Question Asked this at talkbass, I'll ask here, too: If you could only use one effects pedal

[nurnay]

If you could only use one effects pedal for live music, what would it be? I have $200-$300 burning a hole in my pocket and have been debating getting a compression pedal, such as the Markbass Compressore. But I'm considering other options, such as a cheaper compressor (Boss LMB-3) and maybe another effects pedal.

I play a lot of classic rock and newer rock, and I'm a total noob when it comes to effects, even though I've played for over 20 years. I've never used a single effects pedal and honestly couldn't tell you what most of them do.

Your feedback is appreciated. What would offer me the most bang for my buck playing live? What effects do you rely on live?

Thanks!

 

[syciprider]

A distortion and a wah will get plenty of use.

Two pedals I know. But wahs are more fun with distortion.

 

[five7]

The markbass distore looks pretty cool, I would love to a/b that against my tech 21 vt bass.

 

[nurnay]

The markbass distore looks pretty cool, I would love to a/b that against my tech 21 vt bass.

I've seen a couple of Talkbass responses about the VT bass deluxe. Seriously considering it, looks like you can do a lot with your tone.

 

[Manfloozy]

I don't use effects, but if I did....

First pedal I'd buy would be the MB Compressore, number 2 the Super Synth, 3 some flavor of VT, and 4 a WAH.

 

[melvin7822]

It really depends on what you do. I only use a compressor for slapping so that I can set the gain on my amp optimally for fingerstyle which I use 99% of the time anyways. When it comes down to it, I think a good overdrive is invaluable in any rock setting.

 

[DTG]

Vt vt vt vt vt vt vt vt !! It's class you will love it

 

[VenousPlatypus]

try the korg pandora px5d or the mini korg pandora. digital effects, but i like the customization and easiness of use.

 

[Aussie Mark]

A nice warm overdrive such as the VT Bass or Cave Grunt is always useful.

 

[drTStingray]

ive got several incl digital delay, an EBS envelope filter, an aphex punch factory compressor and an aphex bass exciter. Rarely use any of them but itd be a close call between the compressor and the envelope. For total fun at a crazy low price the DOD envelope filter gets my vote. Fantastic fun and quacks like nothing on earth!

 

[drTStingray]

ive got several but my vote goes to the DOD envelope filter. Superb effect for a low price and works great with a stingray. My son just got a used 80s one for £25 on ebay! Quacks better than my EBS bass IQ which was times the price.

 

[basscaster]

compressor, or EBS octaver for me.

 

[silo special]

I love my EBS Compressor!

 

[basscaster]

EBS is awesome

 

[projectapollo]

See my sig. Tech 21 Bass Driver and Markbass Compressore. GC has some good coupons right now.

 

[nurnay]

Bit the bullet and went with the VT Bass Deluxe. Excited!

 

[Holdsg]

I think you'll be pleased. I have a different Tech 21 pedal, the para driver, and like it a lot for my passive basses. Gets little use, though, when I pull out the active MMs.

 

[Rick Auricchio]

I use none, but the VT Bass (or its variants) would be the one.

I almost added a VT Bass to my Eden rig, but decided to apply the money toward the TC RH450. The RH450 gets a good thick Ampeg-like tone, and there's no outboard stuff to carry. Not even a tuner!

 

[nurnay]

Just got an e-mail from Musician's Friend, it's on backorder. That wasn't mentioned when I bought it, of course. Now I'll be waiting a week longer. Bummer.

 

[0DDJ0B]

I play in a cover band and we only have one guitar player at the moment so the Boss ODB was perfect for my particular needs. It allows you mix the signal of dry/dirty. When the guitar player has his solo I switch it on to simulate a rhythm guitar. I have it set up to where the clean signal is dominant and the distortion just sits in the background.