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What effect should I get next?

Which effect first?

  • Source Audio Soundblox Tri-Mod Flanger

    Votes: 2 3.6%

  • Source Audio Soundblox Bass Envelope Filter

    Votes: 17 30.4%

  • Digitech Bass Synth Wah

    Votes: 6 10.7%

  • MXR Bass Compressor

    Votes: 22 39.3%

  • Boss LMB-3 Bass Limiter/Enhancer

    Votes: 1 1.8%

  • Boss GEB-7 Bass Equalizer

    Votes: 10 17.9%
  • Total voters
    56
I

Irtemed

Apr 6, 2009
99
0
www.youtube.com
#1
Scroll down all the way for a basic synopsis.

I'm in the market for a new effect at the moment, but I currently am not sure what I want to get first. At the moment, all I have is an EBS MultiDrive and a BOSS OC-2. Neither are in pristine condition, nor did I buy either of them new, but they both get the job done, and do it well.

My bass is a Lakland 44-02 with alder wood. It was made before they started making their own electronics so it's got a Bartolini preamp and pickups. If it makes any difference I use DR's Neon strings, which are coated, nickel plated round core strings, basically making them coated Sunbeams. I play my bass through a 300 watt Mesa Walkabout Scout 12".

Of course, like most people, money is quite an issue, which is why I can only get one effect. I've got a list of different effects in different categories, but I'm not sure what I want first. :help:

Mainly, I want either a compressor, an e. filter, a wah, or some sort of a modulation. I've done extensive research on all categories, and I've decided some specific things (but I'm quite open to any and all suggestions)

If I'm to get a compressor, it would be the MXR Bass Compressor. That thing looks and sounds great. It's cheaper than the EBS MultiComp, and sounds better. Also I just like MXR's classic styling and footprint. They're really kicking but with their new "Bass Innovations" too. But, does anyone know anything about the BOSS LMB-3? Just listened to a demo and it sounds great, and it's even cheaper than the MXR.

If I'm to get a modulation, I'm really into the Soundblox Tri-Mod Flanger. It's an interesting pedal, because If I set it right, I could use it as a unique envelope filter, a weird-jet-sound machine, a classic flanger, a chorus, and even a subtle to super intense vibrato. Plus I found a great deal on it used. Any specific suggestions on something that could do all of that that wouldn't be too expensive? Because if I got that I wouldn't necessarily need an e. filter immediately.

If I'm to get a e. filter or wah, I have a couple options in mind:
  • Soundblox Bass Envelope Filter
  • Digitech Bass Synth Wah
  • Crybaby Bass Wah
  • Morley Dual Bass Wah
The Soundblox BEF emulates 19 different e. filters, and it has 2 different phaser settings. Plus, I'd be able to choose between a down or up sweep. The Digitech BSW however, has many settings, only one of them being a classic e. filter. How much does the BSW's e. filter mode sound like the DOD FX25(B)? I like the tone of the DOD but it doesn't sound totally reliable, and I've heard problems of a sound drop. Also, can you alter the controls of the Digitech BSW to use some of the synth settings as a distortion only? The two wahs are obviously quite different from e. filters. They both have level controls. But the Morley has two different modes, funk and classic. It's also got a bigger footprint. I don't like the mids of either wahs. Unfortunately, my favorite wah that I've tried is the EBS Stanley Clarke signature wah. If you've ever played with one, you'd completely know why. However, it's 300 dollars, which is the unfortunate part. I'm in between the Digitech BSW and the Soundblox BEF, unless if there's something you guys know about the Morley and the Crybaby.

Also I really would like a graphic equalizer. Preferable something with particularly high treble capabilities, like the BOSS GEB-7 Bass Equalizer.

I'd also like to get a delay with a delay speed that can be controlled via expression pedal. A good example of that is The EHX Memory Boy, which isn't too expensive, too complex, or too big. Also I'd really like a synth fuzz to complement my EBS MultiDrive. The perfect example is the Tech 21 Red Ripper. Also, a better octaver would be great. As much as I love my OC-2, I bought it for 20 dollars used, and the switch and be a little temperamental. But none of the above is vital at the moment, however I'd love opinions. There's something called the Copilot Cubic, and it has some of the best octave tones and tracking I've ever heard. BassFuzz.com Presents: Copilot Cubic - YouTube

--------------------------------------------------------

Overall I'm leaning towards getting one of the following:
  • Source Audio Soundblox Tri-Mod Flanger
  • Source Audio Soundblox Bass Envelope Filter
  • Digitech Bass Synth Wah
  • Boss LMB-3 Bass Limiter/Enhancer
  • MXR Bass Compressor
  • Boss GEB-7 Bass Equalizer
 
#13
Well I can tell you what I WOULDN'T get first. A Digitech Synth Wah. Nice little pedal for toying around, and if you're into a spacey kind of sound, but almost pointless in a band situation. I made the mistake of getting one of these when I would have been better off with a fuzz, like a Bass Big Muff (usable in distortion situations, or in more synth-like situations like Chris's sound in Muse).

To answer your question, you can never really get rid of the synth quality to get just a distortion. One of the filters comes close, but never truly is there. You can toy with the preset filters' settings, but you can never get a dramatically different sound. Either you like the base sound of each effect or you don't.

With that said, the only effects I've personally found somewhat useful are the Slow Autowah, and the Envelope Filter. The Envelope Filter can sometimes sound a little too "wacky" for my taste though. Oh, and the "Yeah" Wah sound. It's more fun and silly than practical, but I like to use it when I'm just playing around.
If you use the filter that sounds like synth-fuzz with lasers shooting (no better way to describe it haha), you can EQ out the laser sounds on the pedal and just keep the semi-useful Synth-Fuzz sound.
 
#16
fedenybass said:
So here's a real rookie question as I havent used pedals in 20 yrs... What's a good pedal to start out with that can be used in a blues/ rock/ gospel setting? Brands? I appreciate any help on this. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I say a good compressor.. I have used a few including, but not limited to boss cs2, boss lmb3, bbe opto stomp. (Old version). Mxr, and alphex. My fav stock is the bbe.. But my fav. Is a Steve McKinley "thunder" modded lmb3 and this thing kicks @ss.. Very very awesome and transparent and quiet AFTER the mod. Costed 60 ish for shipping and the mod it's self. But very worth it.
 

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