MusicRadar Verdict
A charismatic effect that can add another sound to your bass sonic arsenal.
Pros
- +
Great for funk bass.
Cons
- -
Limited appeal.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
Its twin dynamic filters combine to give a phased wah-like 'whowh' effect for bass guitarists looking to add a mean funk vibe to their sound.
As it's got just one adjustable Response control you'll only need about ten seconds to get the hang of it (and another couple of minutes to find the sweet spot to suit your playing style).
The filters are responsive, so the harder you attack those strings, the more pronounced the effect is. The other control is a Dist switch that gives a 'harmonically enhanced' (aka mildly distorted) version of the effect.
Although you probably won't find yourself relying on the Bassballs as a core element of your sound, it's a worthy addition to a bassist's box of tricks to use as a standout effect on a track, or to enhance selected notes or phrases.
“We could see John begin smiling. At the end of the first verse, he gave an exuberant thumbs-up and McCartney and Harrison began slapping each other on the back”: How one Beatles track spawned a recording technique revolution
Bastl Instruments' Kastle 2 Wave Bard is a cute, patchable and experimental groovebox that fits in your pocket
“An additive chorus effect that plays well as an ‘always-on’ tonal thickener with a twist”: Don’t sleep on Catalinbread’s Wake if you’re looking for dream pop tones on your pedalboard
