BOSS GX-1B Bass Multi-Effects Processor Pedal
I have only one Effects Pedal for my basses and it is another item that I have purchased multiple times. I bought the previous generation GT-1B two times and finally landed on the latest, greatest iteration from BOSS.
This thing is extremely slick. The sparkling blue finish is gorgeous, the menus are a bit easier to navigate than the GT, and BOSS added an Envelope Filter tailored for bass guitars.
I could not resist adding the BOSS-branded caps for the switches.
Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 Reverb Pedal
Reverb is almost considered “standard equipment” on most pedalboards, and EHX makes the Oceans 11. A digital reverb that has that spring tank “drip”.
I bought a BOSS RV-6 before I “discovered” the amazing drip qualities of the Oceans 11.
I ended up selling four pedals, including the RV-6, to Guitar Center and came home with the spectacular Oceans 11 and $24 cash.
BOSS TR-2 Tremolo (Analog)
This was a pedal that I did not think I would want. Now, it might just be G.A.S., but for $79, I took a chance.
Tremolo affects volume modulation (louder, softer, louder), not pitch (that’s “vibrato”). I’m still trying to get the difference locked into my brain.
Another Guitar Center pre-owned deal complete with the box and all papers.
Electro-Harmonix Nano Q-Tron
A pedal so nice, I bought it thrice. Well, two Nanos and one Micro Q-Tron. However, the Nano Q-Tron has a volume control that the Micro lacks. This helps tame the “ice pick” factor that these kinds of envelope filters can produce.
Why has it taken me three times to “get it right”? I do not have a good answer to that. I love the effect and sold the previous Nano Q in a Gear Purge. So, I had to pay for that mistake.
It’s based on the Mu-Tron III pedal that Jerry Garcia, Bootsy Collins, and many other players used to shape their sound.
Electro-Harmonix Soul Food “Transparent” Overdrive
In 2021, I began to look at FX pedals more deeply. During this time, I was introduced to “Drive Effects”, which are the effects that simulate pushing amplifier tubes to the point of signal distortion.
Drive effects come in three “levels” moving from milder, less-pronounced to wilder, extremely-pronounced: Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz.
I wanted an overdrive that did not introduce a large amount of “color” to the guitar signal. These are called “Transparent” overdrives. And the Soul Food from EHX had excellent reviews. And when I found one at Guitar Center for $60, I jumped on it.
And so, my “Pedal Board” (that I was not going to build) grew to two.
MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay
Also known as an “Echo Pedal”, a delay pedal makes a copy of the original signal and duplicates it while making the copy decay over time.
In the broadest sense, there are Analog and Digital delays, with analog being described as more “warm” and “vintage”. The digital delays are precise. The reader can find better, more in-depth explanations on the Interwebs. I’m just not clever enough to describe all of the different types of delay.
I wanted a delay pedal because they are just cool. In addition, delay pedals have been used on many of the songs I listened to in my now-faded youth.
There were so many options for a delay pedal that I got overwhelmed and went with an extremely reputable brand, MXR.
This beautiful pedal is covered in a deep-green, bass boat sparkle finish. It is built like a tank, is the heaviest pedal I own, has easy-to-understand controls, and sounds fantastic.
MXR Six Band EQ Pedal
This was a pedal that I never expected to buy. As it turns out, it may be the most useful pedal ever created. I never thought much of EQ pedals.
They were “dull”. And while they seemed “practical”, they were definitely not “fun” or remotely “interesting”.
This flippin’ thing… it does things. It does obvious things. Things I’ve ignored or thought I had to live with. It fixes problems, and it is great!
The absolute best part about it? I paid $25 for it!
I was going to sell it. I am not going to sell it. I am boggled by it.
Electro-Harmonix Bad Stone Phase Shifter
Purchased with a Small Stone chorus pedal, the Bad Stone turned out to be sufficient all on its own. Although tonight, while editing this, I felt the first pang of regret having sold the Small Clone.
I don’t know if I will replace it. Time will tell.
OK, OK, OK! I ended up building a pedalboard. Not only did I build one, but I have rebuilt it at least twice.