Distortion for Bass

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:31 am

OK, whats a good sounding distortion pedal for bass?? I've heard great things about the Pod, and the Sansamp, what else is out there? I like the tone I get, I just want to add some kick'n distortion without sacrificing low end.

Anyone tried one of these??

http://www.tech21nyc.com/xxl_bass.html

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 1:43 pm

I prefer the pod

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 1:52 pm

It's an overdrive but the Fulltone Bassdrive gives all the dirt you could ever want and keeps the lows intact. It works quite well on subtle settings as well.

I haven't tried the XXL but did try the programmable Sansamp BDDI (?) and liked it....just not as much as the Fulltone.

It's one of those things where you really have to give a few units a side by side comparison to see which you'll like more.

rob · Post by **rob** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 2:25 pm

Electro Harmonix Big Muff.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:19 pm

Brian, where do you see a programmable SansAmp BDDI??
I keep getting told in several music stores that they aren't available yet.

john_l · Post by **john_l** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 3:34 pm

Musicians Friend has them.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/151780/

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:20 pm

It has them listed...as out of stock. I'm not sure if they ever had any in yet.

frightnight · Post by **frightnight** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:28 pm

Prescription electronics depth charge...

incubus2432 · Post by **incubus2432** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 4:50 pm

My local Sam Ash had a used one that I checked out.....someone must have bought it elsewhere and wasn't happy with it because they (Sam Ash) were pretty unfamiliar with it. It was pretty cool having the three different presets to quickly switch between but the tone just wasn't as thick down low like from the Bassdrive.....pretty good compared to others that I tried but still a little "thin".

There are usually a few floating around on Ebay.

I've heard great things about the Prescription Electronics Depth Charge but was unable to find one to try out before buying so I passed.

hieronymous · Post by **hieronymous** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 5:02 pm

Another vote for the Fulltone BassDrive. With the boost switch you can get two sounds - from mild overdrive to a much more saturated distortion. I also use the Budda PhatBass - it has two tubes, which is good, but needs a wallwart, which is inconvenient for some. But I find the Fulltone to be comparable, though there are distinct tonal differences.

For pretty over-the-top fuzz, there's also the ZVex Woolly Mammoth...

I should also point out that I generally go for really distorted sounds - a lot depends on what kind of distortion you want.

gearhed289 · Post by **gearhed289** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 5:41 pm

I've been using a Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive with pretty good results. I love the Tube Screamer sound, but they kill some of the lows. Fine if you're hauling a dual rig (dry/effect), I'm just not into dealing with all that anymore. The Sparkle Drive is the same guts as a TS, but with a CLEAN knob to mix in uneffected signal.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 6:34 pm

I like the BassPod XT a lot. It has more features than I need but it is a slick accessory.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 6:49 pm

Welcome back Ted!!

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 7:50 pm

Is there a good analog bass overdrive pedal? I've had mixed results with digital distortion/overdrive, and I'm not really into fuzz or anything like that. I just want something that will do some really nice overdrive.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:34 pm

Thanks Joey!