[I'm on the Bozo Bus]

Folks,
My son has started playing bass, I bought a Fender Jazz five-string with active electronics. I also picked up a Behringer combo, 100 watts (I think) The amp is decent for a beginner. So far he has shown some promise. Downside is he has been listening to me play for... well, forever....
I am a noodler from WAY back and now he has asked for some sort of effect(s) fir his "Rig".
Not being a bassist (The strings are too big and the frets too far apart!!!!) I am not sure the way to go effects-wise. My idea is to get an inexpensive multi-effect unit to begin with and let him spend his own jack on the pricey stuff.

Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
PEACE,
Phil

[lostsailor8782]

theres this little thibg called a bass zoom I believe which has enough bells andwhistles on it to melt his little mind ... he will like it

[Tennessee Jedi]

Theres a pedal made for ya called Bass Balls - like some killer fuzz - that should be perfect for the rug rat.Real loud.Enjoy.

[I'm on the Bozo Bus]

Dig, dig, dig....
Look what I found...
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Snarling-Do ... 1124348.gc

I like this for the sheer cool factor...
Anyone remember the foot shaped gas pedals in hot rods? Go Bootsy!
Sorry I couldn't help it...
PEACE,
Phil

[Tennessee Jedi]

Dude will you be my daddy?

If I was a kid I would think that pedal was the shit!

[Rusty the Scoob]

Personally I'm of the opinion that most digital multi-FX units are toys first and musical equipment second.

Harmony-Central has good reviews on specific items, I'm out of the loop on the current offerings for obvious reasons.

Just get him whatever fits your budget and don't spend too much because you'll never get quality IMHO.

If you want to get him started toward quality bass pedals on a budget, find an old DOD-FX25 envelope filter. They're really nice units (Yep... a quality pedal from DOD. Who would believe it?) at a good price, I've owned 2 (gave one away to a needy friend, then bought another later) and seen them in the hands of pros, Flea even uses one on his instructional video.

[Tennessee Jedi]

The Flea video with River Phoenix as the interviewer?
Ive seen that a couple of times - its funny 'cause they both seem high as kites.
Its funny when Flea tries to explain "Jamming " to River.My buddy said River died like a month after the video.

[Rusty the Scoob]

Yep, that's the one. I'm betting they were both high as kites because that is one funny interview.

[I'm on the Bozo Bus]

Personally I'm of the opinion that most digital multi-FX units are toys first and musical equipment second.

Agreed Rusty the Scoob.... I had a $100 multi unit that was perfect for what I intended it for. Entertainment when traveling for work, something small, light, almost disposable....

I should have defined this a little differently, my son (At the ripe old age of 15) is just learning to play the bass, and as mentioned, if he sticks to it, develops some style, (He already has music in his heart) you know the drill... I will help with the good stuff.

REPEAT: The Bootsy Pedal just screams cool... I may get one just to be able to utter when I look at it.... cool...

A $100 Multi with expression is the route I'm taking...
Thanks folks,
PEACE,
Phil

EDIT: TN Jedi.... (In my best Yoda voice) A son of mine you will not be.
My dear wife would have us both sleeping in a van down by the river..... I think she can handle only one deadhead in the house at a time...
PEACE

[tigerstrat]

I would discourage the use of effects on a bass. It's a step in the wrong direction, especially for a beginner. That's all I have to say.

[humboldtnorm]

I agree, as a bass player myself I stay away from effects. work on developing a style and tone with just the instrument and the amp.
Rock on!

[strumminsix]

I would discourage the use of effects on a bass. It's a step in the wrong direction, especially for a beginner. That's all I have to say.

+1 but I feel the same way about guitarists and FX esp reverb.

however, if you go this route I'd advise a BASS POD

2 reasons:
1 - it gives you a huge pallet of decent FX
2 - headphone jack for you pleasure