CliveT

Interesting to see what different people have put here. A tuner is a must but that doesn't need to be a pedal, could be headstock. I use a little chorus and compression where needed but I could live without. The one pedal that has lasted for me and that I use nearly every gig is an octave. Used to use an OC2 but now use the MXR bass octave deluxe. It's one of those pedals (octave in general, not just the MXR) that solo'd you're not always sure where to use it but set correctly for the application is so musical.

I've been looking for a used TC on ebay but they just get a little too expensive for me. So I ended up getting a used Boss TU2 for just over £30. Yes it's more than a budget one but I think you need a good tuner, with true bypass or a good buffer and the muting when on means I can tune and switch basses in silence.

Thanks guys. The Gator does look good though the only thing that puts me off is the bulky size compared the Mono Sleeve.

I like the idea of the Mono Sleeve and the top loading feature looks secure. Would you say the Gator offers more protection? Are both the Gator and Mono rigid enough to stand up when empty? I've used cheaper gig bags in the past the bottom of them gives no protection when you put them down a little too hard, and they are so flimsy that they fall down when empty.

Thanks walbassist. I'll check that out. I only use a couple of Fender basses so nothing size wise out of the ordinary

I'm sorry as I'm sure this has been discussed before but I couldn't find a recent thread. I'm looking for a good quality gig bag but that's also good value for money. If money was no object then I'm sure I'd go for a top of the range Mono or similar. I already use a standard Hiscox hard case for when we travel so I'm looking for a something as lightweight as possible as I'll be walking a little with it. I don't need loads of pockets and storage, just want to carry the bass and strap, tuner, sheet music etc So, can you recommend a good quality but also value for money gig bag. I'm currently leaning towards the Mono Bass Sleeve, currently priced at around £125 but what else is out there?

Whenever you play a stage bigger than a very small pub, church etc you'll expect to go into the PA and that will usually mean a DI. I used to do this regularly with a MXR M80 but am happy to use any decent DI box. If I take my own little Markbass I'll DI from that too. You're always at the mercy of the FOH engineer for the final mix so you have to trust them. Monitors can be a compromise if using no amp so make sure you can hear yourself in the soundcheck.

Thanks for the review. Been thinking about one on these too. As well as the Sansamp type sound (or better as you say) does it work as a transparent eq and/or boost too?

Will this work as a clean boost with the gain all the way down or does it still leave some grit in the sound ?

I have the Dod bass stereo chorus for the occasional time I need a chorus. Does a great job for little ££

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1482148543' post='3197966'] It's a big difference and getting it right on the fly would be hit and miss. I'd a prefer plug and play solution. [/quote] The MXR Micro Amp is as simple as it gets for plug and play. Just the one knob.

You could use an eq pedal or a compressor to boost the fretless jazz, but I'm in a very similar situation to you. I have a fretless jazz and fretted P and despite the P bass being passive like the fretless it's still a hotter output. I like the sound of both basses as they are so what works for me is the MXR Micro Amp. Leave it off for the louder bass and engage for the fretless. It's a very clean boost and will balance the outputs without colouring the tone. Not expensive either if you buy used.

Went through a similar process years ago. I now don't use a board but I do have a few pedals which I just use as and when needed. The octave pedals does get used on most gigs and chorus sparingly but that's about it now. Sometimes I forget myself and go on ebay and buy another. Then I try it a remember why I don't need it really

MXR micro amp sounds what you need. If you like the current tone and EQ you have then the micro amp just ads gain. I use mine to boost up my fretless to the same level as my main bass, and for the occasional solo.

Anyone tried the DOD FX80B compressor sustainer on bass? Any good? Does it lose lows of tone?

[quote name='Japhet' timestamp='1461316417' post='3033559'] I wouldn't recommend an unlined fretless to start out with. You have to have a very good ear or have spot on technique to play one. The purists will frown on a lined fretless but to me it's about the sound rather than the look. With a lined neck you'll know exactly where you're supposed to be fretting. With an unlined neck it's likely you'll spend a lot of time wondering why it doesn't sound quite right with no points of reference to help you correct it. Just my opinion. [/quote] Agree !! Go on then, I'll say it................. Jaco used lines !! As does Gary Willis, Juan Alderete, Guy Pratt, Mo Fister and may more. And Mick Karn did too I believe It's the sound that matters.

A fretless with lines really helps and you wouldn't find it that hard to get on with. In the meantime a chorus pedal would be a good choice.

[quote name='Rubbersoul' timestamp='1460123126' post='3022819'] Normally I have the bass and treble round about the 2 o'clock mark and the gain up full. Small adjustments if I'm using someone else's amp but through my Ashdown this works for me. [/quote] Thanks. I look forward to trying it in with the band to see what works best for me in the mix.

[quote name='danbowskill' timestamp='1455460973' post='2979261'] Was it a standard or mod monkey? I preferred the standard myself .I found the best out of that pedal is the treble full and the bass just slightly off full ,gain at 10 and volume to suit......in a valve amp them settings were fantastic [/quote] When you say "gain at 10" do you mean 10:00 o'clock or max? If max I use the same settings and I agree it sounds great volume = 9 oclock lows = 3 o'clock highs = max gain = max

[quote name='Rubbersoul' timestamp='1459981227' post='3021576'] I've been using the Digitech Bad Monkey for years and I absolutely love it. [/quote] I've just picked one of these up and I'm still figuring out the best setting but for the money it seems pretty good. Still around the £20 mark on ebay. Rubbersoul, out of interest, what settings do you use? Mine is stock so quite middy but the well used trick of setting the low and high on or near max really gets round that. In fact my current settings are level at 9:00, lows at 3:00, highs and gain on max. With fingers this gives a full, slightly fuzzy OD. Back off the gain a bit if it's too much. With a pick I back off the highs a little.

[quote name='icastle' timestamp='1453240437' post='2957831'] An old DOD FX65 that I bought about 30 years ago and is still going strong. [/quote] Same here, and still sounds great

[quote name='whynot' timestamp='1443611784' post='2876165'] Jumped on a last minute ticket for Albert Hall last Friday. £50 restricted view from side of stage at almost stage level. Great unrestricted view of the whole band including floor pedal action. Amazing. Guy P got through several basses, Jazz, P, including a Gibson and Lakland I thought (could be wrong). Whole band sounded amazing. [/quote] I thought Guy's tone on Later was great too. I think the Lakland was the red fretless one? I presume he's still using Elites on his fretted basses but anyone know what strings he uses on the fretless?