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Build Your Own Clone AB True Bypass Looper Pedal by Kenny Butcher
The Build Your Own Clone AB true bypass looper pedal is the heart of my pedal board.
If you have a pedal board and use FX on stage or jamming with friends you should look into this great pedal.
Why do I use it?
Tone – I am blessed to have some of the best bass gear on the market and I’ve spent many years honing my tone. You can read a lot of different things on the Internet regarding pedal chains and sucking tone; some say it does other say it doesn’t. I’m going to tell you that I hear a definite difference having pedals in my signal chain verses having my bass directly into an amp. The best way to avoid the degradation of tone is to buy “true bypass” pedals, which will make a substantial difference; but it can get expensive. If you do enough google searches, you’ll also find arguments where people hate having contact points in their signal chain… I guess there is a little merit when it comes to dirty or corroded 1/4 plugs/jacks, but I would be more concerned with pedals causing an issue.
Anyway, the loop pedal allows me to completely bypass the pedals all together and in essence go directly to my amplifier with out any signal loss. If you’ve read up on how to design a pedal board, you’ll know that I also designed mine around being used for guitar as well; so I only had to bring one board on the road. It’s really simple, my “B Loop” is my Bass FX and my “A Loop” is my guitar FX loop, however, I normally leave the A Loop for my Korg tuner pedal.
Bypass – The second and probably most important reason I have a the loop pedal is that it also acts as a bypass in the event that I run into problems. If you’ve used any sort of electronic unit when playing, you’ll know it always seems to screw up during sound check or 5 minutes before you play… Always! That one reason I like running directly into an amp with a cord, but the bypass is my little piece of insurance. One time I was playing a gig and my sound suddenly stopped. I was in such a fit that I didn’t notice the lights on my board were out, but I couldn’t pin point the cable problem… As it turned out, the circuit I was using for my pedal board had a tripped breaker part way through the performance. My amp was on a different circuit all together so I didn’t realize what the issue was. What saved the gig for me was that I was able to bypass my board with one stomp.
Favourite Feature
There really aren’t a lot of “features” to be spoken of in regards to this pedal, but after using it for a while I came the realization of the best part of having this pedal. No more tap dancing! As a guitar player and a bass player in a prog metal band, I’ve always hated the sound of clicking effects on. You know when you get the delay in trying to stomp on multiple FX in sequence because you only have one foot? With the loop portion of the pedal I am able to turn on the necessary effect pedals without rushing with two beats to spare. With my FX engaged long before I need them, it’s a simple case of stomping the loop button or un-bypassing the pedal board and everyone is on at once. Simple and fantastic!
Conclusion
– If you’re using pedals, you’ll want some kind of bypass if something fails in the middle of a set, or before it.
– If you don’t like your tone to be altered or lifeless, this will fix the problem without spending a fortune on true bypass pedals
– No more tap-dancing on stage to engaged multiple pedals. Engage each one at your leisure and then STOMP ON!
Building it – If you know how to solder, this is simple. All you have to do is follow the instructions which you can download on the BYOC website. I painted mine white, but I didn’t have any white pedals and I liked the colour. I added a DC power jack to mine so I don’t have to mess around with a 9V. Easy to build, took me about 30 minutes.
Quality – Scott’s a great guy, he won’t sell you junk, but don’t take my word for it (or LeVar Burton) take a risk and try building one.
Remember, let the groove inspire. Thanks for reading!
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
These signature basses faithfully replicate Wimbish’s originals, down to the smallest details like neck contours and nut widths. Customized EMG pickups, developed in collaboration with Wimbish, capture the distinctive sound that has shaped his monumental musical impact. These models invite players to explore the feel and response that have defined Wimbish’s signature style over the years.
Available in 4-string and 5-string versions, each model boasts unique features & finish options. The DW-4 comes in Amber Stain Gloss and Black Stain Gloss options, while the DW-5 offers Dark Blue Stain Gloss and Faded Natural Gloss. Every purchase includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Doug Wimbish. Wimbish comments, “Spector took the time to get every little nuance right, and that to me is dedication and being thoughtful enough to know ‘I want to nail it,’ and they did. I’m able to pick these instruments up for the first time and play them like I’ve already had them for years.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com/doug-wimbish-usa-signature-series/.
Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
Featured Videos:
Visit Online:
www.derekfrank.com
www.instagram.com/derekfrankbass
www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
www.facebook.com/derekfrankbass
Latest
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
