New instrument -> new beginning?

[behndy]

di to board, never use effects.

TRUST ME.

[D.o.S.]

I read an interview with, I think, Les Claypool where he likened different instruments to different styles of illustrating -- whether you're drawing something with a sharpie or a pencil or with watercolors, the painting is still a product of your aesthetic.

[GAS KING]

Was in a similar situation. Played guitar exclusively for years, and only played bass to make home recordings.

A situation popped up where I could join a band if I would play bass. I took it.
Played bass exclusively for a couple of years with this band, and am now back to guitar in band.
I much prefer bass. I wish I could ditch guitar and play bass only.

That said, I never really cared for too many effects. My board at the time was mostly dirt/fuzz......and a clean blend.
Never really needed chorus, phaser, delay in any of our songs..........though, I admit I enjoy a good envelope filter and high/low pass filters on the weekends.
Depends on your style and the bands sounds. I was doing stoner rock stuff......so all I needed was killer dirty tones (my clean was sweet too).

What everyone else has said is right.
Don't force a big pedal board......let it grow naturally with need and creativity.

My first rig was just a smaller Traynor SS head ($300 or so and sounded good), and 4x10.
Eventually grew into a dual preamp (in stereo)/crown power amp rack with a 6x10 and 2x15 cabs. Completely stupid....but really fun and sounded great.

[DarkAxel]

yeah, the last sentence does make sense

[D.o.S.]

Bass is Better.

That said, there are loads of things that I think sound bitching with guitar that don't make a whole lot of sense (to me) on bass.

[bigchiefbc]

Bass can be simple, or it can be complex and effected and crazy. It's all about what you think works in whatever music you're playing. Don't let any preconceived ideas of what bass should be affect you. If you feel like you need to simplify, then simplify. Then if you get to the point where you feel like your sound is limited, then you can try changing stuff and adding effects and shit. For me, it's always been very organic, where the spots/songs where I need an effect or dirt or whatever make themselves obvious to me, I can just feel when something is missing or empty. I don't really have to think about it. It's hard to explain