If you\u2019ll be playing any slap bass or other very percussive styles of playing, you\u2019ll want a good compressor pedal to even out those dramatically louder pops and slaps in the overall mix. Hard playing with a pick will also benefit from some compression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be honest, this is probably one of the more boring pedals that I learned about when I started playing bass. It doesn’t do much in the way of “sexy” and interesting tones and sounds. However, it is actually one of the most important of the essential bass pedals to start with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you start with a wildly uncontrollable sound, you\u2019re more likely to be unhappy with any tone shaping you do further down the line of your effects chain. Well done compression can make all of the other effects you use sound better and more consistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limiters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A limiter will behave similarly to a compressor, but they normally will just cap the louder, higher levels to your desired setting. Most, if not all, compressors will allow you to perform this function as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equalizers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
An equalizer will allow you to tweak the frequencies of your sound with a lot more granularity. This means that you can focus on the high end, the low end, or the middle of your tone to pinpoint the sounds you want to either boost or cut. If you\u2019re looking for a very heavy, almost muddy, dub type of sound you can get that pretty easily with an EQ. You can also set thinner, higher tones to cut through the mix when you\u2019re playing louder, harder music like punk. An equalizer pedal is a great thing to have if you\u2019re really looking to dial in the specifics of your tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few good options to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nPreamp \/ Direct Input Box Bass Guitar Pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
With many of us going directly into a computer or headphones these days for much of our playing and practicing, direct box pedals are more important than ever. You can think of these as all-in-one tone boxes. You\u2019ll be able to do pretty much everything listed above, and probably a bunch more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many modern preamp pedals also feature amp modeling and the ability to go directly into any output source. So, you can dial in your tone at home while you\u2019re practicing or recording and then bring your tone with you when you go and play live with other people. All you need to do is plug your preamp box into a PA system or some other amplifier, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For most bass players, especially when you\u2019re just starting out, one of these pedals will be all you need to start developing your own sound. A good preamp or direct box pedal can replace a compressor, a limiter, and an equalizer. It can also take the place of an amplifier if you\u2019re playing primarily through headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check these options out…a couple even have built-in overdrive or distortion. The SansAmp is a great place to start as your first pedal, and you may decide you don’t even need an overdrive pedal in the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n Go heavy with distortion, overdrive, and fuzz pedals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While all of these types of bass effects pedals do similar things to your tone, make it grungy, crunchy, and all that good stuff, they do it in different ways with somewhat different results. The circuitry and methodology in the pedal construction are what give the effect its character, but you just need to know which one is right for your sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For anyone playing a style that requires a bit of dirt in your sound, this would most definitely be in the essential effects pedals for bass guitar category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overdrive pedals and fuzz pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overdrive pedals are generally smoother sounding and less gravelly than the other types of bass distortion pedals. You can still get some very heavy sounds out of an overdrive pedal, especially as you play with your tone and what other effects you chain it with. However, overdrive pedals might also give you a mellower fuzziness, which can be really nice on a bass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Distortion pedals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Distortion pedals are often crunchier, punchier, and harder-edged sounding in the tone they produce. If you\u2019re going for a very grungy distorted sound, this is probably the pedal you\u2019re looking for. Check out the Big Muff (bass guitar and the original model are both awesome) for some serious heavy distortion. The Rat is also a very time-tested, classic choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n