Octave pedals

John Poston · Post by **John Poston** » 14 Sep 2005 7:17 am

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations for an octave or pitch shifter pedal they like.

I'm going to try some experiments and the main thing I'm interested in is something that sounds good one octave below pitch with low latency. I've heard good stuff about the Digitech Whammy pedal.

Thanks.

Stephan Miller · Post by **Stephan Miller** » 14 Sep 2005 7:43 am

John-- a few years back I tried out a bunch of pedals with lower octave capability. The one I settled on was the EBS Octabass: a dedicated lower-octave stompbox with "Normal" and "Octave" dials that give you either the original signal, or the octave, or a whatever blend you want. This was a reliable unit for me, tracked single notes well, and had a good sound, if a bit "synth-y" (like most). Since I acquired a 5-string bass and a baritone electric, I don't use it any more. If you wanted to cover shipping, I could send it to you for a tryout.
These days the Electro-Harmonix POG is the one that interests me-- allows you to play lower and/or higher octaves in various combinations, and tracks chords! Very pricey though... --Steve

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 14 Sep 2005 9:06 am

Although not a "stomp box", the T.C. Electronic "G-Major" rack effects processor has an excellent "bass" effect.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 14 Sep 2005 10:43 am

If you run an outboard processor through an effects loop (in my case, the Digitech Studio Quad through my Walker Stereo Steel amp), the octave effects have the advantage of being blended with your direct signal, which makes them more useful to me. Most of the stomp box octave pedals also have a blend pot, but the effects loop scenario sounds more musical to me.

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Stop by the Steel Store at: www.markvanallen.com

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 14 Sep 2005 11:22 am

Just for the purpose of adding to the data base of thumbs up and thumbs down---I got a Boss HR-2 'Harmonist' stomp box last year and I can't recommend it. I had yearnings for a device to get some 12 string Ric jingle-jangle sounds and thought this might be the ticket. No dice. It has some nice versatility but it sounds very synthy. It also has significant latency. I did discover some cool accordian sounds using it but otherwise it rarely sits on my pedalboard.

John Poston · Post by **John Poston** » 19 Sep 2005 12:47 pm

Thanks for the thumb ups and downs.
Stephan- I'm going to go to the music store on a slow day and play around with what they have, but I might take you up on your offer. I'll drop you a line - thanks!