I always playing clean, even I have a behringer overdrive. Bit, lately I'm intrigued to play with some effect. After looking here and there, I think I want to buy Valeton Dapper Bass. What do you think about that effect? Since it'll be my first effect (the behringer was given). I'm open for any other suggestions btw.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
Welcome to TalkBass! Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Try B1on, or B1xon with pedal. (Relatively) cheap, and gives plenty of space to fiddle with effects.
I learned it a little hard way, first you need to know what effects you need, then buy them because you need them. My B1Xon ended up as home practice / annoy-a-neighbor device, because I cannot squeeze it into any context so far. Closest shot is when I use it as compressor. Not even a tuner because I like clip-on better.
B1on should have them
https://www.zoom.co.jp/sites/default/files/products/downloads/pdfs/E_B1on_B1Xon_FX-list_100_0.pdf
Some notes:
Octave is only octave low with "Ba Octave" effect. Is a bummer for me, since I wanted to support harmonic parts without losing bass when guitarist went solo.
Boost can be done simply with master volume, and there are some effects that do it, but I never used it, since signal is not getting weaker inside emulated effects chain. For boost sound I cannot tell.
Fuzz: One fuzz effect with blend; when I try to use it I lose too much bottom, but I didn't really try to nail the settings. Plus some distortion, bit crush, and other noise making facilities.
If you can try it in store there are presets that have these effects set up as intended by creators.
The Bass Dapper has the advantage of all being right there laid out in front of you (and analog I believe), while the Zooms are digital and especially the smaller guys like the B1s have menus and things to sort through.
The Zoom B3 (you wouldn't need the N) can be had for less than the Bass Dapper and is kind of a hybrid - you can use it in 'stompbox mode' where the three little screens are laid out like three individual pedals, with their own knobs. Little bit of menu digging, but not too bad. Has LOTS of effects to choose from, BUT the octavers are not the best.
Dapper doesn't have Fuzz, though, really. It's got the fuzz built into the filter section (dirty Q). The whole unit sounds pretty good.
it's all a compromise.
The Zoom B3 (you wouldn't need the N) can be had for less than the Bass Dapper and is kind of a hybrid - you can use it in 'stompbox mode' where the three little screens are laid out like three individual pedals, with their own knobs. Little bit of menu digging, but not too bad. Has LOTS of effects to choose from, BUT the octavers are not the best.
Dapper doesn't have Fuzz, though, really. It's got the fuzz built into the filter section (dirty Q). The whole unit sounds pretty good.
it's all a compromise.
Bass Fly Rig has those, and a DI and headphone jack. I owned it and loved it for a long while but traded it for a fiver.
I got a Valeton multi effects mod pedal recently. For the price and feature set, it is absolutely amazing and is the cherry on top for a pedal board that has a lot of effects. For an only pedal, ha no.
I used to make some analog effects and such from schematics and like playing with component values etc. but after getting the MS60B, I find no use in most of them to be honest. Yes, it's digital but every signal turns to digital at some point and definitely at the end when it's recorded. So what? Nothing magical is happening in old analog circuits that can't be done digitally. And yes, it's not 100% emulation yet but it doesn't have to be the exact same. Many old analog effects changed through the years too and didn't actually sound exactly the same too. Mostly because of component availability and economy of scale reasons rather than superior engineering choices.
I've been quite impressed with my Valetone Bass Dapper. I play in 70s covers bands where there is only a very occasional need for effects. I own some lovely (and very expensive) pedals but in truth all I take to gigs these days is the Valeton.
The built-in effects cover everything I ever really need, the controls are so limited that there is little temptation to waste time on stage fiddling with them, and everything in a single micro-pedal board takes up less room.
The only thing missing that I wish it had is a battery option.
The built-in effects cover everything I ever really need, the controls are so limited that there is little temptation to waste time on stage fiddling with them, and everything in a single micro-pedal board takes up less room.
The only thing missing that I wish it had is a battery option.
It kinda looks like the Tech21 unit?
I don’t know - it looks cool enough. The Zoom units definitely get more love.
I personally prefer individual pedals but I doubt the audience can tell the difference, they are a comparative hassle and much more expensive.
I don’t know - it looks cool enough. The Zoom units definitely get more love.
I personally prefer individual pedals but I doubt the audience can tell the difference, they are a comparative hassle and much more expensive.
Okay, now I'm a little bit curious. I want a fuzz and want to buy a big muff (open for suggestion for this). But, looking at my brother's amps, I want to upgrade my amp (mine is just cheapo Laney). I never bring my amp to gig, so which one should I buy, amp or pedal? Honestly, I know the answer, I want a pedal. But, I need advice, is it good move? Or I better buy the amp?
I like the Dapper Bass quite a bit. I have one that lives in the pocket of my go-to gig bag. It's a great quick hit all in one pedal. I had the bass fly rig, and returned it. I much prefer the Valeton. That being said, I did just get the Tech21 dug pedal for my larger effects board.
The Bass Dapper is awesome.
It is, in fact, a pretty wonderful unit well worthy of anyone's attention. And, as an introduction to effects, it's far more appropriate to most people than a more complicated multi effect. YMMV.
Have you actually tried the Dapper? "Will be sub par" suggests you may not have done. In which case, can I politely suggest you keep your preconceptions to yourself and refrain from commenting when someone needs advice. If you've tried it and didn't like it, fair enough. But if you haven't then you have no right to input on its capabilities.
It is, in fact, a pretty wonderful unit well worthy of anyone's attention. And, as an introduction to effects, it's far more appropriate to most people than a more complicated multi effect. YMMV.
I would take this as a solid endorsement...this TBer has a lot of experience with similar pedals etc.
For a fun intro to effects that doubles as a great practice tool, the $50 for a zoom B1On is worth it.