Boss ODB-3 Bass OverDrive Effects Pedal

Standard bass overdrive used in merge effect loops with clean sound

I noticed this pedal watching a rig rundown of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist, Flea. He uses it most noticeably on the bass intro to Around The World.

When I decided to switch from multi-effects to stomp-boxes I knew that I needed both an overdrive and a separate E.Q. pedal so I didn't lose bottom end when I turn the overdrive on but this has saved a space on my board because I features a very effective 2 band E.Q.

This pedal is handy for thickening out the overall sound when our guitarist goes into a solo and I have to take over to fill things out. It takes a bit of fiddling to get it just right though.

If there is one thing that cannot be reproach to Boss ODB-3 it is the range of possible settings with 4 knobs: level, 2 in 1 EQ (low/high with cut/boost), balance (dry sound/OD) and gain. There is the problem: there is so many possibilities that playing with the effect is a little bit like trying to find your keys in your bedroom with all the lights turn off... More, all the sounds I could get are synthetic, sounding cold. Too artificial for me. But it is really a question of taste. Coupled with the BF-2, it could give some interesting spatial, distorted, futurist touch. Also, I had some difficulties to adjust the volume. When the pedal is engaged, it is either it boosts A LOT your output level (and you give a heart attack to the other band members) or it is not enough. I couldn't find the proper setting. I probably didn't have the patience to seek for the proper volume.

This definitely isn't the best OD pedal you'll ever play if you ever get the chance to try some high-end gear, but that's the situation with most Boss products. The ODB-3 was my first bass pedal, got it along with a Dolby Fuzz when I was younger and obsessed with trying to sound like Muse or Cliff Burton. I still use it.

The ODB-3 isn't without issues. For a start, it's hardly that functional. This thing is designed more to be used on its own or with a small collection of other pedals than alongside a whole array of weird effects. The balance never gets a perfect sound out, and you have to rely on the EQ mixing to get the right tone. However, this thing is perfect for the affordable price. The sound is great, the overdrive itself will blow the roof off, and I think most importantly: it's simple. This is a perfect pedal to start on, and then move on to some more intense, complicated stompers. It's not the best OD pedal you'll play, but it'll be a great tool to start on, and that's what it's there for.

Bought because King Buzzo uses one and I like his tone. Definitely more satisfied with this than all the other ODs and Distortions I've bought.

In particular, the use and sounding can be noted as the convenience of mixing an overloaded bass signal with a clean, unprocessed instrument signal for greater clarity and a more emphasized sound attack. Easy-to-use dual-band equalizer for high and low frequencies. You can note the convenient operation of the Balance knob for the convenience of controlling dry / overdrive bass sound. BOSS ODB-3 undoubtedly provides the very resonance necessary for bass guitarists playing in the styles of Techno, Rock, Funk, Industrial. The effect has been specially designed for use with bass guitars.

Estoy super conforme con este pedal me da el drive con distorsion que siempre quise muy Les y Flea,

It's a good and cheap choice. It can't give you small amount of gain. So if you need cheap hi-gain distortion, that's the thing you've been looking for.

The odb-3 is a pedal with a good range of work. You can have a sharp and shiny overdrive or have a very deep and doughy effect. That range can be used for large solo or to satisfy a cool dirty sound for bass. In my experience I never find a low overdrive to defeat that in a price quality comparison. It's great for jobs when you do not know what you're going to require, because of the great versatility you have

This OD is really not for me, i prefer crunch and warmness. This one is very abrasive and sucks a lot of the low-mids. It has a lot of gain if that's your thing. If you like a fuzzy budget overdrive go-ahead, if you like clean and mid range sounds juts go with another pedal.