Got my first pedal right after I got my first guitar in 1973:
Other goodies acquired in the 70’s:
Other goodies acquired in the 70’s:
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.
What's your oldest effect and do you still use it? :)
- Thread starter BrentSimons
- Start date
I went 25 years without any pedals, then I bought a J-bass in 2001 and a Sadowsky preamp/DI pedal -- the original larger unit without the "on" and "low batt" lights. It's indestructable and just works with a J-bass -- it somehow sounds wrong if I play the J-bass without it!
Oldest I own is a DOD Bass Grunge, but the oldest I still use is a V1 Danelectro Cool Cat Chorus (with the big metal enclosure). The DOD was cool, but I’ve replaced it with a Green Russian reissue, it’s more of the fuzz flavor I’m looking for. Sometimes I think about flipping the Dano and getting something a little smaller, but it works so well that it doesn’t feel like it’s worth the hassle.
I have an old Kent brand phaser, I’d guess from the late ’60s or so, but it needs new jacks, as the originals are plastic and have broken. I have an Ampeg Phazzer and an original script logo MXR Phase 90, no doubt both from the ‘70s. Probably something else in the pile if I dig hard enough. I also have all nine of the “A” series Ampeg pedals from when the company was owned by MTI in the ‘80s.
I don't have my original made-in-japan "fuzz-wah" - but I still like to use the old ElectroHarmonix LPB-1 (purchased new circa 1978!). I also have a Yamaha REX-50 (late-80s) that I sometimes use for recording...
The only pedal I use these days is an HPF/LPF. I've owned these for a few decades, don't ask me what they sound like because I don't remember. What I do remember is that I've had a lot of fun with them and that's why I'm not getting rid of them yet.
My oldest pedal is a Japan made OC-2, which I still use. The one I've owned the longest though is my Diamond Bass Compressor, going on 12 years now.
I have a DoD wah/volume that I bought new maybe around 94-95. I still use it fairly often, actually used it yesterday.
Boss Bass limiter / enhancer, and I still use it a few times per gig. At one time it was an “always on” effect, but a change in bands increased the need for dynamics & the limiter / enhancer made that more difficult.
My two oldest pieces of gear are actually BOTH DOD. And I have four of each of them... The Milkbox Compressor is my favorite compressor I've ever tried, so I grabbed one up for each of my boards (2 bass, 2 guitar). I also have the DOD Graybox DI/Cabsim, which is also on each of my 4 boards. I'm sure it's primitive by modern cabsim standards, but it does exactly what I need with no hassle, i.e. it makes my makeshift headphone/recording/PA/whatever rig work and sound decent enough.
Luckily, I bought these all before the giant spike in old DOD prices. I'd guess I spent maybe $300 for all 8 pieces of gear total? I would have to spend WAY more to buy these now.
Luckily, I bought these all before the giant spike in old DOD prices. I'd guess I spent maybe $300 for all 8 pieces of gear total? I would have to spend WAY more to buy these now.
Rat from 87, bought used in 89.
TC-SCF- bought many years later (2010?). Made in ~90 or 91. I have an 80s white print one as well, but it doesn't leave the house. Thinking about getting the new re-issue for power convenience, and then I'll have to sell the 90s one probably.
Both gig on the regular. The SCF sounds so good. The rat is an easy dirt sound for bass.
TC-SCF- bought many years later (2010?). Made in ~90 or 91. I have an 80s white print one as well, but it doesn't leave the house. Thinking about getting the new re-issue for power convenience, and then I'll have to sell the 90s one probably.
Both gig on the regular. The SCF sounds so good. The rat is an easy dirt sound for bass.
Boss ODB3. I know it’s not very loved around here though.
I played in a 3 piece band back then , so instead of having that second guitarist playing power chords , it’d stomp on that pedal during intros , solos , etc.
I ended buying and selling several of them (I’d always keep at least one) so I don’t know if the one I have is actually the first one I have. They all sounded the same , really.
I played in a 3 piece band back then , so instead of having that second guitarist playing power chords , it’d stomp on that pedal during intros , solos , etc.
I ended buying and selling several of them (I’d always keep at least one) so I don’t know if the one I have is actually the first one I have. They all sounded the same , really.
I've had this here Boss CS-2 for 30 years, and it's still in use. Originally purchased to use with bass, but I like it much better on guitar. Stays on the "big board" at my home studio.Hey Guys,
So I was just looking around at my current gear haul. Some of you know I'm not much of an effect guy. My tone usually just has a bit of grit or breakup in it (Think Geddy meets Steve Harris meets Pete Trawavas meets Duff McKagan and they sat down and all have a brew) I do enjoy a chorus or flanger here and there and I absolutely love messing around with envelope filters but have never really found a place for them in my music. Gear has come and gone: basses, amps, pedals, rack stuff. You name it! But a few things have remained constant. Namely a handful of basses and my Line 6 Bass Pod XT. I owned one of the original Bass Pods and loved it but when the XT version came out I was completely floored! The interface was so much easier to deal with and the amp sims were significantly better. I have it hooked up to our Mac as an audio interface and still use the amp sims to this day. (I've even fooled some folks here on TB asking if they liked my HX stomp or Helix presets and then surprising them with this "vintage" unit
I think I bought this back in 2008 or 2009 and it's still going strong. I've thought about picking up a midi controller and setting up my presets properly but really haven't gotten around to it.
I get nostalgic about some of the older multi-effects. Especially some of the ones that I let go for some reason or another and sometimes look for them in mint condition to pick up again. Prices are quite reasonable these days for some of the older units. I would love to pick up a Boss Gt6B again to mess around with!
So what is your oldest effect that you still use regularly?
Stay healthy y'all,
Brent
Boss Super Feedbacker and Distortion. I don’t use it anymore. With the volume on ten it is still quiet. Weird quirky pedal though.
Digitech BassWhammy first gen. Still use it for de tune chorus type effect. Drop down for a D works reasonably well, especially live.
I have MIJ Boss fuzz, distortion, overdrive.
MXR was hit or miss for me.
Digitec processor.
Alesis Quadraverb
Now I play amps with modeling.... works for me. A bit of chorus occasionally. And tuner/power supply.
MXR was hit or miss for me.
Digitec processor.
Alesis Quadraverb
Now I play amps with modeling.... works for me. A bit of chorus occasionally. And tuner/power supply.
My longest ago purchased pedal is an EHX Dr Q from '76 that is is the box needing repair at the moment, most of my vintage 60's thru 00's stuff is on the shelf only used for recording. I may actually build my old touring board again for posterity sake and just for fun [possibly profit] as I still have all the stuff and it is time to start getting rid of this stuff so my wife doesn't get stuck with it. . 
@johnk_10 just built me a Systech Overdrive which was one of my other pedals from back in '76 that I used for years but was lost in my travels.
FWIW I had been using effects since going electric on guitar in '70 but after seeing Eric Johnson and SRV one weekend in 1975 I decided to quit guitar and play baseball instead, sold off all my gear. Later I got back into it as I played upright bass in school in orchestra and jazz band and was forced to play electric and it all came rushing back to me.
@johnk_10 just built me a Systech Overdrive which was one of my other pedals from back in '76 that I used for years but was lost in my travels.
FWIW I had been using effects since going electric on guitar in '70 but after seeing Eric Johnson and SRV one weekend in 1975 I decided to quit guitar and play baseball instead, sold off all my gear. Later I got back into it as I played upright bass in school in orchestra and jazz band and was forced to play electric and it all came rushing back to me.
Last edited:
I got a Keeley Bassist Limiter somewhere I should dig out and try again. I wasn't a big fan at the time, but might be worth another shot
