Best
Overall Guitar Pedals
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Overall: Offers complete creative control in a compact package.
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Best Feature: True Bypass And 9DC-200 Power Supply Included.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginner Guitar Pedals
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Overall: High-quality components ensure durability and long life.
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Best Feature: Classic SCF And TriChorus Effects
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Multi-Effects Pedal
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Overall: The H9 Max Has A Streamlined One-Knob User Interface And Is Fully Controllable Via Its Free IOS App, H9 Control.
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Best Feature: Over 99 Presets Have Already Been Preloaded
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TedScore™: X/10
Exploring bass guitar pedals can be exciting but also confusing, especially for beginners.
Finding the best bass pedals can change your sound and improve your playing. Whether you want to add fuzz, reverb, or lots of different effects, there’s a pedal out there that’s perfect for you.
When I first started, I felt like a kid in a toy store with many choices. Some of the best pedals for beginners are easy to use, like the Electro-Harmonix for many different reverb sounds.
Ready to start your musical adventure with bass guitar pedals? Keep reading to discover which pedals you should consider getting and how they can make playing even more fun!
Different Types of Bass Guitar Pedals
Looking to start your bass pedal journey? Explore the best bass pedals for beginners, offering a range of effects and easy usability. These pedals provide a solid foundation for budding bassists to enhance their sound and experiment with different tones.
The most common bass guitar pedals are distortion, overdrive, fuzz, compressor, chorus, phaser, envelope filter and octave. These pedals create a wide range of sounds and can enhance your bass playing.
Volume Pedals
A volume pedal is a valuable tool for bassists, allowing them to quickly adjust their signal without manually turning down the amp or instrument. Chromatic tuners often use volume pedals to fine-tune the player’s sound while providing an audible signal. By pairing the volume pedal with other pedals, bassists can quickly and easily craft their desired sound without making numerous manual adjustments. While the volume pedal itself may not be handy on its own, it is an invaluable part of a bassist’s rig when paired with other pedals.
Volume pedals are commonly adjusted using a foot pedal that controls the overall volume output. With this control, bassists can easily adjust on stage during a performance or in the studio while recording. They also provide a great way to mute the instrument, allowing quick transitions between songs or sounds. These features combined make volume pedals an essential tool for any bassist.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: It has a rugged die-cast metal body, non-slip rubber grips, and adjustable torque for smooth pedal operation.
OTHER INFO: Output jack for connecting to tuners
Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Smooth pedal operation
- Robust construction
- Easy-to-use design
- Tunable tension control
- High-quality potentiometer for reliable performance
- Customizable expression range
- Can only be used for one instrument
- Takes up quite a bit of space on the pedalboard
- Require some time to adjust for optimal sound
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: It features a special tone circuit that retains clarity as the volume is reduced without becoming dark or muddy.
OTHER INFO: It has an input, output, and tuner jack on the front panel for easy access.
Fender FVP-1 Volume Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Allows for easy and precise volume control
- Heavy-duty casing ensures durability
- Compact and portable design is great for travelling
- Tuner Out Jack allows for convenient tuning
- Specially designed potentiometer provides quiet operation
- Not suitable for use with active pickups
- Requires an additional power supply if using higher output levels
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: Anodised aluminium chassis with ultra-durable kevlar cord.
OTHER INFO: Accepts passive and active signals, independent tuner output, and internal switch to alter sweep characteristics.
Ernie Ball VP 40TH Anniversary Volume Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High build quality
- Durable construction
- Smooth, precise control
- Responsive control surface
- Versatile connections
- Compact design
- Some players may find the sweep to be too abrupt
- Size might be an issue for some pedalboards
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Octave Pedals
Octave pedals are a great way to add depth and variety to any guitar player’s sound. When employed, they can shift an incoming signal up or down in octave intervals, producing an effect that mimics the sounds of traditional synthesizers.
They often provide two distinct tones: a clean high octave and a distorted low one. This can create an extensive range of sounds, from mellow and dreamy tones to aggressive and assertive bass-heavy textures. Octave pedals are also great for creating vocal-like effects by blending multiple octaves.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: Equipped with 18-volt Constant Headroom Technology
OTHER INFO: Dry and Mid+ Switch for mid-frequency boosts(400Hz or 850Hz)
MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Crisp tracking and clean sound
- Generous headroom for dynamic performances
- Adjustable mid-frequency boosts
- Two-octave voices for added texture.
- True bypass circuitry.
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Intermediate
FEATURES: It combines the latest polyphonic pitch technology with monophonic octaver capabilities, allowing you to create complex and unique tones.
OTHER INFO: The input and output are 1/4" jack cables, and 9V DC powers it.
TC Electronic Sub 'n' Up Octaver
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High-end octave tones when playing chords
- Access to anything from shimmering octave-up tones to deep subsonic octave riffs
- Polyphonic pitch technology ensures lightning-fast tracking
- True Bypass preserves your natural tone even when switched off.
- The lack of separate outputs for the original sound and the octaven creates limited sound-sculpting options.
- Depth might be too large for some rigs.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Advanced players
FEATURES: Comes with 8-preset memory with instant recall
OTHER INFO: True bypass and 9DC-200 power supply included.
Electro Harmonix POG 2 Polyphonic Octave Generator
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offers complete creative control in a compact package.
- Clean tracking and detailed octaves that scale well with the input.
- Smooth, adjustable attack/delay fade-in time lets you dial in exactly the right sounds for your playing style.
- Wide range of sounds, from subtle to extreme, makes it usable for studio and live applications.
- Intuitive control makes it easy to modify and experiment with sounds
- Can be used in tandem with other effects for more creative possibilities.
- Low Pass filter with selectable Q
- The pricy side, but worth it for the features
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Overdrive Pedals and Distortion Pedals
Overdrive pedals and distortion pedals are both effects that add gain to your signal, providing a more intense sound. Overdrives create a ‘hollow’ tone, while distortions have a more ‘full’ bottom-heavy tone. Both pedals increase the signal to minimal clipping so that when you turn up your music loud, it won’t become distorted and fuzzy.
Although their functions can vary depending on the make and model of the pedal, commonly, they come with controls such as Gain, Tone to compensate for other highs caused by the clipping process, Volume or Level to balance the effect volume and bypassed level, and Bass/Treble/Mid-tone control options. Both pedals distort to enhance your sound with more saturation, grit, and aggression – allowing you to explore a whole new range of tones and sounds.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate and Advanced players
FEATURES: It features two 1/4'' jack inputs and outputs, a control input, a USB port, a DC 9V input and four controls for drive, level, bass and treble
OTHER INFO: It is compatible with the Neuro app for easy editing, and customized effects can be saved and shared with an ever-growing community of users.
Source Audio LA Lady Overdrive Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Variety of tones, classic fuzz sounds, as well as advanced modulation options
- 128 saved presets available
- Ability to connect a footswitch for increased control in live situations
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and intuitive design
- Rugged aluminium housing for long-lasting durability
- Can be difficult to adjust settings precisely due to the lack of digital controls/display.
- True bypass and buffer options
- Can be pricey compared to other overdrive pedals on the market.
- May not be suitable for players seeking extreme levels of gain or distortion.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: Features a classic tone circuit with 4 easy to use controls – Volume, Drive, Tone & Clean.
OTHER INFO: An internal 9v to 18v charge pump for added headroom and punch.
JHS Pedals Moonshine V2 Overdrive and Distortion Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Versatile, mid-heavy tones for a variety of styles
- Easy to use control knobs
- Compact size, perfect for stacking on top of your rig
- Adds its character to the sound of your setup
- Low gain warmth with the 2-position toggle switch
- Extra punch that will slice through any mix.
- Hand-crafted by highly skilled pedal builders in Kansas City, USA
- No true bypass switch
- Controls may be too simple for some players
- Battery life is limited
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: Separate drive and blend controls let you dial in the perfect wet and dry signal blend.
OTHER INFO: All-metal chassis construction
Ampeg Scrambler Bass Overdrive Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Delivers classic Ampeg grit and grind with modern effects.
- True bypass circuitry ensures the maximum signal-to-noise ratio.
- Wide range of tones is available with a simple twist of the knobs.
- Ideal for more extreme levels of distortion and overdrive, with its dedicated level control adding extra headroom.
- Compact and rugged design, perfect for on-the-go players.
- Durable all-metal chassis construction provides great protection while on the road.
- Battery not included, which may be inconvenient for some players.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Envelope Filters and Wahs
Envelope filter and Wah effects pedals are a great way to add spice and character to your bass sound. They work by shifting the frequency range of your bass signal up and down, depending on how you move the pedal. The more you rock the pedal back, the more comprehensive your tone becomes; rocking it forward makes the sound thinner and more top-heavy.
An envelope filter, or auto-wah, furthers this concept by automating the frequency alteration process. With an envelope filter, your bass sound is changed based on how you play it – the louder or more sudden your attack, the wider and more intense the wah effect will be. This lets you create a wide range of sounds and textures with your bass, giving you plenty of flexibility to craft unique tones.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner
FEATURES: Features an entirely analog circuit to give you a warm, vintage sound.
OTHER INFO: It has four simple yet dynamic controls for sensitivity, Q, decay and tone to shape your sound to suit your style.
Mooer MAW2 Envelope Analogue AutoWah Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- This pedal is part of the Mooer Micro Series and takes up very little space on even the busiest pedalboards.
- Compact design perfect for any pedalboard
- Sensitivity control allows you to adjust the filter’s response
- Q control provides a pronounced or subtle wah effect
- Decay control alters the opening and closing of the filter
- Tone control adjusts the wah’s sonic characteristics
- A great value for the price
- Can be tricky to get used to the settings and adjust accordingly
- Some users have noted the volume drops when using this pedal
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Advance players
FEATURES: It boasts a noise floor of -98 dBV and allows filter sweeps from 76Hz to 3.2kHz with adjustable sensitivity range between 46dB.
OTHER INFO: The MXR M82 also has a decay stop frequency of 76Hz to 1.3kHz for more control over your tone.
MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- True hardwire bypass
- Durable aluminium housing
- Power circuit capable of withstanding high voltage or polarity mishaps
- Easy to transport
- Adjustable filter sweep, sensitivity and decay frequency.
- Allows for classic analog filter tones
- Compatible with guitars, too
- Some users may find the controls to be a bit fiddly.
- Not as many filter tones as some other pedals
- Black housing design may not appeal to all.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: Get Full Control of Your Sound with the Electro Harmonix Micro Envelope Filter
OTHER INFO: This pedal offers three responsive dials, allowing you to dial in various envelope filter voicings and tones easily.
Electro Harmonix Micro Q-Tron Envelope Filter
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- It even runs on a 9V battery or PSU for added convenience.
- Three responsive dials with great range of voicings
- Super compact and sturdy chassis
- True bypass footswitch
- Durable and road-ready design
- Quickly dial in a range of envelope filter sounds
- Adjustable intensity and volume settings
- Require some time to get accustomed to the sensitivity and threshold settings
- May not work well with specific instruments or pickups, particularly those with a weaker output
- Tone can get overwhelming when pushed to extremes
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Chorus Pedals
Chorus pedals are among the most versatile effects in any guitarist’s arsenal. They can add shimmer and depth to your tone or take it out into more experimental territory. Chorus Pedals create a “swirling” effect by combining multiple copies of the same signal with different delays and pitches.
The effect produces two distinct signals; the dry signal (left untouched) and a modified signal treated with reverb and delay. This creates an “echo-ey” sound, giving any music piece a unique sonic texture. With the correct settings, chorus pedals add atmosphere to your songs or take them to more ambient places.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate and advanced guitar players
FEATURES: Three preset modulation modes provide classic, popular and refined sounds.
OTHER INFO: Integrated Neuro mobile app that allows you to download and save your customized effects to the pedal.
Source Audio Gemini Chorus Electric Guitar Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use and customize
- Can save up to 128 presets
- Tap tempo for quick timing control
- Compatible with Hot Hand 3 Universal Controller and Source Audio Expression controls
- Comes with compatibility with MIDI functions
- Can be pretty pricey compared to other pedals
- Complexity of the three preset modes may be too much for some players
- Limited range control in live situations
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: Classic SCF and TriChorus effects
OTHER INFO: TonePrint technology
TC Electronic Corona Mini Chorus Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact size saves space on your pedalboard
- Flexible TonePrint editor for custom settings.
- True Bypass for zero sound degradation when turned off.
- Tone knob for controlling the amount of chorus effect.
- High-quality components ensure durability and long life.
- Requires 9V power supply (not included).
- It isn't possible to switch between factory default settings and Tone Print.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: The Ampeg Liquifier has a 3-knob setup that allows you to explore ethereal and distorted soundscapes.
OTHER INFO: Create Melodic Bass Lines with Ampeg Liquifier Analogue Chorus Pedal
Ampeg Liquifier Analogue Bass Chorus Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Delivers classic through-zero flange effects
- Widens your overall sound
- Tweak the rate and depth to create unique soundscapes
- Great for experimentation
- Some players may not like the amount of control offered
- May be noisy.
- It can have an uncomfortably hard pop when engaged.
- The rate control taper is not evenly distributed.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Reverb and Delay Pedals
Delay and reverb pedals are essential tools for any serious musician looking to add depth and character to their performances. Delay pedals replicate the echoing effect of hitting a table with your hand, creating an ambient sound that can be manipulated to create many sonic effects.
Reverb is similar in concept but is more tailored explicitly towards replicating the classic sounds of vintage Fender amplifiers. Delay pedals typically have a set of basic controls such as delay time, delay level, and feedback sets that allow you to dial in the perfect sound. Reverb and delay can be used together to craft lush musical passages or create more complex soundscapes for your studio recordings.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: Loaded with analog dark and mysterious delay tones as well as a bright mode for lead lines and solos
OTHER INFO: Mini pedal size fits into even the most packed of boards; True bypass switching.
MXR M299 Carbon Copy Mini Analog Delay
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- All of the old-school analog delays sound that Carbon Copy is renowned for.
- Small footprint that fits perfectly on any pedalboard.
- Clean tones when the effect is turned off.
- Variety of delay times
- An extensive array of controls for complete control over your sound.
- Maximum signal integrity and minimum loss of tone.
- Bright switch is not top-mounted, so it can be difficult to access.
- Lack of expression pedal input for control over delay time or mix
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: 3 output modes: Independent, Panning and Wide Stereo.
OTHER INFO: 11 versatile delay effects.
Boss DD-8 Digital Delay Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Variety of effects and settings to choose from
- Independent mode provides parallel delays on the left and proper channels
- Panning mode allows for a classic ping-pong effect
- Wide stereo mode provides exceptional depth to the sound
- Carryover switch
- Small size and lightweight
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: Dimensions: 63.5mm x 144.3mm x 38.1mm
OTHER INFO: Get Ambient Bliss in an Instant with The Wampler Ethereal Delay & Reverb
Wampler Ethereal Delay & Reverb
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy-to-use controls allow for quick sound sculpting
- Relay true bypass w/ soft switch for seamless switching between sounds
- Two delay and reverb effects in one box for a spacious tonal palette
- Buffered bypass for keeping your sound pristine
- Premium quality components for professional results
- Only two effects are available at once
- The price might be too steep for some guitarists
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Compression Pedals
Compression pedals are used to create a more consistent guitar sound. Compressing the entire signal evens out high and low frequencies, resulting in a normalized tone that sits better in the mix without sacrificing too much of the overall guitar sound quality.
Due to this effect, compressors are usually positioned at the end of a pedal chain rather than at the beginning or middle. Compressors can also increase the sustain of notes and provide a more dynamic sound.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: Discrete Class-A Circuits, Parallel Compression
OTHER INFO: Powered by Mains Adaptor Only
Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass Compressor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use, intuitive controls
- Professional, transparent sound
- Compact design for portability
- Multiple compression settings and adjustable filters
- Jewel lamp function for easy monitoring
- High current design for low noise and better tone.
- FET Mode Not Transparent
- No VU Meter Indication
- Big Footprint and Weight
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: 3 selectable modes, including Bus, Fet and Sym, with four adjustable knobs for controlling the mix, level, time and compression settings.
OTHER INFO: Input and output impedance of 1M ohms and 1K ohms, respectively.
Darkglass Hyper Luminal Compressor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A wide range of compressor sounds in one device
- Intuitive controls for adjusting the parameters of the compression effect
- High input and output impedance for improved accuracy
- Analog signal path and modern DSP control provide great sound.
- Very expensive compared to other pedals in its class.
- Can be difficult to dial in settings without a good understanding of compression.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Professional Guitarists
FEATURES: An all-analog Class A compressor with five controls, up to 12dB of clean boost, buffered bypass and an internal charge pump for increased headroom.
OTHER INFO: Features true bypass switching for maximum tonal clarity and retention and an active treble for the extra chime.
Orange Kongpressor Class A Compressor Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Transparent buffered bypass
- Three-dimensional quality to any rig
- Delicate tune transients & bloom
- Internal charge pump doubles the operating voltage
- Some players may find the controls challenging to adjust to their needs
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Multi-Effect Bass Pedals
Multi-effect bass pedals are a great way to expand your sound palette as a bass player. In one convenient package, they have multiple effects, such as distortion, chorus, wah-wah, delay and reverb. Combining these effects allows you to create unique and powerful tones that will make your playing stand out in any band.
They’re perfect for live performances, allowing you to quickly switch between sounds without adjusting individual pedals. And with the help of modern technology and MIDI controllers, you can even program these custom tones into your rig for instant access.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner To Advance
FEATURES: 60 types of modeling effects
OTHER INFO: Built-in chromatic tuner with a three-LED indicator and Mute function
Vox StompLab IIB Bass Guitar Multi-Effects with Expression Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Highly portable design
- Easy to use interface and find sounds you will love
- High-quality appearance,
- Battery operation for convenient portability
- Some may find the amount of options overwhelming
- Small display
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: It offers five simultaneous effects, nine amp models, 68 rhythm patterns, and an auto-save function that keeps all your favorite presets safe.
OTHER INFO: Looper allows up to 30 seconds of audio recording
Zoom B1X FOUR Bass Multi-Effects Pedal
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Octave effect for added depth
- Bass synth to explore new sounds
- Built-in tuner for staying on pitch
- Expression pedal for complete control over the results and sound
- It can take some time to get used to all the features it offers.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Advance
FEATURES: The H9 Max has a streamlined one-knob user interface and is fully controllable via its free iOS app, H9 Control.
OTHER INFO: Over 99 presets have already been preloaded
Eventide H9 Max Harmonizer Effects Processor
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Access to 24 of Eventide's top effects algorithms for premium grade effects
- Versatile connectivity
- Compact size
- Preloaded with 47 different and unique algorithms
- Can be a bit pricey for some people's budget
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Why Should Bassists Use Bass Pedals?
Bass guitar pedals are essential for any bass player who wants to expand their sonic palette. Not only do they give you more control over your sound, but they can also help add texture and character to your playing – something that’s often difficult to achieve with just an amp alone.
Having a few different effects units on hand can also be helpful for live performances, as they give you more flexibility and control over your sound in other settings.
Can Guitar Pedals Be Used For Bass?
Yes, guitar pedals can be used for bass – although it should be noted that some pedals are designed specifically for bass and others are made with guitarists in mind.
Generally speaking, it’s best to stick to pedals specifically designed for bass, as they will have better features and sound quality than those made for guitars.
Which Effect Pedal Is Highly Needed by a Beginner Bassists?
For beginner bassists, there are a few bass effects pedals that are commonly recommended as essential for getting started with their playing and exploring different sounds:
Compressor Pedal
This pedal is great for improving your tone and making your playing sound more consistent. It helps to balance the levels of your notes and provides sustain, making your bass notes sound fuller and more prominent.
Chorus Pedal
The chorus pedal subtly modifies your bass sound, creating a shimmering, almost watery effect. It can fill out your sound and make it sound more lush and full. It’s great for playing melodic lines and adding depth to your sound.
Overdrive Pedal
This pedal adds grit and distortion to your bass sound, giving it more edge and bite. It’s excellent for playing heavier music styles like rock and metal, but it can also be used to add some warmth and character.
Tips On How To Order Bass Guitar Effects Pedals
Start with Your Bass Guitar
Plug it directly into the first pedal in your effects chain. This will ensure that all of your sounds are processed through each successive impact in the correct order and without any interference from outside sources.
Place Effects in Proper Order
Place modulation effects such as chorus or flangers after distortion, equalization or compression pedals. This ensures that the tonal qualities of your instrument remain distinct and pronounced while adding subtle nuances to the sound.
Delay and Reverb at the End of the Chain
Place delay and reverb effects at the end of your effects chain. These pedals typically create a wash of sound that can drown out other sounds if placed too far up the chain.
Bass Guitar Pedals For Beginners
Summary
For beginner bassists, essential effects pedals typically include Compressor, Chorus and Overdrive pedals. It is crucial to consider the order of your effects pedals when connecting them, with modulation effects placed after distortion and delay/reverb at the end of the chain.
The best way to get to know your effects pedals is to have fun and experiment with all the different sounds they can create. For me, mucking around with pedals is one of the most fun things about playing bass, and as they tend to not be toooooooo pricey, I like buying quite a few and experimenting.
Let us know your favorite effects combination in the comments below. Good luck on your bass journey!
Loved the section on multi-effect bass pedals! It’s a good start for beginners to experiment with different sounds. Saves money and space too!
While I appreciate the attempt to breakdown the different types of pedals, I feel like the article could use more depth on how each effect interacts with typical bass playing styles. For example, the use of overdrive vs. distortion in a band setting can drastically alter the group’s overall sound. There’s a subtle but crucial difference, not just in terms of gain level but in how it affects the mix – particularly with the low end. Would love to see a more nuanced approach to these explanations.
Interesting article! I was especially curious about the envelope filters and wahs for bass. How significantly do they affect playability for genres outside of funk? Always wanted to dip my toes into effects pedals for my bass.
I really appreciate the segment on why bassists should use pedals and the clear distinction between guitar and bass pedals. So many folks start off grabbing whatever guitar pedals they can find without understanding how differently they perform with bass frequencies. It’s a valuable heads-up for beginners to know about this. Great work on laying out the essentials, Lewis Turner.
Not all guitar pedals are bad for bass, but it’s about how they handle the low frequencies. Some are fine, but it’s usually better to go with pedals designed for bass.
so guitar pedals are a no go for bass?