Bass Wah - what's your fav?

[Thor]

Hey all,

Want to pick a wah for my bass rig, and looking for some suggestions as to what has worked well (and perhaps not-so-well) for others. I've been searching at TalkBass, and there is some info, but not a whole lot.

Thanks for your input.

Cheers,

Edward

[John Phillips]

The white Dunlop one (can't remember the model number sorry... and I can't see it because it's bolted to my pedalboard).

Endorsed by Flea, if it matters.

[Thor]

John,

Your endorsement carries just as much weight (unless you're getting them for free as well;) )

Thanks for the input.

Anyone else?

Cheers,

Edward

[TedintheShed]

The white Dunlop one (can't remember the model number sorry... and I can't see it because it's bolted to my pedalboard).

Endorsed by Flea, if it matters.

That would be the 105Q. Also used by Timmy C. if that matters.


John,

Your endorsement carries just as much weight (unless you're getting them for free as well;) )

Thanks for the input.

Anyone else?

Cheers,

Edward

After going through about a dozen different wah pedals, I use a vintage Tel-Ray era Morley Power Wah boost. The Cliff Burton implications aside, this is simply the best wah by far for bass IMO. I like the wide range of physical sweep, as well as the range of frequency sweep.

With that said, there are two marked schools of people who like wah- the Dunlops and the Morleys. The Dunlops are more subtle with less physical sweep required. The Morleys are far more aggressive, with a wider physical sweep required.

Remember- if using with a distortion, try it both before and after your pedal, you will get much different tones that way.

Hopefully, this will be of some assistance.

Ted

[John Phillips]

That would be the 105Q.I thought it was, but I didn't like to guess :).

With that said, there are two marked schools of people who like wah- the Dunlops and the Morleys. The Dunlops are more subtle with less physical sweep required. The Morleys are far more aggressive, with a wider physical sweep required.Very true. I quite like the tone of the Morleys, but I can't stand the physical travel - much too big, and that toe-down angle is really uncomfortable. I have my Dunlop set to the most extreme setting BTW (both trimmers fully clockwise).

Remember- if using with a distortion, try it both before and after yor pedal, you will get much different tones that way.Definitely. I always prefer guitar wah before distortion (although after fuzz usually) but bass wah definitely after distortion. I have mine as actually the last pedal on the board, you get much more of a bass-synthy filter sweep effect like that.

[Thor]

Thanks so much for the detailed posts!

I have been wondering about whether or note the Teese RMC3 could straddle the two "schools" of bass wah. It has a footprit like the Dunlop, but can do a bit of a wider sweep. It also seems to have some adjustablity that might be able to make it a viable option for bass. Of course, for the $255, I could also buy a Morely and a Dunlop ...

Thanks again,

Edward

[TedintheShed]

Very true. I quite like the tone of the Morleys, but I can't stand the physical travel - much too big, and that toe-down angle is really uncomfortable. I have my Dunlop set to the most extreme setting BTW (both trimmers fully clockwise)..

Mine rests on an angled pedalboard, so the impact is less. I like the amount of physical travel in the Morley- it is easier to find a "parked" setting plus I like the added precision afforded by the wider travel.

Definitely. I always prefer guitar wah before distortion (although after fuzz usually) but bass wah definitely after distortion. I have mine as actually the last pedal on the board, you get much more of a bass-synthy filter sweep effect like that.

Ditto, although some bassist like to use the boost on the PWB to drive their distortion pedal (milage varies with type of pedal used, of course).

[landru64]

foxx bass/organ wah... mine doesn't work so hot, but it sounds incredible.

[Bassomatic]

I used to have a red Foxx octave/wah that killed, but it was noisy as hell. Think Joh Wetton live with King Crimson, ca. '73-74. Really nasty (in a good way)

[pedalhead]

try the ibanez wd7 - weeping demon.
sounds killer on bass especially with distortion/ fuzz before it

[mewithoutlouie]

Check out the Snarling Dogs Bootsy Collins wah, I've heard some good things about it, and it's got a fuzz built in. I think you can find one for $110 new, which is a steal.

Read up on harmony central as well, see if that'll help.

[Thor]

Well, just picked up the Wilson Bass Q Wah, and it's fantastic.

http://www.wilsoneffects.com

Had heard great things about their guitar voiced wahs, and asked Kevin if he had anything for bass - they are hidden on the second page.

This thing is just what I was looking for. Very adjustable, from subtle to underwater funky. The unit came with a very soft rocker tension, but this was easily adjusted with an allen wrench. Plus, it's got a fuzz friendly circut.

Kevin was very friendly and prompt in his replies, and got the unit out lightening fast! A great pedal (currently at a great price).

Thanks for all of your posts - I think my bass wah hunt is finally over!

Cheers,

Edward

[nictimes2]

I was able to briefly try my RMC 3, set to the "Fer Yer Bass" settings in the manual, with my buddies bass and it sounded pretty good. I'm not a bass player per se, but he seemed pretty impressed too for all that's worth. Could be an option according to my ears - I'd love to hear from a "real" bass player concerning this though!

[fatback]

I've been tempted by the EBS WahOne since I saw it at NAMM last year.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH6t-vaJ5fw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPRujythGG4&feature=related

[WCR]

Might be a little off topic here, but I used to just use a phaser shifter for bass BECAUSE it had a somewhat wah effect......

[Thor]

I was able to briefly try my RMC 3, set to the "Fer Yer Bass" settings in the manual, with my buddies bass and it sounded pretty good. I'm not a bass player per se, but he seemed pretty impressed too for all that's worth. Could be an option according to my ears - I'd love to hear from a "real" bass player concerning this though!


The RMC 3 was the other wah that I was seriously considering - the price difference is what made me pull the trigger on the Wilson. Maybe some day I will be able to give the RMC 3 a spin.

Cheers,

Edward

[2 Loud 4 You]

I'm a Dunlop guy and I'll stick with my 535Q. Call it a "guitar" wah if you want but it just sounds great and does what I need.