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Description

With more and more bass players using pedals these days, its no surprise that four-stringers are looking to pedals to sweeten their tones. Sometimes, bassists must play direct, sometimes there are mix issues, and bass players are often required to keep their tone, and thus pedal selection, “tasteful” in the traditional sense. What if we told you there was a pedal that answered all of these, and that it was dead simple to dial in right out of the box? There is! We call it the Beta MKII, you just might call it “the answer.”

Our Beta MKII is a beefed-up version of the original Beta circuit, giving you plenty of tube-like gain without the fizz or hassle. Two modes of operation dictate the amount of grime, tonal colorization, or both. These modes are Preamp and Overdrive.

The Beta MKII’s Preamp side disengages the Gain control for a smooth, even-keeled preamp colorization. Both Tone and Volume controls are active in this position, for a subtle sweetening that you’ll never turn off—think of those old Muscle Shoals tones or an Ampeg B15 Portaflex.

Flicking the switch to Overdrive mode reconnects the Gain control and gives you as much breakup as you could want, giving you harmonically-rich overdrive without being too aggressive or snappy. It sits just the way you want it to without overpowering anyone else. You’ll be a better bandmate as a result.

Due to the expertly voiced EQ of the Beta MKII, you can warm up any lifeless rig, boring recording console or sterile mixer while still retaining dynamics and low-end. Perfection.

Product specs

Brand SolidGoldFX
Model Beta MKII Bass Preamp/Overdrive
Finish Silver/Orange
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Effect Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of power supply does the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII require?

The SolidGoldFX Beta MKII requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center pin, commonly used for most guitar pedals.

Can the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII be used with both active and passive basses?

Yes, the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII is designed to work well with both active and passive bass guitars, delivering a versatile preamp and overdrive tone.

How does the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII enhance the tone of a bass guitar?

The Beta MKII offers a warm, vintage-inspired overdrive with a rich harmonic content, ideal for adding depth and character to your bass tone while maintaining clarity and punch.

Is the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII suitable for live performances?

Yes, the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII is suitable for live performances, providing consistent, reliable overdrive and preamp capabilities that enhance your bass sound on stage.

Does the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII offer true bypass switching?

Yes, the SolidGoldFX Beta MKII features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

SolidGoldFX Beta MKII Germanium [Bass Demo]

Video thumbnail for SolidGoldFX Beta MKII Germanium [Bass Demo] by Patrick Hunter

SolidGoldFX Beta MKII Germanium [Bass Demo]

Patrick Hunter

Patrick Hunter

Video thumbnail for Solidgoldfx Beta MK II BASS Review! by Hondo Felder Music

Solidgoldfx Beta MK II BASS Review!

Hondo Felder Music

Hondo Felder Music

Video thumbnail for Warm sound and spot on saturation for bass, The solidgoldfx BETA mkII bass preamp/overdrive. by the wetter bass

Warm sound and spot on saturation for bass, The solidgoldfx BETA mkII bass preamp/overdrive.

the wetter bass

the wetter bass

Video thumbnail for SolidGoldFX Beta MKII Feat. Ben Wright by SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals

SolidGoldFX Beta MKII Feat. Ben Wright

SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals

SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals

Video thumbnail for Solidgoldfx Beta Drive MK II Demo by Yaksonator

Solidgoldfx Beta Drive MK II Demo

Yaksonator

Yaksonator

Reviews

PROS

  • Preamp option enhances tone without adding gain

  • Versatile sound from Motown to classic rock

  • Warm and touch-sensitive drive

  • Effectively introduces low-end rumble and growl

  • Excels in creating classic Jack Bruce and Felix Pappalardi tones

  • Great for blues and Motown gigs without needing a precision bass

CONS

  • Can produce harsh distortion with high-output basses

  • Limited grit compared to some other pedals

  • Reliability issues reported with some units after repair

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Solid Gold FX Beta MKII.

Comparisons

  • The Solid Gold FX Beta V is often compared to the SansAmp VT for its SVT-like sound, but lacks the DI feature of the latter.

    Source
  • The Beta MKII is often linked to the preamp sound of a Sunn Beta Bass, providing a unique tonal reference distinct from other overdrives.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users highlight the Beta V's ability to tame aggressive top-end frequencies while providing a soft overdrive, making it suitable for vintage tones.

    Source
  • The pedal is known for its dark sound, cutting treble and high mids, requiring tone control settings at 3:00 or higher for a balanced output.

    Source

User experience

  • Active basses with high output, like those with Dimarzio Model P pickups, may require the gain to be turned down to achieve a clean sound with the Beta V.

    Source
  • One owner noted that while the pedal may not excel in live settings, it performs exceptionally well in studio recordings with minimal tweaking.

    Source
  • Owners note that the pedal delivers a fat low end and natural drive, ideal for achieving a wooly, old-school tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Beta V is praised for achieving a vintage tone when players typically use modern sounds, offering a tube-like overdrive experience.

    Source
  • It excels at band volumes, revealing its true tonal character, while bedroom levels may result in an overly bass-heavy sound.

    Source

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