How to Use a Distortion Pedal to Tighten Bass
- 1). Connect a 1/4-inch jack cable to the output jack on your bass guitar.
- 2). Connect the other end to the "Input" jack on the distortion pedal.
- 3). Connect a second 1/4-inch jack cable to the "Output" jack on the distortion pedal.
- 4). Connect the other end of that cable to the input jack on the guitar amplifier.
- 5). Turn the volume dial on the amplifier to zero. Distortion pedals, even with the output level turned down, can add volume to a signal. It always pays to turn an amplifier on with the volume turned down to minimize the effects of any unexpected sound, but this is especially true if you are using boost circuits such as those used in distortion pedals.
- 6). Connect an AC adapter to the distortion pedal and depress the foot-switch to turn it on.
- 7). Turn on the amplifier and gradually increase the volume.
- 8). Turn the distortion setting on the pedal down to around 10 percent. This setting may be called "Distortion," "Fuzz" or "Gain." Minimizing this parameter prevents the bass from sounding too distorted, but adds a subtle bite to the signal before it reaches the amplifier.
- 9). Turn the "Level" dial to around 50 percent. Turn the pedal off and compare the volume. Tweak the "Level" dial so the volume of the bass is the same with the pedal on and off. This is called unity gain. It prevents any peaks or dips when you turn the pedal on.
- 10
Adjust the equalization dials so the pedal enhances the naturally higher frequencies of the bass. The names of the equalization dials vary according to the make and model of the pedal, but they are typically "Low" or "Lo," "Middle" or "Mid" and "High" or "High." Cut the lower-frequency dials to minimize the presence of the bass frequencies. Set the middle- and high-frequency dials to around 60 percent. This enhances the top-end frequencies. The sound of the string, as distinct from the woody resonance of the body, is a top-end frequency. By enhancing this, the plucks or finger attack on the string becomes more defined, creating a tighter bass guitar sound.