Looking for a pedal (stomp box, if you will) to boost the volume of my upright during jazz solos. My set up is a Fishman Full Circle, EA iAMP and a Wizzy 10.
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.
Double Bass Volume Pedal for Solos?
- Thread starter pickerpete
- Start date
Maybe a volume pedal?
Or this-> [This invalid link has been removed]
Never tried the MXR, so I can't coment on how well it does or doesn't work. The volume pedal might be a bit akward trying to juggle on the upright since you're not that mobile.
Or this-> [This invalid link has been removed]
Never tried the MXR, so I can't coment on how well it does or doesn't work. The volume pedal might be a bit akward trying to juggle on the upright since you're not that mobile.
The problem with a volume pedal is that a lot of your amplified sound depends on your input level at the preamp. Too hot, and it can sound harsh and can potentially clip; not hot enough, and it can sound weak and distant. With a volume pedal usually being in line between the pickup and amp, this leads to a wishy-washy sound when not soloing and then a "normal" sound during solos, or a "normal" sound while accompanying and then a harsh or different sound when soloing. I've played around with the idea of having a "boost" switch in the chain, and have never really been able to make it work, eventually just incorporating the difference in levels during solos into the realm of physical technique in playing the instrument.
However, if you want to try this electronically, I'd recommend a small boost of signal somewhere that is "post-preamp" in the signal chain (the FX loop on most amps, depending on the design). Ideally, a true "volume pedal" would be like turning the master volume knob up and down rather than the preamp volume, but I never found a way to do it short of reaching down and turning the knob - everything else always changed the sound.
However, if you want to try this electronically, I'd recommend a small boost of signal somewhere that is "post-preamp" in the signal chain (the FX loop on most amps, depending on the design). Ideally, a true "volume pedal" would be like turning the master volume knob up and down rather than the preamp volume, but I never found a way to do it short of reaching down and turning the knob - everything else always changed the sound.
When i use a volume pedal I tend do decrease the volume of the amp during bass solo's and increase the volume of the amp when the quintet for example plays at full force.
It seems logical to me when you are trying to keep an acoustic balance with your band.
I thought about the volume pedal lowering the input to the preamp, but it doesn't seem to be an issue with my setup.
It seems logical to me when you are trying to keep an acoustic balance with your band.
I thought about the volume pedal lowering the input to the preamp, but it doesn't seem to be an issue with my setup.
Usually, your always sensitive band comes down in volume during your solo, so the bass can be easily heard at the old settings, and with dynamics finally easy to hear. With the FC I'd like to reduce the volume when soloing arco.
An easy solution is a bass EQ pedal. They let you have a different tone for solos or arco, plus an adjustable volume level, all with a tap of the toe. At least some of these have a 1 meg input, too, for piezo friendliness.
Ernie Ball makes, what seems to me, to be the best volume pedals out there. If you put that in your Effects Loop in the amp, you should be able to get want.
However, I'm looking at EA's website, and two of their little amps have a foot switch option that can be set to toggle between the two channels of the amp, with 1 instrument plugged in. (Ie. 1 instrument, channel 1 for accompaniment, toggle to channel 2 for solos). Would that work for you? Seems like the way to go.
However, I'm looking at EA's website, and two of their little amps have a foot switch option that can be set to toggle between the two channels of the amp, with 1 instrument plugged in. (Ie. 1 instrument, channel 1 for accompaniment, toggle to channel 2 for solos). Would that work for you? Seems like the way to go.
Take my opinion as just that... my opinion.
To my ears your post tells me that A) you reply on your amp for your sound and B) you feel you have to play louder to cut through your band. You said in your original post that you were looking for use in a jazz context.
My opinion: you should concentrate on your physical approach and tell your band mates what you need from them during your solos.
The thing that I've found is that if you are relying on your amp for your sound you sacrifice the natural tone of your bass and you are entering in a battle that you will ALWAYS lose. The concern is you turn up, the drummer gets louder, the guitar/keyboard turns up, you turn up, the drummer gets louder, the guitar/keyboard turns up, you turn up, the drummer gets louder, the guitar/keyboard turns up, wash, rinse, repeat.
my 2 cents.
To my ears your post tells me that A) you reply on your amp for your sound and B) you feel you have to play louder to cut through your band. You said in your original post that you were looking for use in a jazz context.
My opinion: you should concentrate on your physical approach and tell your band mates what you need from them during your solos.
The thing that I've found is that if you are relying on your amp for your sound you sacrifice the natural tone of your bass and you are entering in a battle that you will ALWAYS lose. The concern is you turn up, the drummer gets louder, the guitar/keyboard turns up, you turn up, the drummer gets louder, the guitar/keyboard turns up, you turn up, the drummer gets louder, the guitar/keyboard turns up, wash, rinse, repeat.
my 2 cents.
Empress paraEQ now has a boost. Radial PZ-Pre has a boost.
Best bet, given you have an iAmp, is as long finger suggested - switch between the two amp channels.
Oh yeah... A Biesele (sp?) or F-deck mounted under the fingerboard would give you quick access to a volume knob - of course the peda... purists, will say having the extra weight on your FB will change the tone of your sound. For all I know they're right. I'm a newb so add salt to taste.
Best bet, given you have an iAmp, is as long finger suggested - switch between the two amp channels.
Oh yeah... A Biesele (sp?) or F-deck mounted under the fingerboard would give you quick access to a volume knob - of course the peda... purists, will say having the extra weight on your FB will change the tone of your sound. For all I know they're right. I'm a newb so add salt to taste.
Thanks folks for your thoughtful advice as usual. In the best of all possible worlds I would always like to go without a boost which is in the end likely to change the sound in some unsatisfactory ways. Often we have to find the best option given the circumstances we are in. Your comments have given some alternatives worth checking out.
