Joe Branton from Guitar Nerds podcast joins the show to discuss compressor pedals, Bass VI modifications, and the upcoming Effector Market and NAMM. They explore the sonic qualities of Bass VI, the versatility of compressors in music gear, and innovative compression techniques for unique sound creation. The conversation also covers lazy comp and fat general bass compressors, parallel compression, and unconventional pedal use.
The Lazy Comp by Anna Sounds provides a well-voiced compressed tone with a unique one mix control, ideal for simplicity and effectiveness.
The Diamond Bass Compressor/EQ pedal offers a fantastic compressed tone with integrated EQ controls, catering to bass players seeking a versatile and classy compressor.
The Thorpy Fat General compressor combines vintage squish with low noise, delivering dynamic and clean compression essential for any pedalboard.
Deep dives
The Lazy Comp by Anna Sounds
The Lazy Comp by Anna Sounds is a unique compressor with only one mix control, blending in compression with the clean signal. It offers a well-voiced compressed tone straight out of the box and stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Diamond Bass Compressor/EQ
The Diamond Bass Compressor/EQ pedal provides a fantastic compressed tone with integrated EQ controls for bass players. Its sleek design and intuitive functionality make it a standout option for those seeking a versatile and classy compressor.
Thorpy Fat General
The Thorpy Fat General compressor is a powerful and versatile option that combines vintage squish with low noise. It offers dynamic and clean compression, making it an essential pedal that may end up permanently on a pedalboard.
Blackfinger by Electro-Harmonix
The Electro-Harmonix Blackfinger tube compressor stands out for its unique tube-driven compression and versatile control options, including the ability to choose between lamp or LED compression modes and presets like 'norm' and 'squish.' The pedal offers a broad range of compression possibilities for bass players.
Importance of Compressor Placement in Pedalboard Signal Chain
The discussion revolves around the strategic placement of compressors and EQ pedals in a pedalboard's signal chain. The guest emphasizes the significance of having the compressor as the first effect in the chain to allow for full-frequency response and better control over tonal adjustments. This approach ensures efficient signal processing without saturation or unwanted shifts in sound, highlighting the impact a compressor has on other effects.
Innovative Pedal Design and Approach To Tone Crafting
The conversation delves into the innovative design philosophy of Thorpe effects' pedals, focusing on reinventing vintage sounds with modern features. The mention of pedals like the Fat General showcases a dual functionality akin to an EQ pedal, offering simplicity and control for on-the-fly adjustments. The guest expresses a preference for straightforward controls on pedals to swiftly address tonal tweaks based on room acoustics, reflecting a practical and hands-on approach to crafting and shaping tone.
Today we're joined by Joe Branton of the Guitar Nerds podcast. Starting with the Boss CS-2, we take a tour of compressor pedals, with a focus on what makes them not so transparent and a key part of Joe's approach to bass. We also talk about the upcoming Effector Market and NAMM, and take a well-timed question about Bass VI from the hogline.