Re: [Harp-L] Bass Harp Mic Clip

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"michael rubin" wrote:
<So the next question is:  What pedals or other electronics will turn this
<thing into a super cool sounding instrument?

I'd spend $50-$150 on one of the Digitech BP series pedals--amp modeling and effects designed for bass.  Should give you everything you need for sounds ranging from slightly cooler to extreme wierdness.  I'd go for something with a built-in footpedal, which will allow you to bring effects in under foot control--much more expressive than pushing a button to go from full on to full off.

If you want to use single-effect pedals, the obvious choices for bass are a phase shifter and an envelope filter, probably in that order.  The Digitech BP pedals include both those effects. Note that the earlier BP series pedals don't offer any computer connection, so there's no external backup other than ink on paper for your customized sounds.

Other multi-FX designed for bass include offerings from Line6, Zoom, and Behringer.  Either should do the trick.  Behringer tends to be the lowest cost, but build quality is not always tops.  Line6 tends to be the priciest, and I'm not sure they really sound enough better than the Digitech stuff to justify the price premium.  However, the Line6 stuff can also be connected directly to your computer--which some of the Digitech stuff can also do--and with their plugins, you can duplicate whatever effect you get from the pedal in software.  Handy for recording.  The Zoom stuff, especially the B2, makes good sounds, but the supporting computer software isn't so great.  

Regards, Richard Hunter
latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://myspace.com/richardhunterharp