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Hey folks..Started playing bass a few months ago (or started 'again'...used to play it years ago then quit) and thinking I'd like to get some pedals.
I was thinking about getting a compressor, but I'm sorta debating. Would it be more cost-effective to get some sort of overdrive/distortion that also happens to compress the signal? (I realize that this would produce 'dirty compression' but that's not so bad, now is it? )

Any insight into compressor v.s. no compressor on bass?

It kind of depends on what you wanna do. Honestly, I haven't found a need for a compressor in my bass playing. A lot of what a compressor does can be done with some consistent technique. Not all of it, obviously, but some of it.

If I were going to go back and do it again, I'd get a crazy versatile fuzz for my first pedal, such as the TAFM or the Elements. Lets you go from overdrive all the way to crushing fuzz.

Honestly, if you're new to bass, using a compressor might mess up your learning to control the dynamics yourself. A compressor can be a handy tool, but it's more or less something that is used to correct more or less "bad" technique or playing. Some great players use them, but my point is, learn to play without one and when you start gigging, if your dynamics are still out of control, consider one then.

I guess I should explain. I played bass for about 5 years, then switched to guitar, but now am back to bass. Not to say that my technique is flawless, but I wouldn't call myself a beginner, either.

In the praise band at church, I just run through the sound system via DI box, but at home (and presumably in another band I plan to start this year) I will play through an amp/pedals.
The main reason I was thinking of compression/overdrive is to smooth out the difference between fingerstyle/pickstyle, and to compensate for a perceived volume-drop when I roll down the tone on my bass.

Makes sense. Amps tend to lower your dynamic range. Your standard issue DI probably does not. Compressor might not be a bad choice, but most of the "affordable" bass compressor pedals suck balce. Maybe the dude mixing the performance has a decent rack compressor?

As for getting a dirt pedal, is distortion even allowed in churches?

Diamond bass comp is really amazing, if it fits your price range.

I've also heard good things about the new MXR Bass Compressor. Folks seem pretty surprised about it, actually.

kjs wrote:Makes sense. Amps tend to lower your dynamic range. Your standard issue DI probably does not. Compressor might not be a bad choice, but most of the "affordable" bass compressor pedals suck balce. Maybe the dude mixing the performance has a decent rack compressor?

As for getting a dirt pedal, is distortion even allowed in churches?

I meant that I wouldn't be using pedals in the church band, only in my own recordings/a second band I hope to start.
Now that you mention it...I've been wondering..maybe I have some compression already without realizing it? (from the 12AX7 preamp in my amp)

I'm beginning to feel dumb pardon me..

edit: @ Grrface- I was actually thinking about the MXR Bass Comp myself..but that's what started this whole discussion..wondering whether I actually need a comp or not

I'd recommend the Hardwire CM-2 for a cost effective overdrive. Can be had $50-$70 used and has a really good amount of low end available.
It won't get crazy dirty, but then again it's an overdrive and not a distortion/fuzz.
Still nice and gritty.

wsas3 wrote:Diamond bass comp is really amazing, if it fits your price range.

Thanks for the heads-up..I looked that one up and it looks like it might be just the thing.
Not too complex, and pretty much exactly my price range.

As much as I dislike multi pedals myslef, I'd suggest getting one for the first pedal to see what kinds of effects you like the sound of. The M series is a great one from what I have heard.

mmmm a fuzz face variant? No seriously, a good one that retains or even boosts the low end and gives good aggression as well as compressed bass fuzz tone. Doesn't have to cost much either.

Bassus Sanguinis wrote:mmmm a fuzz face variant? No seriously, a good one that retains or even boosts the low end and gives good aggression as well as compressed bass fuzz tone. Doesn't have to cost much either.

Hmmm interesting. To be honest, I actually don't have much experience with fuzz...
If someone could really school me on "x fuzz gives x sound" in general terms..that'd be great

UisceBeatha414 wrote:Hmmm interesting. To be honest, I actually don't have much experience with fuzz...
If someone could really school me on "x fuzz gives x sound" in general terms..that'd be great

Fuzz makes you sound good.

Schlatte wrote:

UisceBeatha414 wrote:Hmmm interesting. To be honest, I actually don't have much experience with fuzz...
If someone could really school me on "x fuzz gives x sound" in general terms..that'd be great

Fuzz makes you sound good.

^listen to this man, he clearly knows his stuff.

The fuzz settings together with Your bass vol and tone knobs should do the magic. There's so much variants it's hard to say what You should do... but if You want a compressed tone go for a hairy squarewave fuzz and try backing down the bass tone knob. That often produces a fairly compressed, but sometimes squishy tone if You hit the strings excessively hard. Dependingon gear.

Precision bass on full blast and back down the Fuzz saturation and You've got LOTS of anger to Your sound. Too much fuzz can ov ersaturate the sound and soften the edges You might want for that crunchy as fuck crunch.

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