Smart
solutions with the Bassbone
By Lars Arvidsson
Many players using
more than one instrument, for example a passive and an active bass,
have probably faced the problem that the amp needs adjusting for both
basses. The Bassbone is the solution to this and a few other problems.
The box is the size
of two ordinary pedals. It’s heavy and substantial with a proper
steel casing and heavy duty switches.
The most apparent
use is for switching between two basses or as a two-channel preamp for
more variation. Bassbone also offers an effects loop and a boost circuit.
Each channel have a
volume knob each but there the similarities end.
If you have two
basses then you use channel one for the bass which doesn’t need
more tonal shaping than available on your amp. To get some variation
this channel has a contour switch where, beside flat (unaffected signal),
you can choose between two different eq shapes. Shape one increase the
bass and treble like the filters on an amplifier. The treble is quite
low in frequency so the sound is never lame but quite contrary, gets
a good bite. EQ shape number two gives a fatter sound with less treble
and a prominent bass that is round without losing definition.
Channel twp has
a complete set of knobs for bass, treble and mid. This is where you
connect the bass that needs more doctoring. The treble control is voiced
fairly low so with an increase you’ll get a cutting and a bit
clunky sound. Quite far from hi-tech but very definite and forward.
On to the mid knob that controls the frequencies slightly above the
“gnurly” area. Good with an increase to give the bass a
more solid center and getting you heard in the band. Or with a decrease
to tame a sound. The bass control knob is also very effective. You can
increase the bass without getting any exaggerated low-end rumble.
The Bassbone is
also suitable if you have only one bass. Hook it up to the channel one
input and then use the switch to change channel.
The channel switching
feature is good but the really smart thing is the boost switch. A switch
marked Boost Assign lets you choose the boost switch action. Your choices
are Boost, Loop or Both. If you, like me, enjoy pedals the loop will
be of good use. The Bassbone can act as a master switch for a chain
of pedals. The whole caboodle can be switched in or out with a single
step. Very practical!
The boost circuit
has a knob for boost volume. According to the owner’s manual the
Bassbone should be silent when this is set to zero, but on this unit
you get rather a bit of volume with this knob set to minimum. I could
still change the volume dramatically ranging from definitive decrease
to massive increase.
The loop is very
useful but unfortunately you need a Y-cable for the lone stereo jack
to be able to connect something to the loop. It would have been easier
with separate jacks for in and out.
For recording and PA connectivity the balanced XLR output jack is a
real asset. It also has the ubiquitous ground loop switch. Power is
supplied by the included 15 volt adaptor and it’s not possible
to use the Bassbone with a battery.
Conclusion
The Radial Bassbone is an excellent pedal for switching a sound and/or
a bass. The smart boost/loop function is a definite bonus. Sound wise
the tone controls cater more towards rock sounds with an attitude rather
than hi tech.
FACTS:
Radial Engineering Bassbone
Two channel bass preamp pedal with loop and line out.
Connections: Input 1, input 2, tuner, output, loop, balanced XLR output,
DC 15 volt
Price: SEK 3 495:-
Distributor: Musikpartner
http://www.musikpartner.dk
http://www.tonebone.com
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