Bass Distortion or Overdrive options

#21
MovingPitchers said:
So I've been using a Tech 21 VT Bass DI for my overdrive effects. It's great. I really like the stuff that I can shape and mold with that beast, but I want something a little smaller that can do just that.

One big problem is that I can't switch it off without a having a massive volume drop. I am aware other distortion and overdrive pedals will do the same, but not to a huge extent?

My friend has an SA Aftershock Distortion pedal which sounds awesome but super hard to find. Classifieds doesn't have it and it's rather pricey to ship it to Canada.

I've been looking at alternatives: MXR Bass Distortion, MXR Bass Overdrive, and the EHX Bass Soul Food.

I've listened to demos on Youtube on all three. I really like the MXR models a lot and I can find them at L&M.

I might be inching towards the MXR Distortion one but the Overdrive is slightly cheaper and distortion isn't really mu thing....not sure.

Thoughts? Anyone with experience?
Click to expand...

In my opinion, the MXR Bass Distortion is way better than the MXR Bass Overdrive. The OD is fine, but lacks a blend control...but has a totally useless blended EQ which does nothing for me. The MXR Bass Distortion has an LED clipping mode...that's pretty much what most good bass Overdrives use to clip. From what I've heard so far...it sounds great!

BUT....if it was my money and I just wanted a really good all in one pedal...then I'd go for a Source Audio Aftershock...no argument!
 
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#22
OP, you're gonna get a lot of different replies on a somewhat "beaten to death" topic. A lot of good replies, but I strongly suggest you spend a saturday roaming around music stores - if it's possible - and try'em all, all of them, one by one so you can make your own opinion.

As for me, the MXR Super Badass Distortion does the trick, and I can use it on guitar, too. After trying a whole bunch of available pedals, the MXR sounded the best for what I wanted out of a distortion pedal, and also for the music that I play.

As usual, YMMV.
 
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#27
my suggestions are :

> Darkglass Vintage Microtubes driven vintage all valves amplifiers/overdrive/gain/boost/dirty compressor

> Darkglass B3K overdrive/distortion

> Creation Audio Labs Grizzly Bass Distortion/overdriven EQ/Mid cut for slap with gain
 
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#29
since new pedals come out frequently ... it is hard to keep up for sure ...

i've been looking/listening/buying/trying for a long time ...

my most recent ... Dr Scientist " The Element " ... i think having a Blend/Mix knob is very important .. !!!
the Element also has a volume pedal jack for it's Mix knob ... !!! brilliant

and also have an Eden " GlowPlug " 12AX7 tube warmer/od ... w/blend knob ... mine has a 1957 JG5751 tube in it . ( lower gain mil-spec ) i find the filter for the distortion very helpful .. dirt without the highend rasp !
 
#30
If it's versatility you seek:

Creation Audio Grizzly (Analog overdrive, distortion)
Idiotbox Blower Box (Analog overdrive to rat-based distortion)
Team Awesome Fuzz Machine (Analog overdrive to germ. and gated fuzz)
Source Audio Aftershock (Digital overdrive, fuzz, distortion)

If you're just looking for something low gain, there are literally hundreds of options and it depends what sound you're after.

Happy Hunting!
 
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#33
+1 on the Way Huge Pork Loin: it can go from "you can barely tell it's on" to something fairly nasty. The value of the C34 cap in the pedal's latest revision is very close to JohnK's mod, so if you buy a unit that was recently manufactured, there will be no modding required for it to sound great.
 
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#38
I don't believe an expensive boutique pedal is necessary. I spent a long time researching od pedals. I always paid attention to other bands when I played a show. Always these guys had rad distortion fuzz but no bottom end. I found that the Boss ODB-3 had a mix knob, I can turn it on just a tiny bit and still get the fuzz tone and I don't lose any bottom end. Many have complimented the live sound. Almost bought a fancy one, like a blowtorch, glad I didn't.
 
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#39
So, I'm the contrarian here: I use the MXR Bass OD and love it. The MXR Bass Distortion is great, but a little cold for me. I prefer the warmth of the OD. I only use it for occasional overdrive effects, and I found the Bass Distortion too over the top for what I am doing. The MXR Bass Fuzz is just way past anything I can use.

But there are other dudes who can make great use out of them.

The Pork Loin sounds interesting, but I need something smaller footprint.
 
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