Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $238
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Welcome to the world of fat, full bass bliss with the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine! This versatile pedal from the innovative 9 Series is your one-stop solution to transform your guitar into a bass. It presents a grand library of nine iconic bass sounds, from the rich tones of Precision to the squelchy 3:03 that defined a genre, and even the unique Longhorn and Fretless emulations.
Take control of your sound with the CTRL1 and CTRL2 knobs that adjust key parameters for each bass type, letting you shape your tone with precision. The Dry and Effects knobs allow for an exact mix of your levels, enhancing your tonal flexibility.
With the BASS9, you can say goodbye to inconvenient instrument changes and hello to swift, seamless transitions. No special pickups needed, it uses a new algorithm optimized for transposing one to two octaves down with superior dynamics and tracking. Plus, with separate Dry and Effect outputs, you can route your sound through different amps for even more customization.
Dive into the BASS9's world of bass possibilities and unleash your guitar's big bottom!
Key Features:
- Transforms your electric guitar into nine different bass types
- Utilizes a new algorithm for superior dynamics and tracking
- CTRL1 and CTRL2 knobs for precise sound shaping
- Dry and Effects knobs for exact level mixing
- Separate Dry and Effect outputs for added customization
- No special pickups or instrument modifications needed
- Bass types: Precision, Longhorn, Fretless, Synth, Virtual, Bowed, Split Bass, 3:03, and Flip-Flop
- Powered via included 9 V DC power supply
Owner's manual
Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Bass Emulator |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Effects | Precision, Longhorn, Fretless, Synth, Virtual, Bowed, Split Bass, 3:03, Flip Flop |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (effect), 1 x 1/4" (dry) |
| Bypass Switching | Buffered |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply required (included) |
| Power Usage | 100mA |
| Height | 2.25" |
| Width | 4.0" |
| Depth | 4.75" |
FAQs
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What types of bass sounds can the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine produce?
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The Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine offers a variety of bass sounds, including Precision, Longhorn, Fretless, Synth, Virtual, Bowed, Split Bass, 3:03, and Flip Flop, allowing for diverse tonal possibilities.
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Can the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine be used with electric guitars?
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Yes, the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine is designed to transform electric guitar signals into bass sounds, making it a versatile tool for guitarists seeking bass tones.
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Does the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 require a specific power supply?
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The Electro-Harmonix BASS9 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal, ensuring it is ready to use right out of the box.
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How does the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 handle signal output?
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The BASS9 features two outputs: one for the effect and another for the dry signal, allowing for flexible routing and blending of sounds.
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Is the Electro-Harmonix BASS9 suitable for live performances?
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With its buffered bypass switching and diverse sound options, the BASS9 is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable sound transformation for electric guitarists.
Videos
EHX
Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine (EHX Pedal Demo by Bill Ruppert)
Reviews
PROS
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Can transform guitar into bass with multiple effects
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Includes convincing electric bass simulations (fret noises, finger slides)
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Tracks well on various instruments, including Bass VI
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Variety of settings offers extensive versatility
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Zero latency in pitch shifting
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Excellent for looping and live performances
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Quality build and materials
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Noise-free operation
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Good for studio recordings as a bass alternative
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Can chord, enhancing musical creativity
CONS
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Some models may produce unsatisfactory sound
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Always-present reverb may not be desirable
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Volume inconsistency across different settings
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Not recommended for bass by EHX, limited use with 4-string bass
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Some settings lack attack and punch
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Ambient room echo might be unwanted
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Cannot be powered by batteries
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Manual in German, inconvenient for non-German speakers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The BASS9's Split mode is reminiscent of the Boss OC-3's Poly mode, providing a unique octave-splitting function that isn't found in the OC-2.
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The Morpheus Droptune, an older model, is highlighted for its unique format and cheaper second-hand prices, though it's sensitive to trim pot adjustments.
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The BASS9 is perceived as an enhanced version of the Pitchfork, with added effects and tweaks to emulate different bass tones, whereas the Pitchfork offers more flexibility for custom sound shaping.
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The Pitchfork is favored by some for its flexibility, offering octave shifts up to three octaves and a dry/wet mix knob, making it more versatile compared to the BASS9.
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The Pitchfork is noted for its ability to provide a synthesized shortscale bass sound, which some users find comparable to the BASS9's emulated tones but with more control over effects.
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Use cases and applications
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Ideal for two-piece bands or solo performers using loops, allowing guitarists to fill in bass lines without switching instruments.
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Potential use with keyboards to achieve synth bass and string bass sounds, particularly in split mode for versatile tonal applications.
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A low pass filter pedal, like the Broughton Low Pass Filter, can help isolate lower frequencies for the BASS9, preventing unwanted higher notes from being processed.
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Users find the BASS9 suitable for creating pseudo bass effects for looping or backing tracks, particularly where space or budget constraints prevent owning a real bass.
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The BASS9 is considered ideal for solo guitarists using amp modelers like the Mooer GE300, allowing integration with bass amp and cab simulations for enhanced tonal versatility.
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User experience
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Some users note that the fretless setting sounds synthetic, offering a unique tone that diverges from typical bass synth pedals.
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Users attempting different setups found that built-in split effects on models like the OC-3 outperform low pass filters and compressors for separating guitar frequencies.
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Value and pricing
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While the BASS9 retails at $221.30, it's noted that EHX pedals often decrease in price quickly on the used market.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings
855
A virtual bass in pedal form to thicken the sound of your guitar or ukulele
The EHX Bass9 provides excellent tracking and a realistic bass sound. I have used it successfully with both a guitar and a ukulele.
This pedal has been useful to both record bass backing tracks to use with a looper, and to use the bass as an additional layer doubling the main instrument to achieve a thicker sound. The later has been useful to get a much richer sound with a fuzz pedal (the Deluxe Bass Big Muff, in my case). With the ukulele, in some situations, removing the dry signal completely.
The pedal has two outputs. One keeps the original signal and the other provides the effect signal (where the bass and the original can be blended to taste). Having these two signal paths has been useful in combination with an ABY pedal. The original signal can go through some gain stages to be combined in the ABY pedal with the bass signal as an optional layer that can be enabled with a tap.
I have been mainly used the P-bass option, but there are a good number of options to experiment further.
90
A TWO PIECE'S SECRET WEAPON
I use this in my 2 piece band called "FUNCLE" and we've had people think we're playing to a bass backing track. If you don't have a bass player then get this and run setting 7 called "split bass" (control 2 all the way down) into a bass amp and your problems are solved. I experimented with several "fake bass" rigs and this is by far the most convincing one since it gates all the high frequencies and cleans up chords nicely. PRO TIP: Use a good ABY like the Radial Twin City to check phase and fix any potential ground issues when running multiple amps. Also, run a compressor like the Keeley into the Bass9 to give it a consistent signal to work with.
118
Most accurate Bass simulator on the market
Nothing sounds like it, a POG does not sound close to the IR possibility of the BASS9
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video titled "Bootsy Collins Tours His Incredible Home Studio 'The Boot Cave'" uploaded by Reverb on YouTube, an Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine pedal is visible on Bootsy Collins's pedalboard at the 0:32 mark, confirming its use in his studio setup.
During the course of this promotional Earthquaker Devices YouTube video, you can clearly see the Bass9 on Sarah Lipstate's pedalboard.
Time for a bit of #ehx parallel mixing courtesy of my @oldbloodnoise #signalblender brave new world parallel universe #LordOfTheStrings.
"Affectionately given Seuss-ian nicknames, this pair of microKORGs handles bass notes through the set, among other things, via the foot-controlled PK5. 'Thing 1' is set up at the drum station, and runs through a board with an EHX Nano Big Muff, EHX Bass9, EHX Nano Holy Grail, and a Radial Pro DI. A Walrus Aetos keeps them all powered up."
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 Electro-Harmonix BASS9 Bass Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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