I've heard some songs that sound like the bass is being distorted in someway.

I was just wondering how this would be done.

same way as a guitar, effect pedals. it's just that you need to be a little more careful when you use pedals on a bass because it's way easier to completely screw up and end up sounding like mud. i'm pretty sure i've seen bass specific pedals in the past but unless you're looking at wahs then it doesn't really matter, distortion, flanger, delay, whatever, they'll work just as well for bass as for guitar (with a little EQ tweaking)

Well does distortion on a bass sound like it has been used in the past? When I posted this thread I had a couple songs in mind that it sounded like distortion could be the only way to produce that sound.

I just couldn't imagine getting this sound out of a straight guitar to amp.

There are all kinds of pedals that bass players use. Les Claypool uses a Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, for example.


For "Making Plans for Nigel" he used a Syntrex Harmonic Energizer.

Hmm the distortion on making plans for nigel isn't what I'm thinking of.

Two songs come to mind, Radiohead's the national anthem. The studio version doesn't quite sound like its distorted but when I saw them live I was really perplexed as to how that sound was being created.

The second is the song 'overtakes me' off the new flaming lips album. It just sounds like a distorted bass would to me.

Are these examples of a distorted bass line? If not how did they do this? Making Plans for Nigel does sound awesome but its just not what I imagined a bass with distortion would sound like.

Greenwood used/uses a Shin Ei Companion Fuzz for both National Anthem and Exit Music (For a Film).


I believe Irvins uses a ODB-2.

you'd likely be able to fake the fuzz from the national anthem with a big muff, my bass player gets similar tones with the one he uses at our jam spot. keep in mind a big muff runs about $200 (at least here in canada), they're worth every penny though, then again if the original big muff was good enough for hendrix it should be good enough for just about anyone else. there's also a 'little' big muff on the market for a little less dough, i figure you trade off some tonal elements to get the smaller package and price tag though.

Hmm a bit drunk but what about something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/FUZZY-BUNNY-Shin...230 036452181

I sent a question asking what he meant by clone and this was the response:

It is a faithful reproduction of the original circuit, only with higher quality modern parts than the original, and the addition of true bypass switching. It is the same circuit, only more durable and shiny new.

the thing is with those homemade jobbies is that you're taking a risk that the builder knew what he was doing and did quality work. when you buy an electro harmonix you KNOW it's quality. the fuzzy bunny might be awesome, or it might only be awesome for a week and then fizzle, or it might never be awesome. for $35 i'd get a DOD or BOSS pedal, the clicker on the DOD will die if you stomp on it too hard too often but at least it's recognizable product, BOSS pedals simply don't die from wear and tear but you'll pay a little more.

but if you feel like risking the cash you could well end up with a really good deal, it's really a crap shoot in this situation.

I use this piece of equipment. I love it and can get pretty much any sound I want out of it. They have a bass model, but it wasn't out when I bought this one. It is also a Boss which I agree with Panbient. Quality construction and sound.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cts?sku=151304