Best bass overdrive

[Sibob]

Xotic BB Bass Pre is a classic for a reason. My Fuzzrocious Cat Tail sounds great on low gain settings too, I also love my 2 channel COG Knightfall 66 prototype.
 

I’ve not owned one (yet?!), but I’ve excellent things of the CMC Audio Proto Type.

 

Si

Edited February 2 by Sibob

[carlitos71]

15 hours ago, krispn said:

I use a Basswitch Enhanced Overdrive.

 

Probably not that easy to find but the tone control is actually an eq curve control rather than a “make the tone darker” control.

It goes from an ampeg type scoop to a more mid forward tone (think smiley curve to a broad musical mid bump) so you can compliment a band mix, add that grind or fill out a trio with a more full but not fuzzy midrange.
 

Lovely pedal and has a clean blend too. I’ve been tempted to sell it a few times but every time I gig it I know it’s such a keeper of a unit. 
 

The original Aguilar tone hammer is a cracking drive unit too. The controls have a “secondary” function in AGS mode and it makes for a versatile and tweakable drive pedal. 
 

The TC Spark boost (4 knob) is an often overlooked unit for lower gain and the bass control knob is very bass guitar friendly. 
 

Finally the Fender bass trapper is decent unit too. Check out empire music’ s demo…

 

 

Wow lots there to check, thanks

[krispn]

25 minutes ago, carlitos71 said:

Wow lots there to check, thanks

BB preamp would be similar to the Spatk booster. Not the same pedal but similar idea.

[Iheartreverb]

I love the Way Huge Pork Loin. For me it’s the only drive I’ve played that feels like the dynamics of a tube amp (“pillowy compression” anyone). At one stage I had two on my board.

 

its not really a bass specific pedal, but the clean blend obviously lends it well and I got into it after seeing it on the board of a few pro players I really like.

They now make a bass version (Pork and Pickle), not sure if there’s any internal changes. 

[carlitos71]

Thanks for replies. Still looking. 
 

Has anybody tried the Rodenberg LDP and if so would like to share your opinion?

[Gank Bass]

On 02/02/2025 at 12:24, Iheartreverb said:

I love the Way Huge Pork Loin. For me it’s the only drive I’ve played that feels like the dynamics of a tube amp (“pillowy compression” anyone). At one stage I had two on my board.

 

its not really a bass specific pedal, but the clean blend obviously lends it well and I got into it after seeing it on the board of a few pro players I really like.

They now make a bass version (Pork and Pickle), not sure if there’s any internal changes. 

+1 for this, had it for a long time before downsizing to hx stomp, incredibly responsive and purple which is always key

[Bagman]

the really unhelpful answer is : Free The Tone Bass Blaster

 

but yeah it's the shit 

[pantherairsoft]

The only way you’ll ever solve this is by just trying a load… like, as many as you possibly can. Every OD changes its timbre with every combination of bass, amp, cab, impedance load of other pedals etc.

 

That said, I can do what everyone else here has done and tell you which OD pedals have worked for me.

 

Sounds like you are looking for low gain, a bit of grit and warmth, enough to give you break up and drive other pedals into a bit more of a snarly state. As such, I have used and loved the following for that purpose…

 

Fuzzrocious Demon.

Fuzzrocious Broke Dick Peanut Gallery.

Fuzzrocious Li’l Fella (I have one for sale, wink wink).

(So, basically everything Ryan at Fuzzrociousmakes!)

Ampeg Scrambler (I think it sucks at high gain, but it really shines at low gain break up).

Horrothia Teeth (my new fav, but still in the honeymoon period).

Fulltone Mosfet Bass Drive (there are some clones out there I think that are cheaper).

COG Knightfall (any version).

Damnation Audio MBD (most people like this on nasty settings, but I think it’s best at low gain).

EBS Valve Drive (the pedal is huge though).

Mad Professor Blueberry.

 

Many of these are very versatile, suit many playing styles and set ups and venture into high gain, or even fizz territory, but I’m recommending them specifically for their low gain applications.

 

Time to go watch some demos!

 

[Aliwobble]

On 03/02/2025 at 01:24, Iheartreverb said:

I love the Way Huge Pork Loin. For me it’s the only drive I’ve played that feels like the dynamics of a tube amp (“pillowy compression” anyone). At one stage I had two on my board.

 

its not really a bass specific pedal, but the clean blend obviously lends it well and I got into it after seeing it on the board of a few pro players I really like.

They now make a bass version (Pork and Pickle), not sure if there’s any internal changes. 

Another vote for the pork loin. It ended my search for a good filth pedal.

[carlitos71]

12 hours ago, Gank Bass said:

+1 for this, had it for a long time before downsizing to hx stomp, incredibly responsive and purple which is always key

Purple? 

[krispn]

Pork and Pickle by Way Hige which is basically a pork loin plus a fizz circuit. Really satisfying low gain drive with a nice character especially live with the band. 
 

Genzler 4 on the floor is another nice lower to mid gain with the added filters which really help sit the drive where you want it in your sound. You can open up the top end or tame it right down to just the right amount of bite and similarily with the low end keep it ‘tight and tidy’ by filtering where the lows get the drive. 
 

I’m using both on my board currently and they gain stage really well together too making a very versatile range of gain individually or in combination.  

 

[Gank Bass]

1 hour ago, carlitos71 said:

Purple? 

Purple.

[carlitos71]

4 minutes ago, Gank Bass said:

Purple.

What do you mean by Purple??? Looks black and gold from photos… 

[carlitos71]

I’m also looking at the JPTR Jive (https://jptrfx.com/products/jptr-fx-deluxe-jive-reel-saturator-overdrive) currently on sale for £104. 
Any thoughts?

and have you ordered from them? Wonder if I have to pay any extra import duty/tax, etc…

Thanks 

[krispn]

19 minutes ago, carlitos71 said:

What do you mean by Purple??? Looks black and gold from photos… 

The original pork loin was a purple pedal and because they’re discontinued you might well find a larger enclosure P&P for the same price which is good as it’s a more versatile unit. 

Edited yesterday at 09:59 by krispn

[carlitos71]

1 hour ago, carlitos71 said:

What do you mean by Purple??? Looks black and gold from photos… 

Right… that makes sense. I thought you were talking about the Rodenberg LDP

[soulstar89]

On 08/08/2025 at 09:55, krispn said:

Pork and Pickle by Way Hige which is basically a pork loin plus a fizz circuit. Really satisfying low gain drive with a nice character especially live with the band. 
 

Genzler 4 on the floor is another nice lower to mid gain with the added filters which really help sit the drive where you want it in your sound. You can open up the top end or tame it right down to just the right amount of bite and similarily with the low end keep it ‘tight and tidy’ by filtering where the lows get the drive. 
 

I’m using both on my board currently and they gain stage really well together too making a very versatile range of gain individually or in combination.  

 

Ive literally put out a wanted post for the genzler 4 on the floor. I think it will complement my genzler Magellan 350 combo. I want a tad more warmth. 
 

I’ve heard great things about it. Just the waiting game 🙄

[MyNameIsMark]

I worked this out this morning, after years of unhappy “drive” searching…

 

My suggestion is to also try a compressor with extreme settings (high ratio, 100% wet, above unity output) - as an effect rather than tool… 

 

The extreme compressor gives the type of “saturation” I like… lots of clarity & raw balls without being weak/oversaturated/weird midrange/low end roll-off/biamping/etc

 

I’m going… Bass - Compressor - Sansamp - Power Amp

 

So really I’m using the extreme compressor to drive my preamp - which gives another great suggestion, the Sansamp BDDI, great for Ampeg SVT style “always on” grit

 

The big muff deluxe bass was the closest to happy “heavier drive” I did have… but now it’s either not needed or the compressor pushes & enhances that even more.

 

Hope this madness helps others, good luck!
 

[krispn]

Yup a compressor will

do wonders for your drive tone depending on where you set it and the suggestion above is solid. Adding a comp as an ‘effect’ for other pedals is a great trick.

[Bagman]

yep , certainly the Diamond Bass Comp can be