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Veteran Bassist Seeking Best Effects Unit

V

Vehemence

Mar 26, 2012
2
0
Houston, Texas
#1
Hello, Folks - this is my first post - I'm new here, starting today.

I've been playing bass for 22 years, mainly in alternative and progressive rock bands, usually without any effects. I did have a multi-effects unit by Digitech for a few years (not my favorite brand for effects), but got rid of it a while back.

I am currently involved in a new project that mixes progressive & psychedelic rock (Porcupine Tree/Pink Floyd/the Cure) with electronica (New Order, Cocteau Twins, NIN, etc.) so I am looking for something that offers some different palettes to paint from, so to speak.

So far, I am drawn to the BOSS GT-10B because of my experience with BOSS products for electric guitar, and because I prefer the all inclusive pedal board as opposed to racks for live purposes.

Is this my best bet in the $500 +/- price range?

Thank you.
 
#8
I'm much like the OP in that I have been playing for many many years and mostly without any effects at all. Until recently I was fine with no effects but recent gig's had me looking. I ended up with a TC Electronic Nova and could not be more pleased. It's dead silent and all of the effects are very high quality. Plus it's built like a tank. Go mine for $340 shipped, great deal for a high quality multi-effects unit. Did I say it can run up to 6 effects simultaneously ..?
 
#9
It does look like you're wanting a multi fx unit. For an an all-in-one top quality unit, the Boss GT-10B is probably your best bet. We could all gladly suggest a plethora of individual stomp boxes, but for what you would like, I think it best fits the bill.

The TC Nova System is also a top piece of kit, but it isn't designed for Bass - notably, there are no filter effects. Might not be a problem for you, but I would miss having an envelope filter.
 
#10
Unfortunately your best bet is going to be individual stomp boxes. You can make a few short cuts (a Line6 M9 will fill your modulation needs) but you're going to want some effects separate from multi-fx, especially octave, compression, an most importantly for dirt.
 
#11
from what i understand the Fractal Axe FX is the "best" fx box. but it's more than double your budget used. i've heard of very few bass players who use it, but it's a favorite of the 7+ string players, which would lead me to believe it handles the lower register stuff well.

for $500 budget i'd start shopping around for stomp boxes. that's the route i went & am very happy with em.
 
#12
I use the GT-10B, it's by far and large the best I've heard in the price range except the synth patches can be a little sucky. Also it has a steep learning curve.

If you really need decent synth tones you're best with boutique pedals anyway.
 
#13
I use the GT-10B, it's by far and large the best I've heard in the price range except the synth patches can be a little sucky. Also it has a steep learning curve.

If you really need decent synth tones you're best with boutique pedals anyway.
Click to expand...

agreed. If you are going this route, be prepared to invest some time into getting things just the way you like it. The GT-10B offers a lot of customizable tone....but it takes time.
 
#14
I like the Zoom B9.1ut the B3 doesnt impress me, too limited, too expensive for what it offers. The B9.1ut can do several times more effects etc. The boss unit you mentioned is very good. Best bet is try a few and pick the one that offers you at least one excellent to you overdrive, chorus, reverb, etc, main effects you want to use. It should also have a minimum of 8and eq or very bare bones minimum of 6 with selectable centers for most of those. In all honesty the Zoom Player 2000B had better overdrive, ring mod and eq section to me. But its been out of production for a few yrs. Mine finally gave out and the B9.1ut took its place.
 
#16
I think

the best solution is to take separate effects
I personally use:

EBS Bass IQ
EBS Uni Chorus
EBS Multi Compressor
EBS Octabass

you can require the first three, the latter is not necessary for the style of music you play

budget corresponds to yours
robust and reliable brand, I'm not advertising but after having tried several, I'm an accurate
sorry for my english, I'm French
thank you:bassist:
 
#17
the Zoom B9.1tu is the ticket. It's amazing - I use it for exactly what you are describing. I used to have the pedal board full and you can most assuredly buy single units that are much better - but the amount of stuff you get on that Zoom is simply amazing. And it's much better than the Digitech (in my humble opinion)!
 
#18
There are a couple of great sounding multi-effect processors out there. although the line 6 m5, m9, and m13 are popular multi-effects processors that works well on bass, there are some other multi-effects processors to choose from. I have a soundclick website where I record sound samples of certain bass multi-effects processors. I did started this soundclick website to help out talkbass members what multi-effects processors to buy. here's the link to my soundclick website.

www.soundclick.com/crystalman85

Feel free to check it out.
 

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