ped

Here’s my SB1 with Labella 76fx strings. Tone down about half way and vol backed off a bit.

My Mutron has taken over. I really thought it would be hyped up and (after a couple of previous experiences) just had to check one out for myself, making sure I could return it. I didn’t! I love everything about it, it properly lives up to the reputation. It just sounds so warm and greasy. I did a thread with a sound clip somewhere. What I like most about it is using it in high range, which leaves your bass sound quite neutral u til you dig in or accent notes which get seamlessly dripped in funk in a way that just feels so ‘musical’ which I know is one of those stupid words like heft but it just works!

I actually sold the pedal and bought it back again because I realised that it was a big mistake (and I’m sort of helping Franco design the new version). Good question re the filter on its own. I spent some real time with it today because I’ve never spent long enough learning what the range and attack knobs do because they definitely interact in an unusual way. I’ve got it dialled in just right now with my stingray. It’s been great comparing it with my other filters - I can get pretty close to the high band squelch I like if the Mutron (I usually use high mode) and I really like the way that it responds with a very quick decay. It’s quite easy to go wild and it doesn’t do subtle as well as the Mutron which just sounds warm and greasy all the time. I’m finding the octaver tracks better than my OC2 actually… again it sounds a bit different to my ears, maybe less synthy and a bit sharper. The ‘synth’ knob (square wave) gives a crunchy edge. Used solo with dry signal only it sounds like a fuzz, quite looking forward to trying that live. Three pedals in one…

Just googled it, actually they're .039, .056, .077, .096; that 0.01 makes all the difference 😄

I usually play Elixir 40-95s tuned to D, so like low tension and low action for a bit of clank. I suggest you give LaBella 760FX a try, they're 39-100 or something like that, and feel very similar in tension to the rounds on my other basses. I haven't tried the LTFs but they're probably a good shout, too.

I think jazz with some drive. 70s spacing. Fresh strings

I’ll be up all night looking

It also adds fuel to the hype train whilst helping them remain elusive and expensive!

They’re simply asking the buyers to fund the upfront costs because for some reason they have a cash flow problem. Once the parts are bought and the pedals are made they’ll sell alright. Pretty standard practice but I’m surprised an established builder needs to do that, although maybe it goes to show just how small the operation is.

I’m in Pennard first week of June, just subbing in case anything is arranged!

Could be quite a stylish way to unload at a venue with some practice

Hi mate tbh I haven’t used them much and not for a while. I’ve been using over ear cans for so long that they felt a bit weird at first but for use live they should be just the ticket. I’ll make sure I take them next time and give them a whirl.

Ah yes I forgot about that requirement! Well good luck. I always prefer digital compressors for the faster attack and lack of noise mostly, and as I tend to use them with a high threshold and high ratio I'm not swayed by one that 'sounds' like anything. But I'm 100% behind you on losing for something really niche, as I do the same with pedals, particularly preferring pedals that take batteries. The Aguilar looks worth checking out but I've hard good tings about the Xotic apart from the noise level.

How about the Spectracomp if you like the Hypergravity?

They’re the best books you’ve never read!

Look who's back!

Yeah definitely. I’m actually going to Sheffield quite a lot for band jamming so I’ll let you know when we’re planning the next one. Any time you’re over York way let me know

Mutron is my fave, it’s less harsh in the treble and has the bubbly character of the original unit

My Fusion Urban bass bag has a waist strap 👍🏼

My most comfortable is a fairly cheap TKL bag. The problem with most gig bags is that the straps meet at the top making then sit really awkwardly on your shoulders and pinch yer neck. This one is like wearing a rucksack and the bottom of the bass doesn’t slap your arse as you walk

Some amplifiers with a single knob for compression tend to change the ratio and threshold as you turn, so it's worth looking at the details if you can find them. For example my Blackstar U500 says: (compressor knob) Controls the overall amount of compression by adjusting the threshold, attack, release and make-up gain simultaneously. Lower settings of the control result inslower attack and release times and a higher threshold. Increasing the control will lower the compression threshold and increase the make-up gain, and make the attack and release times quicker accordingly.

A compressor will reduce any signal above a certain threshold a certain amount. Usually that's a ratio say 4:1 and active on most notes you play, certainly when you play hard. A limiter is a high ratio like infinity:1 but usually set at a higher threshold, so usual playing is unaffected but can provide a 'point' where the signal is reduced at a certain limit. Both have their applications and most compressors can do both if they have a ratio control that goes high enough. For example the Boss LMB3 is just as much a compressor as a limiter.

Enjoying playing to this at the moment