Guyatone BB2 Bottom Blaster

This is an EQ specifically designed for bass, and the intent is to fix problems that the bass might have with certain high or low frequencies. There are only the 1/4" input and output as well as the adapter input for power. There is no computer editing capabilities, nor are there MIDI capabilities, as this is simply an analog pedal. This is not rackable either.

UTILIZATION

There are only three knobs on this effect box, as well as a switch for turning the effect on or off. I think this is interesting, as the switch is a hand switch as opposed to footswitch. I was puzzled by this at first, but eventually I realized that this is an effect that one would leave on or off, and wouldn't be changing mid-song. Then it made more sense. There are three knobs, bottom, attack, and level. The bottom knob will add the aforementioned low frequencies to the bass sound. The attack knob will adjust and increase the mid and high end of the sound for clarity's sake. The level knob adjusts the level up or down, actually capable of adding 30 db of boost according to the manual. The manual is easy to read and lets you know exactly what to do.

SOUND QUALITY

I have used this with my Jazz bass, as it doesn't always have the huge low end that I want. It also helps to use with a PA system when going direct, but it does work just as well with an amplifier. I think that this pedal will certainly color the tone of just about any bass, but that's sort of the point. The point is to achieve a massive low end that the audience will feel in their chest, and that is certainly possible with this pedal. Even though I wouldn't use it for most of my genres of music, I think it's an interesting and effective pedal that has many creative uses, especially today with the numerous genres that rely on heavy low end. The attack knob also allows you to add a clarity to the sound that can sometimes be lacking in a bass rig. I like getting crazy low end on my bass and doing hip-hop songs with my drummer.

OVERALL OPINION

I think that the effect is pretty cool. It's not the most versatile EQ, it's more of an EQ-enhancing effect. The price isn't too bad retail, and I got it from an acquaintance for a really great price. I didn't really try anything like this before, other EQs I've used were not very similar to this one. I would recommend this to somebody who is either frustrated with their current rig and thinks they only need minimal adjustment, or somebody who is interested in pushing the limits of low end.