5 Bass Overdrives to Rule Them All!

[@jamesorrell7462]

Can we just appreciate how good Lee's bass playing was at the start.

[@rl-ub9hx]

They really need to bring him back...

[@rioace3953]

dude should play dirty with RHCP over Flea, they won't need a guitar

[@tfeerick]

Through the whole thing

[@tfeerick]

@@donaldeli2682 nobody cares

[@jamesorrell7462]

@@donaldeli2682 Sod off.

[@voomdaddymojo5636]

Billy Sheehan pedal:
Option to swap op amp chip
Option to adjust boost level
Option to adjust comp threshold
Option to adjust amount of compression (mid switch position)
Both the clean and drive channel has its own effect loop

[@AdamSouthward]

Deserves a video all its own.

[@homeslice1479]

And different 8-pin op amp chips are CHEAP. As someone who knows nothing about electronics, that was nice to see.

[@lobotomy007]

yes a lot of option, that's why i bought it. Sadly the overall tone was horrible and i ended selling it

[@minibuns5397]

Too many options. We just want the best option.

[@heggy_69]

Someone tell the gear page, they'll go crazy over the magic chips lmao

[@GabrielVelasco]

The EHX Bass Soul Food is their "bassic" or "bassified" version of their extremely popular Soul Food which is a Klon Centaur Klone. It runs at 18V internally like the Soul Food and the original Klon Centaur for lots of headroom. It also has an internal true/buffered bypass switch. The original Klon Centaur famously has a buffered bypass that affects your tone even when switched off.
EHX bassified this pedal by adding a PAD switch to handle high-output-passive and active electronics and adding a BLEND knob to retain bass attack and dynamics. Some people like using the Bass Soul Food with their guitars because it's essentially the same circuit, but with some extra features.

[@jackthomson5047]

Soul food is perfect. Just boosts your sound perfectly without changing tone or really distorting things. Perfect.

[@almostliterally593]

Its based on the klon centaur

[@marilisa_m_bass]

Is it true bypass?

[@almostliterally593]

@@marilisa_m_bass theres a switch inside to make it true bypass or buffered

[@marilisa_m_bass]

@@almostliterally593 thank you very much 🙏

[@Mr.Steve-O]

Yes 💯

[@brandoncoaker8821]

Really loving the sound of that MXR Bass Overdrive. The Darkglass was a close-second. Cheers.

[@RobS-dy5xm]

I'd like another demo with Nathan + P-Bass + Pick + Overdrive.

[@RC32Smiths01]

I really love the tones on those pedals! Really remind me of the 80s and 90s grunge or metal tone. Cheers for the showcase

[@CorbenEdward]

The soul food, darkglass & ebs billy all did it for me. Really liked the billy though!
My wife got me a bass soul food and I just couldn't get along with it until I cranked the drive, set the blend super low and adjusted the treble to taste. Going into a scooped ampeg amp sim, it made me feel like Justin Chancellor.

[@joeltorres2733]

I have the bb1x and it is one of the best that boss has released in recent years, it is not an Overdrive, it is more of a sansamp style preamplifier, you make the most of it when combined with another pure overdrive pedal

[@swissarmyknight4306]

The reason the treble control seems like it makes the Soul Food have more drive is that adding more high end information to an overdriven signal will add more detail and "grit" to a distortion sound.

[@mal2ksc]

Capacitors will further round the corners off your square pulses, so (like the Tone knob on the instrument) it can't add anything, just remove it by shunting some of that treble to ground. Compared to the 12 o'clock setting it seems like "adding grit" but it's more a case of "not taking any grit away". I liked the Soul Food for a prog rock vibe, where the bass is in your face tonally rather than with distortion.

[@treed873]

I own the Bass Soul Food, and while I like the sound that I get from it, I find myself cranking the bass on my EQ. It really does suck the low end out. I'm thinking of running it in tandem with an EQ pedal.

[@almostliterally593]

@@treed873 sucking the bass out had its benefits.

[@treed873]

@@almostliterally593 Only if you're a guitar player pretending to be a bass player.

[@bobaer3885]

Soul Food was the sound I was looking for. Has just ordered it. Your video is very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@nym053]

Honestly I've never been into the sound of Boss pedals.
Sheehan and Bass Soul Food where my favorites.

[@Wxterslide]

You’re missin out man

[@nym053]

@@Wxterslide I'm not missing out on something that I'm not into.
It's not like I've boycutted Boss or anything.

[@BenKrisfield]

I really liked the sound of the EBS pedal.

[@NukePooch1]

I liked the Darkglass best, especially at lower boost levels...but the Billy was close as the boost got higher. Love em both.

[@mario_504]

Guys! The treble knob in the Soul Food acts upon the overdriven sound, only, making it more inteligible and crispy. But a FACT: with a good bass and an amazing bassist, nothing can possibly sound bad. Way to go, folks!

[@nunninkav]

If the mix is thick, that Dark Glass almost gives you a Dug Pinnick tone and the mid scoop leaves nice room for guitars to sit. If you are in a power trio, playing leads on bass, TOOL covers, the Sheehan rig sounds like the way to go, it's got a good midrange for the Bass to take sonic center stage.

[@blankvrs]

This video helped me lean toward the Bass Soul Food. I prefer the more subtle drive of this pedal over those that have harsh distortion. Thanks for the excellent demos.

[@chroyLee]

I have the Boss overdrive. Will be buying the Darkglass today. Found a used one near my house for $125. I've been researching this week. Thank you for your help.

[@h.ryanmanoo3121]

Yes, that Billy Sheehan is great.

[@Evgen666ptz]

EBS Billy Sheehan Deluxe was the best for me!

[@EricT43]

Lee busting out "Shy Boy" at 14:13, love it 🤙

[@TheLocalZeroChannel]

i'm partial to the Soul Food..... oh, yeah, i already have one. The kind of subtle drive thing that you just leave on if it's that kind of gig. A little bit of grit like you're pushing an amp a bit.

[@glace5620]

Got one as well, pleased with the tones

[@nickbeneBass]

I have it also. It's the best pedal to put you in front in the mix. It is almost always on for me

[@Metalbass1979]

I have one, as well. It is the only drive pedal I've found that doesn't color my tone. It just kicks my already awesome amp tone up to 11.

[@funkysxxt]

@@Metalbass1979 Exaktly what I was thinking of when the pedal was on. Very transparent. Sounded best to me

[@joelonsdale]

That's a twist on the Klon Centaur I believe... subtle but reactive distortion that you'll probably never turn off!

[@jarrahparry]

Bill Sheehan or Bass Soul Food, both sound great to me. Great playing Lee.

[@wrathaz]

Really dig the Billy Sheehan pedal.

[@grizelda4526]

Great info. Thank you so much. You guys do the BEST demos on CZcams.

[@MrSacman88]

He really rocks that bass! Clean, driving sound. Love it!

[@Sadiquecat]

My favourite was the MXR, sounded clean without any filter, but still had that little "fuzzy" details in the sound, both clean and extra "detailed".
The Soul Food also sounds clean if not cleaner, but I preferred the color of the overdrive of the MXR, just had that little extra "fuzz" to it.
My second fav was the EBS Billy, I liked the possibilities and it had a very nice "oldschool" sound.

[@roadtonever]

Soul food was the only one I liked because it maintained the character of the bass, the rest sounded mid scooped to me.

[@jjerkamillo]

Exactly, I can't imagine those super scooped tones would sit well in a mix.

[@RootsBassCanada]

I like MXR one. Sounds sick!

[@the_darkroom_shed]

It's got my vote for sure.

[@noblestrings]

I've played mine for 7 years. it does it all

[@zeppelinboys]

Nice to see you both back! Great playing as usual.

[@revival18]

1st place Billy Sheehan... 2nd place DarkGlass... 3rd place Soul Food, but let me tell you who is god among this one... Alpha Omega Ultra, sweet as pie!

[@vidarfro]

Love these videos. Nathan and Lee are great. (PS. Finland is not in Scandinavia, only Norway, Sweden and Denmark :)

[@nathanking1970]

Sorry!

[@isetta4083]

God I'd hate to see you encounter the people that say the baltics are Scandinavia

[@seppoinnanen5577]

Actually, we Finns DO belong to Scandinavia, whatta heck 😱

[@bassmandudge]

I have the Sheehan drive..it is AWESOME. You need to do a full review of it as I don't think Nathan got to grips with it. There is so much tonal variation achievable. It is also (I think) the only pedal there that actually splits your clean tone and keeps it clean. So you can pick your level of gain and add whatever volume level of gain back to the clean signal. So its a mix not a blend....Also the trs send and returns on the side add a new dimension...so I have an oc2 in the clean loop...another compressor in the drive loop..but you can run a whole line of effects in the 2 loops and mix them back on the pedal. Or go direct out to 2 amps. Then there's the internal dip switches...one alters the boost level one alters the amount of compression. Then there's the fact that you can swap out the opamp drive chip on the board to any other 8 leg opamp drive for different tonality. ... Sorry I think you said the Darkglass was the most versatile.... not a chance and at nearly £50 cheaper you really need to be into your brands to pay the extra for the DG. So please do a full review and be even more surprised at how good it is....

[@paulsummerside]

Boss quite typically was just a box of fizz. All the others were great. For me it would be a toss up between the MXR, Soul Food and the EBS. Unsure about the Dark Glass.
I would quite happily have both the MXR and the Soul food on the same board.

[@pCeLobster]

Nathan makes every video feel like a Christopher Guest awkward improv scene.

[@BreakupBass]

The Sould Food and MXR for me! i own the Bass Soul Food but just ordered the MXR bass overdrive.

[@akesvensson3778]

Friday party! Again! Thanks guys! May Andertons rule the market!

[@midtown3221]

Who else loves the Boss Bass Driver? MXR Bass Overdrive slaps too!

[@roshanthapa7075]

14:15 that tone 😍

[@Muppio]

Close one between Darkglass and the EBS.

[@rexsolomon6325]

Where have you guys been?!?! You guys round out Pete and Lee and Sounds Like perfectly. Keep playing more!!!

[@AdamManley7]

The boss pedal had the drive way too high causing the excessive fizz, lower drive increase level

[@Mark_Ocain]

I want that fuzz bass sound from the first Dirty Harry movie soundtrack....that was nasty and sooo groovy!

[@lowtone1778]

You guys are my favorite bass noodlers! Great review as always!

[@musicalgroovesaucet.v.1789]

Billy’s pedal kills them all.

[@georgewidmeriv701]

Between the darkglass and soul food in my humble opinion for different variations of sound and punch 🤜

[@AMBowers29]

The EHX sounded great during the outro. I like the "hair" it gives

[@waltertav]

You guys are ridiculous(ly) entertaining and informing! Thanks a lot for this video!

[@timchounard3851]

Great reviews! By the way, ANXIOUSLY awaiting the new Fender Ultra Bass reviews!!!

[@gustavosanches2424]

Bass Soul Food is a modified klon centaur, i guess it only distorts de high frequencies, it would explain why the treble control has the huge influence on amout of drive.

[@chrishepburn1503]

The EHX Bass Soul Food actually sounds great on guitar as well. Better than the original pedal.

[@Mr.Steve-O]

yes, it does !!

[@taylorpearcy319]

B3k sounds amazing

[@ndboxoffrogs]

The Earthquaker Devices Plumes sounds amazing on bass from what they've shown, might be worth a look.

[@pCeLobster]

It loses a good amount of low end. Great pedal, I really love it. But I use it for guitar, not so much for bass.

[@stephaneaudet]

I love MXR.I have GT-OD for my guitar sound and i recommand this brand.

[@flatgstring]

Lee is a kick ass bass player !

[@CQJR007]

Forgot about the pedals there.... great playing..

[@PushSueAside]

Tho I was not present, I was pleasantly surprised as well. Cheers

[@ernestfoss]

I Have the Darkglass,. The Darkglsss to me sounds more like a natural tube break- up, or Amp overdrive sound. The bass sound I not he bass sound, but the bass sound can combine with a distorted guitar. The sound blends

[@bourianboubbov9937]

Thanks for the vid guys! MXR niice fuzz. Got some cool colours. EH also good but felt like a little work-y to get some audible variation. Sorry Darkglass, straight back out of my room! The emperor's new clothes! BOSS hs the angry bee there but has a character. Hands down best of them all if there could be only one-EBS! So MANY different tones. Many years ago O had an EBS bass pedal, sold it very quickly. But this! Covers a lot of ground.

[@ulfgj]

that ending riff just kills! :D

[@Rabbit895]

Soul food for me please. i already on a BK7 which is awesome, good work guys. Thanks

[@L0nn13_c0]

MXR bass overdrive crushes.

[@marcblum5348]

Very positively surprised by the EHX. Very organic touch.

[@liys540]

my choices of bass drive
1. ebs Billy Sheehan drive deluxe pedal
2. soul food
3. dark glass micro tube

[@edwinhernandez9276]

Which bass pedal is the worst???🤔

[@RicardoMontee]

ahahahah, "Start on your end or mine?" 2:46

[@gorillafunk725]

Opinions are like assholes. Everybodys got one. Ha! So here's mine. Billy Sheehan pedal EXCELLENT! What a refined useful and intelligent use of compression! EH Soul food next for that old school subtle enhancement. Dark glass not bad I must say. Old school fart taking a shine to new school. The rest Bah! 👎 Cheers this was helpful.

[@zennjimm]

Love you guys. You make my G.A.S attacks fun. And I caught you playing Shy Boy young man...

[@sj830925]

That finger technique!✌️⭐️

[@ShaWar102]

Of these 5, the Billy S pedal has the most diversity and a compressor.

[@TonyPuleo1]

Best example of the EHX Soul Food on the web and it one me.

[@jameslewis2635]

The Boss was the only pedal here that I didn't like. As Nathan says, it's very fizzy. To me the two best ones are the Darkglass and the EBS. The Darkglass seems to be able to do everything that the MXR and the Electro-harmonix could do and the EBS had something going on that was totally different from any of the others. For a second the EBS had a tone that reminded me very much of Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) by Metallica.

[@edbutler3]

He had the drive maxed the whole time. I don't own the pedal, but I think it might sound better with the drive lower. Almost seemed like he was trying to make the Boss pedal sound bad... No conspiracy theory though -- probably more of an oversight.

[@paoloburroni6397]

@@edbutler3 exactly, I own the boss and it sounds really good, they were just moving the knobs to fast keeping the drive at max all time.

[@joeltorres2733]

I have the bb1x and it is one of the best that boss has released in recent years, it is not an Overdrive, it is more of a sansamp style preamplifier, you make the most of it when combined with another pure overdrive pedal

[@airfrankenstein]

what guage stings?

[@carpediemarts705]

And with any of these pedals, it's all how you turn the knobs PLUS whatever your amp does PLUS how you play.

[@MsCellobass]

You guys are all over the place on showing and describing each box.

[@johnnykos5262]

The MXR for me !!! It's fits perfectly to my style ...
I have the soul food and i really hate it :P
I'll go for the MXR soon

[@RefRMart10]

Johnny Kos what do you like to play? New to bass buying my first pedal. From your comment, my ears 100% agreed with yours lol. I hated the soul food as well the the mxr was my favorite

[@homeslice1479]

I listened with headphones and could barely tell a difference between they turned up the Clean knob on the MXR. To be fair, I thought it retained a lot of nice low end even without it on.

[@wskgarrison9133]

Maybe I missed it, but what is Lee playing with (pickups) and through (Amp)? The pedals sounded great, but a lot of the sound can be attributed to his playing and dry tone.

[@haus05]

nice to see a video where the fender ultra series anything isn't shoved down my throat

[@hrvojebartulovic7870]

no boss sd2 in crunch mode?

[@tobiewharton1328]

Interesting. I don't think any of them sound bad but the MXR is definitely in distortion territory for me.
I use both the EHX and Boss quite regularly. The EHX's mid-forward tone is just brilliant in a band context - that's lost here. The Boss is principally a preamp (with a balanced out) with some colour; the high gain settings here do it no justice.
I realise this is now somewhat dated but I do wish these guys would be a little more subtle with the settings comparisons and a little more informed prior to testing; I don't feel that I've come away with a useful enough introduction on these models to take a punt on any of them and certainly wouldn't have bought the two I currently own off the back of it.
The guys are excellent players, with a good rapport but I find the content pales in comparison to Andertons guitar equivalents, which is a real shame.

[@jacksparr0w300]

Wow great video

[@mauvepiiink]

0:59 Nathan ALMOST got away with that attempt to hide that rejected hi five.

[@miladbaygan10]

Where are you Lee?! We miss you!

[@kevin.waldron]

the B3k is such clean drive. I love anything darkglass makes

[@Skoora]

The soulfood sounds like it would cut really well in a mix.

[@denis7868]

Do you have a problem with your volume knobs, it is very soft!

[@RicardoMontee]

3:33 Add in a clean signal to the amp, from the bass. ie: not overdriven

[@piedpeter1]

DARKGLASS #1 period.

[@WormholeDreams]

You guys kick ass!

[@imt2798]

Great video! Also lee reminds me of gareth from the office 🙈

[@SixDasher]

Is the BB1X an actual overdrive pedal though?

[@AngelDeVille]

Stacking a Soul Food (bass or regular) with a mojomojo is pure magic.

[@emmawebber9438]

Lee, you were, 'Having it off' with the Billy Sheehan pedal... Really?? The mind boggles.

[@owenmasters4365]

Fulltone OCD for me

[@urbangorilla33]

What happens if you put a bass through a regular guitar overdrive pedal (or any pedal designed for guitar)? Will it damage the pedal? Does it depend on the volume?

[@swissarmyknight4306]

Low end loss is inevitable with a drive pedal unless it has an explicit bass boost or sends through some of your clean signal. Also, a lot of guitar overdrive pedals may have a hi pass filter built in, which would chop off your low end, which may or may not be what you're looking for.
For example, Cliff Burton of Metallica used a fuzz wah in toe down position for his lead tone, so lots of upper mids for clarity but the low end is chopped off. Justin Chancellor of Tool uses a Rat and a Wah in toe down for solo tones, same thing. Those are for distorted solo tones, and probably aren't what you're looking for in a bassline tone.
I'm not familiar with bass guitar damaging any kind of pedals, never heard of damage happening, but I'm not an engineer and don't know everything. I use my guitar pedals on bass; the main concern is if it sounds good (some do, some don't). The main concern about damage when crossing the bass and guitar streams is speaker damage. Damage comes from a bass through a guitar cab whose speakers can't handle the recoil from the low frequencies of the bass will blow the speakers, or playing guitar through a bass cab with a horn (tweeter) that will be blown by the high frequencies of the guitar. To my knowledge its the speakers you have to worry about.
I would ask for advice from qualified personnel before playing any guitar through a bass speaker or bass through a guitar speaker.

[@urbangorilla33]

@@swissarmyknight4306 Thanks, that makes sense.

[@baxtergray5770]

The absolute expressions on these guys faces

[@joelonsdale]

Less banter, more technical please! PS. Just bought the Soul Food from your weblink...

[@emilschnell6404]

What bass is that?

[@prescottmajette5290]

I can see about 2 of these overdrives cutting through the mix while retaining some ass. Mixer and wet/dry blend ftw.