VT Bass & B String

[MostlyBass]

I have a Tech21 VT (modded with a blend, aux, DI, headphone) that I've had for years. I love the sound. I play a 5 string and it feels like the VT was meant for a 4 string - in that when I go over to the B I get a bit more fuzz / clipping / distortion.

I have radiused pickups and am cognizant of my levels and eq.

Any insights / thoughts?
Any experiences with the current one?

Thanks!
MostlyBass

 

[Fuzzbass]

I play fiver and own a VT Bass Deluxe, and also the VT RM (rackmount) unit. Haven't used them in months, but I don't recall that particular issue... then again, you say "a bit more" OD/fuzz, so maybe I didn't notice.

My first question: do you hear the extra fuzz while playing with a band, or just at home? "Just a bit" might become meaningless in a band context.

Second question: do you play an active bass, and if so, do you boost the bass EQ control? Depending on how that EQ is voiced, it might emphasize the low B.

Third question: do you notice the extra B string fuzz when playing at the 5th fret and above? That is, in four-string territory. If you get extra fuzz on say, 6th fret B string but not on 1st fret E string, then maybe you do have to adjust your B string action -- or technique.

In general, the fatter the string, the trickier it is to deal with (on bass anyway). When setting action, sometimes you have to go by feel and results; no guarantee that setting all strings to equivalent distance from the polepieces will result in equal volume.

 

[P-oddz]

I would guess action on the B string or pickup height. Sounds like you are just pushing a hotter signal into the pedal with that particular string.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Arr you sure it's coming out of the VT rather than the speaker complaining?

 

[thehangingmist]

I know my b string put out more low end and "volume" and because its not perceived the same way by ears as audible volume it has to put out even more to match up! Am I making sense?
I really mean I can clearly see why the B will sound more over driven!

 

[Fuzzbass]

I know my b string put out more low end and "volume" and because its not perceived the same way by ears as audible volume it has to put out even more to match up! Am I making sense?
I really mean I can clearly see why the B will sound more over driven!

I think so. I agree: those lowest notes seem to be 'felt' more than they are 'heard'.

On top of that, not many amps reproduce those lowest fundamental frequencies, so they might not be heard or felt at all. However they are still present in the signal from the instrument, so the pedal will have to deal with them. Just as you say, that can result in overdrive even though the note seems not to have any more volume.

 

[MostlyBass]

Thank everyone for the replies! I notice it more in a band situation. I play through Greenboy cabs so I'm pretty sure it's not the speakers. I think I've narrowed it down to the B string just putting out more low end (eq-wise, not pitch wise). I use a different B string than the rest of the strings so perhaps that's it. I have radiused pickups and there's plenty of clearance there.

So, it's probably coming to down to a combination of a thumping B string, eq tweaks, and being extra cognizant of the volumes & gain structure.

I emailed Tech21 and they replied quickly saying to watch the character knob as below 10 o'clock it scoops some mids which an accentuate the bass.

I did a gig recently without the pedal - Just my Carvin -> GK MB500 -> Greenboy Bassic15. The sound was very clear, loud, and punchy... but I missed the VT.