Electric Cello and Effects Pedals

DesireeSky · Joined: Jan 21, 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

Hey all -
So I've been playing my electric cello clean, but I think it's about time I got some more fun out of it. My question though, do I use bass pedals or guitar pedals? Right now, I just want a simple distortion pedal, then I'll add up from there. Suggestions:?:

GovernorSilver · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:12 am Post subject:

I read an interview with Melora Creager of Rasputina, in which Danelectro distortion pedals were mentioned. I recall the Danelectro Fab Tone (a guitar pedal) was a secret weapon of some indie bands such as Mogwai.

When I had an electric cello, I was surprised to find myself liking the sound when I tried running it through a Fuzzhugger AB Synth. It was a surprise because the AB Synth is such a high gain fuzz pedal - I didn't think it would give me much in the way of dynamics.

The best thing you can do for yourself though is try various pedals on your cello, as tastes are so individual.

DesireeSky · Joined: Jan 21, 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

hmmm... I do like Rasputina. I do not, however, know ANYTHING about pedals. I've never played with one with any instrument. What would you suggest as a first time pedal, that's not too elaborate and not too expensive?

Airlock · Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:15 pm Post subject:

Sweep · Joined: Jan 26, 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Britain

While I can't really comment on distortion, there are two points I'd make about effects generally.

First, when using effects like phasing and so on, you may well find you prefer the expression you'd get from a foot controller. Effects can sound interesting at first and then pale quickly when all they do is swish up and down at a regular rate, and that would be especially a loss with an expressive instrument like the cello. If money is no object, Moog's Moogerfooger range would be worth looking at. Otherwise some of the Line 6 stuff can be used with an expression pedal.

Second, once you have more than one effect unit it becomes important to experiment with the order in which the effects are placed in the signal chain. For example phased fuzz can sound good, but fuzzed phase usually doesn't. And the order in the effects chain can also affect how much the background noise gets boosted. If you ever have problems with that, try rearranging your units.

GovernorSilver · Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 7:36 am Post subject:

DesireeSky · Joined: Jan 21, 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

Thanks everyone! I'm totally into that idea of going to Sam Ash and trying them all out. I actually ordered a couple cheap danelectro's from amazon yesterday - a distortion and a delay. Unfortunately, as with most of us, money is not in endless supply so we'll try the cheap stuff first. I have to spend my money on recording with the band and merch right now.

DRC · Joined: Apr 17, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Denton, Tx

hey, glad to meet another electric cello player! I played acoustic for 5 years, and have since switched to a yamaha svc-200 silent cello, which folds up quite nicely so its easy to load/unload at gigs... Currently i've been using a modded Boss Metal Zone with a heavy metal/noise band I work with, and for the more mellow avantgarde, I use a memory man analog delay pedal. I've been playing with an AKAI head rush loop pedal sometimes too, as well as an octave down....
A good artist to check out is zoe keating. she uses a loopstation and does a beautiful job of it.
I know that at guitar center they have a pedal board for you to test out the models they have for sale, and music friendly pawn shops will let you test out their items too.
Let us know what you find out!

DesireeSky · Joined: Jan 21, 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Philadelphia

nice to meet you fellow electric cellist! I do know Zoe Keating and I absolutely adore her. Also, Julia Kent.

I just bought a couple little danelectro pedals to try out, just some distortion and some delay. My band doesn't really need a lot of effect, it's an indie folk rock band, but I wanted to have a little fun with it. We'll see soon!

Do you have anything recorded I could check out?

pyrosonic · Joined: Jul 12, 2008 Posts: 383 Location: Kent,Oh. USA

Have you heard Rena Jones?

http://www.renamusic.com/2/home.php

She's one of my faves.

glow worm · Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 4:18 pm Post subject:

I like Bela Emerson Ohm...

esaias · Joined: Aug 31, 2011 Posts: 2 Location: Helsinki

H&K Tubefactor!

it is on a bit expensive side but it is really really good, it gives you from just a tiny bit of organic distortion to full on crunch!

check it out!

-Tomi

Har · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2011 3:59 pm Post subject:

Acoustic Interloper · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2011 6:10 am Post subject:

[Q] · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2011 7:09 am Post subject:

http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-49398.html

Very Happy

Har · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2011 8:03 am Post subject: