Fulltone Bass-Drive

This is a very easy pedal to get a good sound out of, especially because it has 2 stages. The only downer is that it's got a push-pull volume pot for compression cut, so if you want to tweak volume hands-free while playing, you have to be very careful. More on that below...

First off, the true bypass is suh-weet. This is also the best bass distortion I've ever heard. I turned it up to 25% and it was shaking things off my wall :) The ONLY bad things about the sound is that the comp. cut pot loses a lof of volume when you push it down and engage compression. Maybe that's just the way compression works, it could also use a little more high end, but that's just me

It's solid as the Great Wall of China. I'll end up replacing the switches eventually, but by then I'll probably be all old and arthritic

haven't needed them

I play rock and roll, whatever flavor tastes best at the moment. This is a bad-ass distortion. It's first stage will do overdrive, and kick on the second "boost" stage, and you get full-on distorted bass. It also loses no bottom end, which ever single other pedal I'd ever tried does. The only fault is the push-pull comp. cut thing, but I'm sure I can get it modded to have a toggle for that and a normal pot for volume. SO....if you see one of these anywhere, buy it. You will not regret it, your neighbors might though;)

Nothing much needs to be said here that hasn't been said already by every one else. If you know how to turn knobs and match gains and volumes it's like any other distortion or overdrive.

I use a variety of vintage, boutique copy, and reissue Fender basses (P's & J's)with four things in common for all. Lindy Fralin Pickups throughout, all are passive basses ran through an Aguilar DB 924 outboard pre-amp, all have a .1uF Sprague orange drop capacitor in the tone control, and all are strung with GHS Bass Boomers Heavy Gauge Strings (H3045 115-50). I use one of two SWR heads depending upon the situation and my mood. One is a Bass 350 with a 60's Mullard 12ax7 tube in the preamp, and the other is an SM-900 with an older telefunken 12ax7. I have other tubes that I use from time to time again depending upon the situation and my mood. I run the Bass 350 into a pair of Bag End 15" bass cabs, one with a coaxial horn (I don't remember the model numbers off hand), or a David Eden 410XLT. The SM-900 is in a rack with a Furman AR-1215 voltage regulator and a Rane PE 15 e.q. in the effects loop for specific sound shaping from room to room. That head either runs through the 410XLT or an 810XLT (the hugest sounding cabinet I've ever played through and I've played them all). The Bassdrive is the most useable (and used)distortion/overdrive in my arsenal and I have many. The dual stage design is great because I can dial up just a little grit (ala an SVT) and jump to a creamy lead distortion tone (which feeds back and rolls over nicely I might add) with the push of a button. All controls are musical and very useable with all the guitar/amp combos I use. Fantastic sound, versatile, etc., enough said.

Here is the potential Achilles heal for this and other Fulltone Pedals. It will break down (foot switches) eventually, that is inevitable, and when it does there is the potential for your signal to completely drop if you hit the switch and it fails. Turning the pedal off bypasses the pedal and gets you back "on the air" so to speak but it is very unnerving and annoying when it happens. This has happened to me a handful of times already and some of them at very inopportune moments so be forewarned. This isn't really a gripe because it comes with the territory but they are not indestructable. This is a high impact, highly used piece of equipment. Let it be known however that I am a working pro that uses this pedal a lot!!!! Mild usage should yield at least several years of glitch free use but that could change at any moment and you could just be unlucky!

The times that I did need switches or service done, turnaround was average. That I would assume is to be expected because Fuller is a relatively small manufacturer with a large demand.

Very simple and easy to use. It's got volume, tone, overdrive, and boost controls. It's got 3 different compression settings. A beautiful piece of gear. Everything you need.

In a word--spectacular. It's like a having a studio full of vintage and modern amps. My main basses are a Fender Jazz and Musicman Stingray. My amp rig is all Eden--WT600 Head, 210XLT, 115XL. A great sounding rig for jazz and pop but not gritty enough for my rock band. With the Bass Drive, I can get overdriven tones to die for. This thing sounds so good that I've started using it as a DI for recording.

Built like a tank. I've only had it for a few months but I'm not concerned about reliability.

I play all different styles of music--Jazz, Rock, Pop, Experimental, etc. I've been playing for about 20 years. If this pedal were stolen I would buy another one immediately. It does exactly what you would expect--killer overdrive, tons of tonal variety, and an insane boost if you need it. I can get an amazing, grinding picked tone that I haven't heard anywhere else. And the bottom stays intact. Fulltone pedals aren't cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for.

Super easy to use with lots of buttons. 1 volume knob, 1 tone knob, 1 drive knob, 1 overdrive knob and 3 different types of compression. Just turn up the drive or overdrive to what you want, find the perfect tone and it just does it's thing.

Sounds amazing. I get compliments on it after every show I play. I'm big into dirty tones, like Sonic Youth. I used to use a Big Muff, but it just ate all the low end out. When I was looking to buy a new pedal, I tried out many different pedals and this one struck me right away as being exactly the sound I wanted. No noise, or not much at all if any. My bass is a little noisy.

Haven't had a problem with it yet. I use an AC adapter with it, it's been through a lot of different clubs, getting kicked, dropped and scratched up, but it's still working great.

Never had a problem with this pedal.

I really like a dirty bass sound, but not fuzzy. The Big Muff was too bright and tinny, I would lose the bottom or I would have to sacrifice the nice top crunch for some low-end. The FT Bass Drive can hold all your tones while distorting them, which I find to be rare in most bass distortion pedals. The one thing I love about the FT Bass Drive is that you have two stomp buttons: 1 for drive and 1 for overdrive. I play many songs where I need the extra drive. I used to use a Dan Electro Vintage Tube Distortion pedal with the Big Muff to achieve a similar sound. Now, I only need one pedal. If you turn off the drive, it turns both the drive and overdrive off, but leaves the red light on for the overdrive, another bonus feature.

The 3 compressions in the middle are useful, but I always stick with the full mid. I play this with an Italia Mondal Bass, Dave Eden Traveler Head and an Ampeg Classic 4x10. Sounds even better with my EBS Dynaverb.

I didn't really have the cash to buy this, but sacrificing a month with no money was definately worth it for this pedal. I highly recommend it.

Super easy to use. You can get GREAT tones out of booth the unboosted and boosted settings on this pedal.

I use a warwick corvette standard bass and an AMPEG SVT4 pro head and a slew of other pedals not worth listing. This pedal is dead silent in my chain, one of things fulltone is known for. The bottom line is this pedal is the best sounding bass overdrive I have ever heard and I have tried a TON of them (I am a pedal nut) I read a review that said this was a very "musical" distorion and that is absolutly the truth. You don;t lose any of your low end wiht this box. I have been a producer/engineer for a number of years and a bass player longer than that so I like to think I know good tone. I LOVE THIS PEDAL.....My search for a decent bass disortion is over.....finally.

I have onyl had it a short time so I can't really say but the things seems very solid.

no clue.

If you are lloking for a great bass overdrive with easy functionality look no further this pedal has got it all and my highest regards hands down.

Pretty simple to operate, my only complaint relates to the push/pull volume pot. I use this pedal with the pot pulled up (comp-cut mode), but it is very easy to switch back into compressed mode - disaster at a gig as the volume level changes considerably.
Can be avoided by shoving a cork under the knob, as somebody else suggested (cheers!), but not what you should have to do on such an expensive pedal.

I run american fender basses (a jazz and a precision) into the bassdrive, and then into an old fender bassman 135 sat on a 4x12, 1x15 stack.
I was initially a bit disappointed with the pedal, until I began using it in uncompressed mode. With the jazz bass especially, it gives a tiny amount of grind in the first channel, and a notable step up when switching to the second channel.
However, if you use the pedal in this (comp-cut) mode, changing from the main channel to the boost gives a large increase in volume which (as far as I know) can not be edited. This is my only gripe - I mainly run the pedal in the first channel and the sound it produces is fantastic.

Unless you are Jeff Ament, a backup is fairly cost prohibitive! I have gigged this pedal without worries for over a year. As long as you look after it, I can't see any problems.

Never had to deal with Fulltone.

I play in a metal/rock 3 piece, and really wanted to add a bit of grind/dirt to my sound. The Fulltone Bassdrive gives me exactly the sound I was after.
However, I have two gripes with the pedal. Firstly, the quality of the push-pull volume pot. This should be more solid on a 'boutique' pedal.
Secondly, I wish that changing to the boost channel in comp-cut mode did not boost your volume so significantly. If you run the pedal in normal mode, this does not happen and gives you two channels for live playing. In comp cut mode, the volume increase (for me anyway!) between the normal and boost channel makes using both channels at a gig impossible. A real shame...

Knobs pretty much tell you what you need to know. Only thing "hard" is that you'll need a screwdriver to change the battery.

There's almost no point in adding another review here, except to say that I have the "cleanest" rig in the world -- Modulus Bassstar (okay, not quite as clean as a Quantum, but it does have EMGs) --> Eden WT-400 --> Flite 2x10 and 1x15. It's also a light rig. What I love about this pedal is that I can start with that pristine tone, turn on the regular channel for a shockingly tubey sound (and more responsive that some tube amps I've played!) and then kick in the boost channel for searing overdrive.

Especially with the compression bypassed, this gives the most amazing, singing harmonic distortion in the universe

Very well built. Just watch those knobs, as they're a little too easily adjusted.

NA

Definitely the best bass overdrive I've ever heard. There are fuzzes out there, and they do their thing, but this unit really overdrives nicely, and it can be a regular part of my tone.

I've also recorded extensively with it.

This pedal is extremely easy to use. If you have a basic understanding of how overdrives work you will be getting great sounds from this unit right away.

As far as the layout is concerned, it is great for the most part...big enough to keep from accidently hitting the wrong footswitch yet small enough to comfortably fit on one's pedal board without too much trouble. I like how the input and output jacks are laid out...it enables one to mount the pedal all the way flush to the corner of my pedal board witout the jacks getting in the way of the lid when I close it. Very well thought out.

The only negative points are...

1) The push pull pot for the comp cut. The new Fulldrive 2's use a switch for the comp cut like the Banzi Fireball uses, so why not the BassDrive. My solution to keep from accidently stepping on the knob and knocking it out of comp cut mode?...measure the distance between the knob and the pedal when in comp cut mode...get yourself a cork from a wine bottle and cut a circular piece from the cork...Slice the cork on a straight line from the outside to the center of the cork...bore a circular hole in the middle of the cork circle about the size of the nut that holds the pot in place (making a kind of cork "o")...slide the cork under the knob...if you measured correctly the tension should be strong enough to hold the cork in place yet light enough to still be able to easily turn the knob ...if you want to ensure the cork stays in place, you can apply a dab of super glue to the cut part of the cork, thereby closing and sealing the ring. This will keep the comp cut mode from accidently disengaging.

2) The other problem I have with this pedal (if you can call it a problem) is the knobs are really sensitive (yet solid) and have a very wide and useful sweep across the full range of the knobs, so the slightest bump to any of them can cause drastic changes in your sound. Just watch where you put your feet. The Banzi Fireball 2's layout keeps the knobs out of the way of clumsy feet.

All and all this pedal is extremely easy to use.

OK...I have played bass for 20 years and guitar for 18 years with an equal commitment to both. I play a wide variety of music. When performing on the bass with my current band, I am shooting for sound similar to John Entwhisle, Ronnie Lane, Steve Currie, John Paul Jones and Paul McCartney. At one time or another I have owned or used nearly every Fulltone pedal they make. I swore I would never buy another Fulltone product again after a few shitty customer service issues over the years, but when I replaced my Tech 21 Bass Compactor with an EBS Multi Comp, my Analog Man modded TS-9DX (previously my favorite bass overdrive when in "turbo" mode) wouldn't get as clean as it used to due to the hotter signal and improved low end of the Multi Comp. Also, because of the improved low end of the Multi Comp, the TS-9DX seemed to really make my sound seem smaller than before. I needed a bass overdrive with a lot of headroom and little bit of grit when I wanted it and even more grit when I really want to put it over the top. After reading the reviews of the BassDrive, it became clear to me that it may be exactly what I needed...and I was soooo right!

This may very well be the best bass overdrive on the planet and the best pedal Fulltone makes...bar none! There is not a bass overdrive on the market today that can touch the BassDrive (unlike other Fulltone pedals which have equal or greater competition in the boutique/mod market). On the basis of build quality, sound quality, noise level, and layout the Fulltone BassDrive is simply the absolute best...PERIOD!

In the standard mode one can get some very nice sounds, but for my needs, the comp cut mode was perfect. I was able to dial up a nice SVT type tone with the perfect amount of edge and bass. It was pure heaven. The day I got it I used it at a gig (first time ever auditioning the pedal...I didn't have time to try it out at the store)...it was that easy to dial up great tone. It was a natural extension of my basic tone...very touch sensitive...the more you lean into a string the sweeter it responds.

In the boost mode you get pure rage...again...with no loss of low end. I didn't use this channel as much as it is a sound that works best when used in moderation, but it was nice to have when I needed it. When combined with the EBS OctaBass you get some pretty monster sounds.

Since I have recieved this pedal I have used it live at a few shows and have spent several hours at home exploring the pedal's range. The results were outstanding. In fact I got quite a few compliments from musician friends who have seene me live a lot over the last few years. Many commented that they didn't know what I was doing differently but that my tone was better than ever. I owe a big part of the to the BassDrive and the EBS MultiComp.

And as if this wasn't enough, the BassDrive can be powered with 9 or 18 volts. When running the BassDrive at 9 volts the noise level is pretty much non existant...at 18 volts, there is simply no noise at all. The headroom when using 18 volts is through the roof...it is almost impossible to drive the main channel. It becomes an excellent clean boost and it sweetens your tone up big time...the boost channel becomes almost like the main channel when using 9 volts except with greater clarity. I can easily see powering the BassDrive with 18 volts to warm up a steril direct signal in the recording studio.

So here is my current setup...

Fender Hot Rod P basses with Bartolini P and J bass pickups...or...a stock Rickenbacker 4003 bass into...

Boss TU-2 tuner -> EBS Multi Comp -> EBS OctaBass -> Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Driver DI -> Fulltone BassDrive into...

SWR Bass 750 head and Goliath 2 and Goliath 3, 4x10 cabs...or

SWR Super Redhead 2x10 combo and Goliath 2, 4x10 cab.

I power the pedalboard up with a Dunlop Juice Box (now called the DC Brick) and I make all connections (including jumpers) with Monster Studio Pro 1000 cables.

I couldn't be any happier with my b

This thing is rock solid...you could club an elephant seal to death with it and it would still work. The case has a very subatantial feel to it and like all Fulltone pedals, the internal components are neatly laid out and wired perfectly...internally Fulltone is the Hiwatt of pedals.

There are mixed opinions on Mike Fuller's customer support. Personally I have not been terribly impressed in this area. Compared to other boutique pedal makers, Mike's customer service just doesn't cut the mustard in my experience. Take that for what it's worth.

That being said, I have never had a Fulltone pedal conk out on me. I believe if one did, Mike would fix the pedal within the limits of the warranty.

So...while the Fulltone BassDrive is a bit pricey, it (and the EBS Multi Comp) has saved me from having to switch from SWR to Ampeg (which would have ended up costing me even more than the cost of the pedal) to get closer to the sound I am looking for...and I wouldn't get the versatility I get with my SWR rigs. Simply put...I couldn't be happier with my sound. For my needs the Fulltone BassDrive is worth every penny I paid for it. I won't play without one.

So easy , 4 knobs 2 foot switches,Volume,Tone,Overdrive,Boost,foot switch for on/off and boost,the volume knob is also a pull/pot that engages a special comp/cut feature that removes the distortion to give you a huge fat sound ,I think 12:00 settings for everything is my favorite but is so versatile ,I use it with all my instruments .

In a word natural , If you need organic ,natural overdrive/distortion,try this , I love this pedal , I now leave it on 95% of the time ,I get my favorite sounds with this, I have used it with many,many.... amps and basses and I will not walk out with out it,lets talk gear ,my current amp is a SWR Baby Blue head @ 160 watts a cheap 1x15 bottom +tweeter and 2x10 top I put some good eden speakers in the cabs ,my clean sound is nice and fat with a clarity that the baby blue is know for .With the Bass Drive I go from baby blue to Mutha SVT and beyond,while still retaining my bass and amp sound ,again this is very natural sounding and it responds to your playing just like a tube amp ,I use it on my main pbass ,but it is just what my Hamer 12 string asks for and I use the comp cut mode on my frettless for a wonderful fat woody growl,we're talking Huge Wood folks. This pedal is the greatest bass pre/amp/overdrive that I have ever found !It does every sound I want and I can get those sounds of Gezzer Butler circa 69 that old cranked orange amp sound and It also does a great Billy Shehan sound that cool creamy smooth chainsaw pudding thing ,and that nasty old Geddy Lee sound those are the more extreme sounds that I go for but its good to know they are in there.

I have actually used this pedal for about 4 years now I have serial #003 , it has been on my board since 1999 and has never failed ,I also just got a brand new silver version that I got ,to take out for casual sit ins so I would'nt have to dismantle my complicated pedal board rig switching system , The new silver version is a real sweet looking box , and it sounds exactly like my old blue one .I understand that Fulltone is a custom shop making the finest pedals , Hand made in America ,their products are as good as it gets , for me 4 years of stomping tone out of this pedal proves it all, I have since gone through many amps basses and gear , but this Fulltone Bass Drive is here to stay and I have 2 :)

I have talked to them a few times and They have always been helpful and professional and I have a dealer a mile away !

For me I won't even jam with out it , It is a part my sound and I never leave home with out it :)

Dirt simple. I didn't read the manual so it's my fault if I don't know what I'm missing. I think this is a really smart pedal, but I can't give it a 10 because it doesn't turn the knobs by itself! The indicator lights are truly welcome.

Very quiet, with or without the power supply. I like the fact that I can overdirve this pedal and actually get more dBs without adding noise to the end stage - that's very handy for studio work. It is quiet enough to record with - that's my benchmark. It's still a live performance oriented unit, though. Effects are precise and highly variable, from undetectable to unreasonable. I use an Ampeg SVT-350H, solid state amp, with a super flat frequency response with two Pro 10" and one 15" drivers in Ampeg style. I needed a little tube drive emulation and this pedal does it to my satisfaction. Contrary to the advertisement, the pedal does alter your frequency response. There is no way to capture the original tone of the instrument when the effect is on. It's a bit more mid-rangy, which is excellent for overdrive, it keeps the bottom end from getting too flappy. And it is controllable. Note definition, even on two-note intervals is clear. Fortunately, this is a true bypass pedal and my original tone is there any time I stomp on it.

The unit seems super road worthy. It just 'feels' professional with it's solid case and tight switching. I wouldn't bother with a backup unless I wasn't personally responsible for it.

I e-mailed and got the answer I needed in 24 hours. The website is concise and readily accessible. I bet I could send this pedal back and get the manufacturer to alter it in any way I could ask. He seems that approachable. The guy cares enough about his products to sign and number them. I think that says a lot.

I'd replace it right away if lost. I doubt I'll find a better bass overdrive, so I'll stop looking. I've been learning bass for thirty years and enjoy just about any style except maybe super slappy, thwacky styles. I don't scoop my EQ much like I did when I was a teenager. I have one bass with flatwounds and another that is smooth enough for rounds. I listen to classic rock, jazz, alternative, blues and fusion, and this pedal covers those areas well. I'm going to put a Carl Martin compresser in front of this pedal to control it a little better. I guess I'm a little lazy as a player.