pedal to eliminate attack? Compression as an effect?

[jw112]

I’m looking for a pedal to eliminate attack. Compression as an effect?

not sure if i'm looking for a compressor.

I would like to flatten out the initial attack of my bass as much as possible. Almost like a keyboard bass. Or simular to using a volume pedal but without the delay of the time it takes to manully use the pedal.

[Gordon_Gecko]

:NUTS E-Bow

[John Phillips]

I’m looking for a pedal to eliminate attack. Compression as an effect?

not sure if i'm looking for a compressor.

I would like to flatten out the initial attack of my bass as much as possible. Almost like a keyboard bass. Or simular to using a volume pedal but without the delay of the time it takes to manully use the pedal.
Boss Slow Gear for removing the attack.

They're tricky to use though - you need to modify your technique to become more staccato, since it can only re-trigger if you stop the note - if you play continuously, the following notes are 'part' of the first one so they don't make it do so.

They also kill the apparent volume level since that's largely perceived from the attack - so compression as well is really a good idea, even if you didn't want to flatten out the sustain. I found that running the compressor first (the opposite of what you might expect) helped the Slow Gear to trigger accurately too. You need a compressor with an 'unnatural/pop' attack (don't worry, the Slow Gear will cut that off) - I found an MXR Dyna Comp or a Boss CS-2 worked well.

If you want more sophisticated 'keyboard' bass, try an Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro-Synthesizer. It also has an attack-delay control, and you don't need to use the filter section or fuzz if you don't want to.

[tkozal]

almost every digital bass multi effects pedal I have seen has a "violin" or bowed effect, sometimes tweakable, sometimes not, which seriously changes the attack

[rob2001]

Are you looking for a volume swell type thing or are you looking to change the tonal character? If a swell is desired, then perhaps some of the pedals mentioned. If it's to make your pluck/pick attack less pronounced just roll your tone knob off on your bass, or use your amps EQ to soften the attack.

[Bassomatic]

Compression is just the thing to reduce transient spikes - attack. You'll need a fast one.

[jw112]

thanks guys!

i think i'm going to try the Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro-Synthesizer first and see where that gets me. (thanks john p):AOK

[RocketMusic]

+1 on the EH Micro Synth. You could also try the micro-POG (Polyphonic Octave Generator). The micro-POG is a great octave pedal, it tracks much better than most. I can't outrun it, maybe Oteill could. And unlike most octave pedals, it's polyphonic (you can play chords with it).

DISCLAIMER - I am an EH dealer...

[mindwave_21]

If that doesn't work for you, this might fit the bill.
http://www.guyatone.com/Sv2.php

[thesedaze]

If that doesn't work for you, this might fit the bill.
http://www.guyatone.com/Sv2.php

+1, just a simple envelope filter, only working the attack and not the Q.