Compressor definitely. An EQ and something to else to define the sound like a SansAmp pedal are useful too.
this post was submitted on 12 Jun 2023
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Any compressor pedals you'd recommend?
I've haven't used loads, but I've stuck with Electro-Harmonix Bass Preacher Compression for quite a while. Does the job.
I have a rack mount compressor that I adore. Some rooms really need a bit of compression.
Beyond that, I think essential is a moving target for what styles of music we find ourselves playing.
For years I had nothing but my tuner and compressor, so that's more than enough. However, i play a great deal of southern, retro, amd blues/soul rock, so I've since added two fuzz pedals (bass big muff, bass soul food) and a bass chorus. Those are covering most of my needs right now, but I've definitely had my eye on a flanger.
I have tried the bass big muff but not the soul food. What would you say are the differences between those fuzz pedals and when would you use one over the other?
I basically leave my soul food on at all times. To my ear, the soul food is like a soft, warm buzz compared to the big muff which, at times, can sound like a buzz saw coming through the room. They both have their place, but for my purposes one is a permanent piece of my tone whereas the other is "press button to kick ass."
To me, no pedals are essential. The pedals I find most useful are probably a fuzz and an octave pedal.
Compressor pedals encompass a pretty big variety of pedals and many of them have features beyond just compression like tone shaping and sustain control. A pure compressor is going to have a pretty subtle effect for controlling frequency levels and not really essential, especially playing live, especially if you are just starting out, where you get more benefit from just learning to control your sound with technique.
My chain has always had Boost Comp and dirt. Youre probably fine without the boost pedal with an active bass. I originally added it when I turned my active into a passive
definitely a compressor. I'm using a modified Boss CS2 right now, but am looking to upgrade. top choices so far are the MXR M87 and EBS multi comp. open to suggestions if anyone has one!
my SansAmp is a very solid drive pedal for a little extra growl in my otherwise super clean sound, and the DI function makes my pedal board a standalone unit.
as for tuners, though, I got a Peterson strobe tuner and can't bring myself to use anything else now. it's incredibly accurate, and very easy to read on stage.
a niche pedal that is quickly becoming essential for me, is my EHX bass synth. I bought it years ago as a novelty, but now that my cover band does a lot more modern pop, it has become incredibly useful to emulate electronic bass tracks. also comes in handy for a lot of 80s tracks.