumbo]

Bare essentials travel board (IMHO).


View attachment 3469417

I'd consider a Bro-ton pre-amp for my BETB.

 

[stringthrough]

This does everything I need. . .

Invalid Link Removed

 

[jblock]

Yes, I’m still waiting to see an HPF on a pedal board in the wild. To be fair, I have one as part of a Mesa Subway Plus Bass-DI.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Yes, I’m still waiting to see an HPF on a pedal board in the wild. To be fair, I have one as part of a Mesa Subway Plus Bass-DI.

Most of the time I see zero pedalboard for bassists.

 

[smogg]

Bass > tuner > dirt > modulation > amp > DI from amp

 

[Jesuguru]

Currently: F-Deck HPF->Wampler Mini Ego Comp->Tuner->Front end of amp.
Wanted: Overdrive with some tone shaping (e.g. Grizzly, Broughton SV-Pre or Super Stack)
Also wanted: Better DI than the line out from my Rumble (Noble, Broughton, Sonic Farm)
Learned today going forward, best to take tuner out of signal path and place in tuner-out of amp. Thanks TB!

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Clean boost, compressor, BBE Sonic Stomp, tuner.

I have a wireless transmitter, but that's hardly an essential.

I have an EXH Knockout sitting on a shelf; some day I'll make a serious try at figuring out how to use it. And a bunch of boxes that I haven't used in years: envelope filter, octaver, chorus, fuzz, harmonizer.

 

[MeLikeBass]

This does everything I need. . .

Invalid Link Removed

Have seen these around but hadn't given it much consideration. Would like to check one out. You gonna be home later?

 

[stringthrough]

Have seen these around but hadn't given it much consideration. Would like to check one out. You gonna be home later?

Sure, just text me when you're about to head over

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I still like the classic Sansamp (BDDI/RBI).. I'd probably have a power amp into full range speaker(s), so a Lo/Hi Pass filter would be nice to have to mimic vintage amps. Here's my ideal clean path would be at this moment:

Passive P or J w/ nickel rounds ->
TurboTuner ST-300 Mini ->
SFX Thumpinator ->
MXR Bass Pre ->
Keeley Bassist ->
Sansamp BDDI or RBI ->
Lo/Hi Pass filter ->
Power amp ->
Speaker(s)

The second filter may be before the Sansamp as well I guess..

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Let's decide what goes on the "essential" pedalboard ala TalkBass edition.

1) Tuner - we'll agree that this is almost an essential for the board. I'll even go so far as to say that the TurboTuner ST-300 (mini or regular) is the king of this pedal. Faster tuning and more stable tuning probably cuts 1-2 seconds off tuning each string and the newer relay switch on the 300 series makes it silent. But - do you put it early in the chain or right before the next pedal - a DI.

2) A DI? A lot are using IEM and not showing up with an amp, or maybe there's a supplied backline. A DI of your choice probably qualifies as an "essential". Contenders might be Tech 21 BDDI, Noble DI on the high end, Mesa Subway, etc.

3) Next up, I see a compressor on most boards. And this is going to be a case where taste comes into play. From easy one knob Spectracomp to FEA or Cali76 Compact multi knob / more control, and a ton in between.

4) A HPF(optional LPF) - I think this is not a fad, but recognition that a HPF is useful enough of the time to call it essential. In a pedal format, it's probably going to be a Broughton. Are there others in a pedal format?


I think those categories, maybe not the specific pedals will be acceptable to the super majority for the basis of an "essential" pedalboard. What else would you add to an "essential" setup?

I agree with most. A tuner, be it a pedal or a clip on is a must for any musician regardless of instrument. For those of us that play instruments that need to be amplified, XLR out of an amp or pedal board is a great idea, and should be a minimum qualification on any amp you buy.

I have a tuner pedal (Boss), and an Eden WTDI, which provide an XLR, some EQ capabilities, as well as onboard compression. )Well, as much compression as I ever need.) I pretty much play with a flat EQ setting, only a bump at 125-135hz which for the most part reduces the need for a HPC.

Good helpful OP. Thanks.

 

[matante]

One big difference between bass and guitar is that pedals are not essential to us. Guitarists need pedals. Bassists use pedals because we want to, not because we need to.