Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $203

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the full potential of your bass guitar with the Darkglass BK3 overdrive pedal, a must-have tool for the discerning bassist seeking a dynamic range of tonal possibilities. Crafted with precision, this pedal is designed to offer everything from a subtle clean boost to a gritty overdrive, and even an explosive distortion, making it perfect for a variety of musical styles.

The BK3’s intuitive layout includes knobs for drive, blend, and level, allowing you to sculpt your sound with ease. Two additional switches provide the ability to finely tune the presence of treble and bass, ensuring your tone cuts through the mix with clarity. Known for its versatility, this pedal can transform your bass sound while maintaining the integrity of your instrument's natural voice.

Whether you're laying down a solid groove in a jazz ensemble or bringing the thunder in a rock band, the Darkglass BK3 is engineered to deliver. Its robust construction and thoughtful design make it a reliable companion for both studio sessions and live performances.

Key Features:

  • Drive, Blend, and Level control knobs for precise sound shaping
  • Two switches for altering treble and bass presence
  • Versatile overdrive suitable for various musical styles
  • Rugged build quality for durability on the road
Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Darkglass B3K Bass Overdrive [Demo]

Video thumbnail for Darkglass B3K Bass Overdrive [Demo] by Patrick Hunter

Darkglass B3K Bass Overdrive [Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Darkglass B3k VS Aguilar Agro - Bass Drive Comparison by Trevor Okonuk

Darkglass B3k VS Aguilar Agro - Bass Drive Comparison

Trevor Okonuk

Trevor Okonuk

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics  B3K Demo by AmosHeller

Darkglass Electronics B3K Demo

AmosHeller

AmosHeller

Video thumbnail for BK Series Explained: Microtubes B3K by Uriah Duffy by Darkglass Electronics

BK Series Explained: Microtubes B3K by Uriah Duffy

Darkglass Electronics

Darkglass Electronics

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics Micro Tubes B3K Bass Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Darkglass Electronics Micro Tubes B3K Bass Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The Darkglass B3K Review that doesn't really tell you ANYTHING by EytschPi42

The Darkglass B3K Review that doesn't really tell you ANYTHING

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Darkglass BK3 overdrive pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The blend control is noted for its non-linear/clean transition, offering versatile tone shaping.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users prefer the B7K for its additional tone-shaping features compared to the B3K.

    Source
  • Some users have moved from the B3K to the Team Awesome Fuzz Machine for its dual capabilities of dirt and synthy gated noise.

    Source
  • B3K is described as sharper and brighter, ideal for punk/hardcore, while VMT leans towards a fuzzier, vintage tone.

    Source
  • B3K pairs well with Jazz basses for a mid-scooped sound, while VMT complements Precision basses with its mid-focus.

    Source
  • The Pike Vulcan offers a color knob blending B3K and VMT characteristics, providing a versatile alternative.

    Source
  • The B3K delivers a more precise "clank" sound compared to the ODB-3, which can produce a harsher, fizzy high-end if not carefully EQed.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving a "70's tooby grit" sound when set with Blend at 9, Level at 12, Drive at 8:30, Grunt to fat, and Attack boost off.

    Source
  • The VMT is praised for cutting through mixes due to its mid-focus, making it suitable for mid-heavy genres like punk.

    Source
  • The B3K is preferred for achieving a cleaner, clank-heavy tone that stands out in mixes, suitable for metal and hardcore styles like Knocked Loose.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that the pedal excels with both passive and active basses, providing a wide range of tonal options.

    Source
  • Owners using both VMT and B3K often stack them, keeping the drive low on VMT for more nuanced tonal layering.

    Source
  • Users note that the B3K handles strong input signals well, maintaining clarity and avoiding excessive drive, unlike the ODB-3.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
josumartnez

Go to Bass Distortion

If you want a really distorted bass sound, this is your pedal. I think that it is the first Darkglass pedal.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charles Cave uses Darkglass BK3 overdrive pedal

Charles Cave

Bassist, Composer

White Lies

...
Verified via Photo

Quoted in the Bondeo article (in German) translated below:

“Charles - how do you make your distorted bass sound on stage so that it doesn't smear everything?”

“Two channels – that's the only way. And an absolutely amazing distortion pedal from Finnish company Darkglass Electronics called B3K. It's perfect because it only distorts the high frequency components and dynamically distorts depending on the game.”

https://www.bonedo.de/artikel/white-lies-interview-die-produktion-von-big-tv/

Charles is also listed as an artist on “http://www.darkglass.com/artists” and talked about the pedal in this article [since removed] https://www.darkglass.com/2015/06/charles-cave-from-white-lies/

Which is quoted on the listing for the pedal at Bass Center:

“The B3K just makes the basic tone of my bass so great and adds a really perfect, small amount of very treble-heavy overdrive”
Charles Cave (White Lies)

https://www.basscentre.com.au/products/darkglass-microtubes-b3k

I have also had a conversation with Charles about this pedal personally.

See how 藤田 (Fujita) uses Darkglass BK3 overdrive pedal

藤田 (Fujita)

Bassist

ネクライトーキー (Necry Talkie)

...
Verified via Photo

the pedal featured in Fujita's pedalboard posted on Twitter

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Darkglass BK3 overdrive pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
knuschberkeks

knuschberkeks

Gear IQ 2461

2 alternative and related items for Darkglass BK3 overdrive pedal, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Darkglass Electronics Bass Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    ulvkil
    ulvkil

    Gear IQ 63