Using Non-Tap-Tempo Delay?

[MonsterBass101]

So how do the bass players who use analog or digital delays without tap tempo do it? Whenever I don't use tap tempo, my bass line gets extremely muddy, and I can't hear my own playing. However, Tap-Tempo opens up a whole new world for me with rhythmic passages and such. So maybe I'm doing it wrong, but how do you guys use non tap-tempo delays?

 

[Jimbob Jones]

I know it's not quite the same, but my tremolo has no tap. You're right, it is awkward getting the pedal to keep in time with you. The only solution I've come up with is horribly careful tweaking of the ol' rate knob.

 

[RickenBoogie]

You could just set the delay rate close, and use that tempo for the song. Of course, it requires a tweak right before the band starts playing, but at least everyone and everything is on the same tempo.

 

[champbassist]

This is one of the reasons I still use and prefer my Zoom B1X for delays over, say, a Boss DD-3. You can specifically dial in the delay time in milliseconds in most of the multifx pedals out there and that is a massive plus point, IMO, over delay pedals that neither provide that option, nor have tap tempo delay. Personally, I find even tap tempo to be a bit cumbersome, in comparison to the precision afforded in specifying the delay time explicitly.

 

[megadan]

I usually set the delay on my Memory Boy (analog, no tap tempo) before a song; it has an expression pedal input but I don't bother with it. I find the trick is to set the mix a little lower (less delay, more dry), and the relationship between the mix and feedback is crucial.

Sometimes I'll tweak the delay knob with the side of my foot if needed, which sounds cool anyway.

 

[Pandafist]

Tap tempo = rhythm playing
analog delay = leads and spacey passages where rhythm is loose or not as important.

 

[Meddle]

For tremolo I put a big chrome Precision Bass knob on the 'rate' pot. That is the only way I can subtly tweak it with my foot during playing.

And yes my drummer hates it when I break out a delay or trem as it makes him work harder!

 

[iamdenialNJ]

I'm right with you guys. A tap tempo on any time based effect is absolutely ESSENTIAL for me.

 

[darkstorm]

Its very easy, you play along to music and adjust the delay accordingly so it works with the musics tempo etc. If your unit doesnt have tap tempo then one might end up needing to program a bank or two of voices with varied delay times etc so that you can switch to the desired patches as needed for best fit. But the key thing is dont try to adjust your delay rate etc solo, do it in a mix of the music your gonna be playing along with or something at least similiar. Is the same for getting best voice in the mix without delay effect. It requires tweaking the sound in the mix rather then solo.

 

[Mark Olson]

It's quite simple really. I have a bunch of songs I use delay on, and the tempo I get with my MXR Carbon Copy with the delay time set at 1:30 is just right, whether I'm using it for triplets or quarters or what have you. Or sometimes you just want a non rhythmic echo. If you're skilled at keeping time you won't get thrown off by it, but that can be difficult to do if you're not confident at asserting time against a non rhythmic echo.

 

[MonsterBass101]

Ok I think I get it. But in the end its made me realize that it really just is up to personal preference. But I will spend some more time with this delay and see if I can't work something out of it.

 

[Mark Olson]

The other thing you'll want to do is not have the repeat level so high that it muddies up your playing, just try adding some echo in the background. You can run into problems if you're trying to have your repeats as loud as your original signal.