Hello again. I’m in a one guitar band, so as the bass I haveto fill it out.
I want to know what is a top quality distortion pedal for the bass?
Here are my requirements:
1. Doesn’t lose the bass tone. I want the ability to keep my nice thick bottom end but still have distortion.
2. Reliable/not easily broken.
3. If possible, be able get many different types of distortion through easy adjustments.
P.S. I did try a pod xt, but I didn’t want to go through all that complication for just distortion, as I like my bass tone without it.
P.P.S Sorry If I’m bugging anyone with all my posts, but this forum has been awesome help thus far in my quest for finding the right stuff.
Don't ever worry about that. We're all here to help and to learn...quote:P.P.S Sorry If I'm bugging anyone with all my posts, but this forum has been awesome help thus far in my quest for finding the right stuff.
I hear what you're saying about adding distortion without losing the tone of the instrument entirely. I use some (software) VST plug-ins to solve this problem when recording with my Sonar rig. They allow me to add effects above a certain frequency, leaving anything below that frequency unaffected. To use such plug-ins for live performance, you'd need something along the lines of the Muse Research Receptor. Amazing sound-shaping possibilities with one of these puppies, though perhaps a bit over the top, if all you want is some distortion on your bass...
I'm not a bassist, so I don't have any specific recommendations for bass hardware, stomp-box type pedals. Try a Google search for 'bass fuzz pedal'. Lots to choose from. Dig around and you might find one that's designed to give you exactly what you want...
I'll tell ya, for $399, I think that you'll be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive, easy to operate and great sounding unit than the Bass Pod XT Live. Even if you bypass the amp models, the onboard effects models (distortion, fuzz, etc.) are AMAZING, especially for the price! I've learned a lot about setting up my XT Live (for guitar) and would be happy to help you with getting it dialed in, if you decide to go that route...
Try SansAmp Bass Driver DI (my favorite little device). This has a simple “cabinet emulator”, but more importantly allows you to mix direct and effected signals to retain a clean bottom. Not to mention it is in a rugged steel case and can be powered by the Bose’s phantom power.
Another option would be the Boss Bass Overdrive pedal, this also allows you to mix your direct signal with the effected signal.
I have played in several power trios and found that kicking in a some grit during guitar solos really helps fill out the band’s sound. I just bought the ultimate weapon for a power trio bassist… an eight string bass.
Rocco
Thanks very much guys.
Got the boss bass overdrive. Very nice and simple. And I can dial in how much bass tone vs distortion. I don’t lose the bottom end.
To the overdrive pedal I can recommend you the MXR Bass Envelope Filter Effect pedal, which is great for adding dynamic tone to the bass line.