Main types of bass guitar pedals

Here is a quick overview of the main types of bass guitar pedals on the market.

1. Compression Pedals:

• Smooth out dynamics and add sustain
• Popular options: MXR M87 Bass Compressor, VA Kiss My Ring

2. Overdrive/Distortion Pedals:

• Add grit, growl, and distortion to the bass tone
• Examples: Darkglass Alpha Omega, Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI,

3. Fuzz Pedals:

• Provide extreme distortion and sustain
• Notable pedals: EHX Bass Big Muff Pi, Way Huge Pork & Pickle, VA Donkey Fist

4. Envelope Filters:

• Create funky, auto-wah sounds
• Popular choices: MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter, 3Leaf Audio Wonderlove

5. Octave Pedals:

• Add notes one or two octaves below or above the original note
• Examples: EHX POG2, Boss OC-5

6. Preamp Pedals:

• Shape tone and provide DI capabilities
• Well-known options: Ampeg SCR-DI, Aguilar Tone Hammer, VA Thumb in A

7. Chorus Pedals:

• Add depth and shimmer to the bass tone
• Popular pedals: TC Electronic Corona Chorus, MXR M234 Analog Chorus

8. EQ Pedals:

• Fine-tune frequency response
• Examples: MXR M108S Ten Band EQ, Boss GEB-7 Bass Equalizer