Essentials for a Practice room

[Thrillho_12]

Hi Folks,

 

I've just started jamming with some friends and it's really good to be playing with others (especially a drummer) rather than just sticking on backing tracks. The first session went better than I expected. Vibes were good and we were pretty locked-in for the first time playing together.

 

It was also really good to play at full volume, using a cab and (what I feel was) the Ashdown Rootmaster Head which I thought sounded great. I did feel that within the song I wasn't able to change tone at all without any effects and had to pretty much stick to one sound per song (disregarding dynamics and pick etc.). So I was just wondering what people think are essential effects (and maybe specific examples) for this scenario. 

 

How can you affordably and easily bring a consistent and desired tone to each practice room and have the ability to change your sound a bit whilst mid-way through a song. 

 

I'm currently thinking of trying to find a pre-amp that has both drive and compression. Maybe something like the EHX Battalion. 

 

Just wanted to get some opinions and draw on the expertise of those better versed than myself in these things.

 

 

[itu]

A simple to use is tce Spectracomp. 

 

A suitable drive, that's a complicated question. Depending on your bass, and taste, the options are practically endless. Without trying it is very hard to buy anything. I once loaned many units and tried them side by side against each other. One sounded good with one bass, another with another bass. Any comment saying this is the thing should be treated with doubt. 

[Thrillho_12]

Oooh interesting on the Spectracomp. Simple is certainly appealing.

 

Maybe I phrased the question incorrectly, I guess I was more looking for inspiration and examples of what works for others. Appreciate that taste and YMMV elements will of course colour recommendations - but as someone with less experience in using practice rooms and shaping tone in this scenario I thought I'd see what solutions others had found

[Thrillho_12]

Oh also, meant to ask - I've never heard of loaning pedals as an option. Where's that done?