Bongo and Boss ODB-3

[lebowsky]

Hey,

is anyone using the Boss ODB-3 overdrive/distortion pedal with a Bongo? I've been using this pedal for years with a passive bass, but the Bongo seems to totally freak it out

even at lowest gain on either the Bongo or the pedal, I get a huge amount of feedback and it's become unusable. I have another overdrive (Fulltone), which works fine with Bongo, but the ODB-3 has more fuzz-ness which is why I'd like having both.

do you think the output level from the Bongo could be too strong for the pedal?

thanks in advance guys

 

[Jason5150]

I just wanted to post a message to say I can't help or offer any advice

 

[saxnbass]

It could be because the Bongo is a hot bass. Did you try and tweak the settings on the ODB?

 

[midopa]

Perhaps you've set the volume and/or EQ too high? I have one and get can every kind of distortion from light fuzz to indiscernable grungy feedback with my Bongo.

 

[lebowsky]

do you mean the EQ on the Bongo?

I've got the EQ on the pedal set to the sound I want.. and tried with level at minimum on both the pdeal and the bass at the same, but still getting crazy feedback..

and yeah, I did try all the tweaking possible, otherwise I wouldn't be asking if someone had the same experience..

 

[midopa]

Yeah, on the Bongo. On my cheapo combo amp the EQ's flat and volume is at around 2 or 3 (it can get pretty loud even at that level). On my Bongo the EQ has been pretty much flat as of late, maybe a bit low-mid and bass boost and volume is almost always at around 2-4. With that and fiddlin on the ODB3, I can get that range of distortions

 

[Big Poppa]

if your bongo is too hot the start with the eq flat and the volume low and tweak from there.

 

[adouglas]

Hang on.

You've got the pedal set to get the sound you want from a passive bass.

Clearly, you need to start from square one, because you're not playing a passive bass any more.

This makes perfect sense, because an OD/distortion pedal is just an amplifier...feed it with a hotter signal and of course you're not going to get the same results.

Over time I've learned to abandon all preconceived notions when dealing with new gear and look at the rig with fresh eyes and ears.

I've never used that particular pedal, but methinks you might have the gain too high.

 

[Dr. Nick]

I just picked up an ODB-3 last week and have been getting great results with my Sterling and with a passive 5-string. With the Sterling, I've been able to crank everything to the extreme (experimenting) and have not had any problems.

Perhaps you've gotten ahold of a bad box?

 

[saxnbass]

Hang on.

You've got the pedal set to get the sound you want from a passive bass.

Clearly, you need to start from square one, because you're not playing a passive bass any more.

This makes perfect sense, because an OD/distortion pedal is just an amplifier...feed it with a hotter signal and of course you're not going to get the same results.

I've never used that particular pedal, but methinks you might have the gain too high.

Exactly, that's what I meant, I was just too lazy to type it all out.

 

[mynan]

Is the feedback a high or low frequency feedback? If it's a high frequency feedback and the amp is set for a passive bass, then you may just have to roll out some of the highs on the amp or dial out the tweeter.

Then the obvious question...your aren't standing/sitting with the pickup right in front of the amp in close range, are you?

 

[thunder]

try playing with the e.q.'s on the bass, the amp and the pedal. and for god sakes man! turn down the gain.

 

[Alz®]

It could be because the Bongo is a hot bass. Did you try and tweak the settings on the ODB?

Hot did you say?....that'll be global warming then! hehehe

BP, due to this, I suggest that all Bongo's get fitted with a Tuf Temp style LED thermometer....only then will we really know.

 

[saxnbass]

Ah, so the Bongos are the cause of global warming. I like the LED thermometer idea.

 

[Surly]

With the OBD you have to use light overdrive, like the "drived slap" setting in the booklet. Too much gain and most sounds from that pedal are unusable IMO.

 

[Dr. Nick]

With the OBD you have to use light overdrive, like the "drived slap" setting in the booklet. Too much gain and most sounds from that pedal are unusable IMO.

Agreed. You have to be careful with the gain, but I've actually been impressed with the sounds you can get out of it, but it takes quite a bit of playing around! Twiddling with the EQ on your bass helps a lot as well.