Worship Bass Pedalboards

[wolffire99]

I’m sure a lot of you guys already know this. But for those that use a tone hammer and a hx stomp together a 5db gain block will perfectly match AGS and clean outputs on the TH but also is a dirty boost for when AGS is already on.

What makes AGS so cool is a gain boost in front of it adds very little DB increase, it just gets more dirty.

 

[rcmbass]

I’m sure a lot of you guys already know this. But for those that use a tone hammer and a hx stomp together a 5db gain block will perfectly match AGS and clean outputs on the TH but also is a dirty boost for when AGS is already on.

What makes AGS so cool is a gain boost in front of it adds very little DB increase, it just gets more dirty.

View attachment 7170150

Thanks for this. I use the Tone Hammer and HXS together. I love the Tone Hammer with AGS always on. But there are times in a worship set where I don’t need the grit from the AGS. My workaround is to add a Xotic EP Booster block to a switch to use when my AGS button is off.

When I want to use the AGS, I turn the EP Booster block off with a foot switch and turn on the AGS button. Yes, a little toe tapping, but it allows me to add AGS without a massive boost. Basically the same workaround you’ve done here. You can accomplish the same thing with a simple, micro boost pedal if you don’t have an HXS.

I wish somebody would just mod the Tone Hammer so there’s unity gain when you click AGS button. I’m sure there is a technical/sciency reason why that wouldn’t work, but a man can dream.

 

[projectapollo]

Why not set the TH for unity gain (with AGS always on) when stomping the engage button? Thats how I use it, no gain bump. One great thing about the TH/AGS is how it cleans up when playing normally with fingers, then gets nice and driven when digging in or using a pick.

 

[rcmbass]

I have 4 active church PCO accounts currently... used to be more, but after covid... a few churches closed their doors. I'm scheduled for 3 churches this month. A Sunday off usually means I'm playing at another church, but when it's a real Sunday off... I'm enjoying that time off. This Sundays setlist:

King Of My Heart
More Like Jesus
Champion
What a Beautiful Name

Hopefully I'll have an updated pedalboard with new pedals this Sunday.

You and @projectapollo are beast mode worship bassist! I play at our church once or twice a month. That’s a pretty heavy burden for me since I’m still working full-time. But there’s nothing like that experience. I love it. I hope to do more as I approach with the retirement years. That is… If the young whippersnappers can handle my dad tone once in a while.

 

[rcmbass]

Why not set the TH for unity gain (with AGS always on) when stomping the engage button? Thats how I use it, no gain bump. One great thing about the TH/AGS is how it cleans up when playing normally with fingers, then gets nice and driven when digging in or using a pick.

I haven’t tried that. I like the sound and EQ from the Tone Hammer when it is engaged. I just don’t like the whatever it is db boost/bump when you engage AGS.

But… I have enough gear on my board that I should get a pretty great tone without the Tone Hammer always engaged. Especially with my Sushi Box Neptunium. That little box is fire. A poor man’s Noble!

 

[projectapollo]

You and @projectapollo are beast mode worship bassist! I play at our church once or twice a month. That’s a pretty heavy burden for me since I’m still working full-time. But there’s nothing like that experience. I love it. I hope to do more as I approach with the retirement years. That is… If the young whippersnappers can handle my dad tone once in a while.

Happy retirement requires some purpose driven life. Since retirement I've really started to focus on serving, improving my skills, and starting last year getting into tone/pedals. So, I'm a bit of an enigma at my churches, the retired guy playing with the younger guys. But my church WL's are tickled that someone is taking it so seriously and always encourage me to keep blazing the trail. I get first call when unusual stuff comes up, so that is rewarding.

 

[projectapollo]

I haven’t tried that. I like the sound and EQ from the Tone Hammer when it is engaged. I just don’t like the whatever it is db boost/bump when you engage AGS.

But… I have enough gear on my board that I should get a pretty great tone without the Tone Hammer always engaged. Especially with my Sushi Box Neptunium. That little box is fire. A poor man’s Noble!

IME, the TH/AGS is my saturation and DI device, not really my classic preamp/EQ device. You get better preamp/EQ from other devices like the DCX Bass, Neptunium, an EQ block in the Stomp, Noble, etc. I'm particularly fond of the DCX Bass into the TH. I disengage the TH for softer songs/sections and just use the organics, direct console preamp tone, and EQ from the DCX. When the drums kick in or things get bigger I just engage the TH, no gain bump, just lovely next level saturation.

 

[wolffire99]

One great thing about the TH/AGS is how it cleans up when playing normally with fingers, then gets nice and driven when digging in or using a pick

That’s exactly why I keep going back to it. You don’t find DCX into AGS over saturated or eq’s canceling out?

 

[cfraz]

You get better preamp/EQ from other devices like the DCX Bass, Neptunium, an EQ block in the Stomp, Noble, etc.

Interesting. Can you describe the characteristics which make the other devices better preamp/EQ choices than the TH?

 

[projectapollo]

That’s exactly why I keep going back to it. You don’t find DCX into AGS over saturated or eq’s canceling out?

I think the DCX (no mid control) and the TH (AGS adds mids) completent each other well. (I MUCH prefer the contour of the bass and treble controls in the DCX over the TH preamp.) Although, If you have the DCX bass control pushed way up for that lovely console tone - that can oversaturate the TH when engaging the TH after the DCX. I keep the DCX at reasonable bass levels and the pair seem to work well together for me. We are not always playing the Bethel huge bass tone songs, so I need a more chill cleanish console tone that the DCX provides. Then adding the TH/AGS for the bigger sections adds mids and saturation and just works. Bryce Vaughn uses the DCX and no TH. Bethel uses the TH and no DCX. I compromised and use both. LOL.

Also, someone on here once noted that using the DCX with a bit of bass boost and the adaptive gain (treble cut) set to medium is a secret sauce after the Bass Microsynth. I tried that and it works great. The bass boost makes the BMS lower octave slam better, and adaptive gain thing tames the sizzle/fuzziness a tad. BMS => DCX => TH is a nice combo that can cover everything in three pedals. Throw in the HX One and you pick up chorus, octaver, tuner, etc. Check out this super versatile 18" assembly, which I use frequently, especially at my home big church when I need to go full Bethel:

 

[erayser]

You and @projectapollo are beast mode worship bassist! I play at our church once or twice a month. That’s a pretty heavy burden for me since I’m still working full-time. But there’s nothing like that experience. I love it. I hope to do more as I approach with the retirement years. That is… If the young whippersnappers can handle my dad tone once in a while.

I'm still working full-time... I don't know if I'll still be playing when I retire. I'll let God lead me when the time comes, but I'd like to travel more in the future.

As far as playing at different churches, my wife and I left the church we grew up in... which her dad was the pastor... to go to church that had more youth for our kids. We ended up in a church that plants other churches. Musicians come/leave and spread out all over, but we all still have relationships. That gave me more opportunity to play with other musicians and make new relationships and play other churches. A few churches hire musicians. My home church hired a guitar player from a popular mega church... played a few Sundays, and he asked I play at his church once in a while. He said playing with me was already an audition. I was scheduled the following week... and when I showed up... I didn't know a single WT member. The guitar player wasn't even scheduled. So... more musicians to network with, and make relationships.

Most churches in our area play on a silent stage. All similar, but slightly different. All uses clicks, some use click tracks, and some use clicks with a MD mic... so if you don't know NNS... it's a good tool to know if you are asked to play at a church you aren't familiar with. Playing weekly is great... but when I'm not scheduled to play, I really enjoy myself, relax, and do things I don't normally do on weekends.

I think the DCX (no mid control) and the TH (AGS adds mids) completent each other well. (I MUCH prefer the contour of the bass and treble controls in the DCX over the TH preamp.) Although, If you have the DCX bass control pushed way up for that lovely console tone - that can oversaturate the TH when engaging the TH after the DCX. I keep the DCX at reasonable bass levels and the pair seem to work well together for me. We are not always playing the Bethel huge bass tone songs, so I need a more chill cleanish console tone that the DCX provides. Then adding the TH/AGS for the bigger sections just works. Bryce Vaughn uses the DCX and no TH. Bethel uses the TH and no DCX. I compromised and use both. LOL.

Also, someone on here once noted that using the DCX with a bit of bass boost and the adaptive gain (treble cut) set to medium is a secret sauce after the Bass Microsynth. I tried that and it works great. The bass boost makes the BMS lower octave slam better, and adaptive gain thing tames the sizzle/fuzziness a tad. BMS => DCX => TH is a nice combo that can cover everything in three pedals.

I was planning to by a DCX for a while... I bought it early because of your post on buying it from Germany. Saved me $$'s.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!!!

 

[projectapollo]

I was planning to by a DCX for a while... I bought it early because of your post on buying it from Germany. Saved me $$'s.

I bought all 4 Origin pedals new from Thommans in Germany. Both BassRigs, DCX, and Cali76. I split it in two orders so each was within the $800 import fee exemption and shipping was $40 total for both boxes. It saved me $600 over US + sales tax pricing. Their new prices are the same as typical used prices here on TB. I enjoy mixing and matching all these pedals.

Note: I recently noticed the Bassrig US retail prices just went up $50. So, Thomann is even a better deal.

 

[erayser]

I searched when I last updated my pedalboard, and I swear it's been years... but found a post on my last update, and it was less then a year ago (June 2024)... Technically... my last update wasn't a real update, just replacing an old compressor with the latest Cali76 v2.

I've been wanting to buy new analog pedals for a while... so I've been buying pedals since the beginning of the year... when I find opportunities or deals. I bought the Subsonic at regular price, but that was the cheapest pedal, even if I got the JHS Kilt at way lower price. Also, Broughton is always out of stock on pedals, so I bought it while it was still in stock. The DCX I was willing to wait on... but who knew buying overseas would save me close to $80? That was the last pedal I was thinking of getting... so here is my updated pedalboard...

I took off the Sansamp VT-Bass DI, and Sweet Foot Pedal HX Iso power supply and replaced with a CIOKS.

I relocated the KHAN VTDI underneath the pedalboard... also moved the Micro-Thumpinator to the start of the chain under the Strobostomp tuner... which is now my instrument input. On the SFX Sound website, that's they recommended to put the Micro-Thumpinator in their FAQ's. I kind of like the location... pedalboard looks cleaner.

I've been having a blast playing with it at home. Can't wait to use it live this weekend.

 

[Rocksolid]

I think the DCX (no mid control) and the TH (AGS adds mids) completent each other well. (I MUCH prefer the contour of the bass and treble controls in the DCX over the TH preamp.) Although, If you have the DCX bass control pushed way up for that lovely console tone - that can oversaturate the TH when engaging the TH after the DCX. I keep the DCX at reasonable bass levels and the pair seem to work well together for me. We are not always playing the Bethel huge bass tone songs, so I need a more chill cleanish console tone that the DCX provides. Then adding the TH/AGS for the bigger sections adds mids and saturation and just works. Bryce Vaughn uses the DCX and no TH. Bethel uses the TH and no DCX. I compromised and use both. LOL.

Also, someone on here once noted that using the DCX with a bit of bass boost and the adaptive gain (treble cut) set to medium is a secret sauce after the Bass Microsynth. I tried that and it works great. The bass boost makes the BMS lower octave slam better, and adaptive gain thing tames the sizzle/fuzziness a tad. BMS => DCX => TH is a nice combo that can cover everything in three pedals. Throw in the HX One and you pick up chorus, octaver, tuner, etc. Check out this super versatile 18" assembly, which I use frequently, especially at my home big church when I need to go full Bethel:


View attachment 7170500

Nice description.
I think this is why eventually I will put my THDI and Model Fet in for the Digbeth and agro. Both have good clean tones and saturated also. They don't have to be stacked and you can choose which is saturated and which is clean and switch between them or stack them depending on your needs.

 

[wolffire99]

Leading worship again today but I managed to play bass and sing on Citizens version of Amazing Grace (check it out if you’re looking for a fresh arrangement, it’s really good)

I split up the board for acoustic and bass. Ran bass through Tone Hammer only. Still amazed at how good that sounds by itself. Had AGS engaged but lower gain and it’s *chef’s kiss*

 

[NickyBass]

This board is working really well.

 

[5stringwonder]

I searched when I last updated my pedalboard, and I swear it's been years... but found a post on my last update, and it was less then a year ago (June 2024)... Technically... my last update wasn't a real update, just replacing an old compressor with the latest Cali76 v2.

I've been wanting to buy new analog pedals for a while... so I've been buying pedals since the beginning of the year... when I find opportunities or deals. I bought the Subsonic at regular price, but that was the cheapest pedal, even if I got the JHS Kilt at way lower price. Also, Broughton is always out of stock on pedals, so I bought it while it was still in stock. The DCX I was willing to wait on... but who knew buying overseas would save me close to $80? That was the last pedal I was thinking of getting... so here is my updated pedalboard...

I took off the Sansamp VT-Bass DI, and Sweet Foot Pedal HX Iso power supply and replaced with a CIOKS.

I relocated the KHAN VTDI underneath the pedalboard... also moved the Micro-Thumpinator to the start of the chain under the Strobostomp tuner... which is now my instrument input. On the SFX Sound website, that's they recommended to put the Micro-Thumpinator in their FAQ's. I kind of like the location... pedalboard looks cleaner.

I've been having a blast playing with it at home. Can't wait to use it live this weekend.

great board! what's your signal path like?

 

[erayser]

great board! what's your signal path like?

This question just reminded me of my late pm to am time experimenting signal paths. I had everything laid out on our kitchen island that started around 9pm, and didn't sleep till 3am. I should have taken a picture of it... I went to sleep thinking I'll just start soldering patch cables, and go with I had at that time. I woke up at 6:30am because I had breakfast plans with a friend I hadn't seen for a while. When I got home from breakfast, I still didn't end up with I had set up at 3am... LOL

I just made things difficult trying to add the BMS and Kilt in the L/R mono FX loop. Not sure if I was doing something wrong, but the BMS sounded bad in the FX Loop... didn't sound like vid I seen with Bryce Vaughn... and didn't track like his. Anyway... sorry the long story... I went with the following signal path...

1. Micro-Thumpinator (Instrument input) - Bottom
2. Strobostomp
3. Cali76 v2
4. BMS
5. Subsonic
6. Dunlop Vol
7. DCX Bass
8. HX Stomp - Kilt (FX Loop L mono)
9. Dr. Scientist Boost BOT (buffer)
10. Khan VTDI - Bottom

Pretty happy with it... sounds great, and happy to have physical dial knobs again. Not the layout I had in mind, but it works... and looks clean.

 

[projectapollo]

Yesterday's rig.

 

[SteveC]

Played around with a Moog Sub37 yesterday. So nice but I think overkill for me. A Sub25 would be enough. I don’t need the arpeggiator or 37 keys really. Seems more difficult to find a Sub25 than a Sub37.