Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $188

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of legendary bass distortion with the ZVEX Basstortion, designed to emulate the iconic growl and rumble of an overdriven Ampeg SVT. This pedal delivers a sonic experience that is both primal and refined, capturing the essence of classic tube amp distortion with a modern twist. Whether you're gently coaxing out subtle overtones or diving deep into full-bodied crunch, the Basstortion responds dynamically to your playing style.

Its intuitive controls include a Drive knob that lets you glide seamlessly from a mild grind to aggressive, all-out saturation, connecting your hands directly to the soul of your sound. A versatile Tone control allows for precision treble adjustments, making it adaptable to any genre or playing scenario. The Volume knob ensures that the output level is perfectly tailored to your setup, while the Bright/Dark switch offers tonal flexibility, providing everything from sparkling highs to smooth, rounded lows.

Crafted with the performing bassist in mind, the ZVEX Basstortion is more than just an effects pedal; it's your ticket to a classic tone with a modern edge, ensuring your bass lines cut through with clarity and character.

Key Features:

  • Emulates the classic sound of an overdriven Ampeg SVT
  • Drive knob for a range of distortion levels
  • Tone control for treble adjustments
  • Volume knob for output level customization
  • Bright/Dark switch for tonal versatility
  • Durable construction for reliable performance on stage and in the studio

Product specs

Brand Zvex
Model Basstortion
Finish White
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Bass Effect Pedals, Distortion Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

Is the ZVEX Basstortion suitable for live performances?

Yes, the ZVEX Basstortion is designed to deliver consistent and reliable distortion tones for live bass performances, offering a robust sound modeled after the classic Ampeg SVT.

What kind of power supply does the ZVEX Basstortion require?

The ZVEX Basstortion typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most pedalboards, ensuring easy integration into your existing setup.

Can the ZVEX Basstortion be used with a guitar?

While the ZVEX Basstortion is optimized for bass guitars, it can also be used with electric guitars for unique distortion tones, although the frequency response is tailored for bass frequencies.

How does the Bright/Dark switch affect the sound of the ZVEX Basstortion?

The Bright/Dark switch on the ZVEX Basstortion allows you to toggle between brighter, more pronounced high frequencies and a darker, more subdued tone, offering versatility for different musical styles.

What tones can I achieve with the ZVEX Basstortion for rock music?

The ZVEX Basstortion provides a rich, gritty distortion reminiscent of the Ampeg SVT, making it ideal for rock bass tones with plenty of presence and punch.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

ZVex Basstortion Demo

Video thumbnail for ZVex Basstortion Demo by The Bass Channel

ZVex Basstortion Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for ZVex Basstortion Review - BestGuitarEffects.com by Best Guitar Effects

ZVex Basstortion Review - BestGuitarEffects.com

Best Guitar Effects

Best Guitar Effects

Video thumbnail for Summer NAMM '12 - Z. Vex Effects Basstortion & Sonar Demos by Premier Guitar

Summer NAMM '12 - Z. Vex Effects Basstortion & Sonar Demos

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Basstortion Various Sounds by Z VEX

ZVEX Basstortion Various Sounds

Z VEX

Z VEX

Video thumbnail for Z.Vex Basstortion Bass-Verzerrer-FX im Test by musikmachen.de

Z.Vex Basstortion Bass-Verzerrer-FX im Test

musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Video thumbnail for Zvex Basstortion Bass Demo by SzymanskiBass

Zvex Basstortion Bass Demo

SzymanskiBass

SzymanskiBass

Video thumbnail for Zvex Basstortion by Guitar Gear

Zvex Basstortion

Guitar Gear

Guitar Gear

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces warm, complex overdrive "tube-like" tones

  • Responsive to playing dynamics, enhancing expressiveness

  • Tone knob effectively adjusts highs for desired brightness

  • Maintains bottom end without needing a blend control

  • Compatible with other effects, improves chorus sound

  • Compact form factor fits well on pedalboards

CONS

  • Crackle noise from Drive knob can be off-putting

  • Lowest Drive settings sound thin and weak

  • Over three o'clock Drive setting can be excessive

  • Not the best choice for octave/fuzz effects

  • Higher price point compared to similar pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ZVEX Basstortion.

Features and functionality

  • The ZVEX Basstortion lacks a blend knob, impacting its suitability for low gain overdrive settings compared to the EHX Bass Soul Food.

    Source
  • Some users appreciate the simplicity of the Basstortion's controls, which allows for quick adjustments during performances, favoring its straightforward design over more complex pedals.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Basstortion as a dirty boost during solos, highlighting its utility in live performance settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ZVEX Basstortion is described as distortion edging on fuzz, contrasting with the transparent overdrive of the EHX Bass Soul Food.

    Source
  • Both pedals are bass-specific, but their tonal outputs are vastly different; the ZVEX Basstortion provides more aggressive grit.

    Source
  • When used alongside the Darkglass Hyper Luminal, the ZVEX Basstortion is noted for complementing the compressor by adding grit without losing clarity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EHX Bass Soul Food is preferred for always-on transparent overdrive, while the ZVEX Basstortion is better suited for full-on grit.

    Source
  • The ZVEX Basstortion is frequently incorporated into rigs for modern bassists who play genres like rock and metal, emphasizing its capacity for heavy, aggressive tones.

    Source
  • The pedal can serve as an always-on end-of-chain preamp, demonstrating its versatility in signal chains.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the pedal's ability to handle complex bass chord work, showcasing its versatility in live settings.

    Source
  • Some users find the ZVEX Basstortion to be an A+ low gain overdrive, with the capability to mimic an SVT drive when cranked.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Z.Vex Basstortion Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The ZVEX Basstortion is a robust pedal designed for bassists seeking amp-like overdrive, offering dynamic responsiveness and tonal flexibility. Its construction is road-ready, with a user-friendly layout, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to add subtle overdrive to their rig. While it may not fully capture the massive lows of an SVT amp, the Basstortion holds its ground with a satisfying level of note definition and tonal versatility. However, its $199 price tag might be a bit steep compared to competitors. Overall, it’s a solid investment for players looking to enhance their sound with a controlled overdrive.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Wolstenholme uses ZVEX Basstortion

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Bassplayer

Used during the recording of Drones

See how Mdou Moctar uses ZVEX Basstortion

Mdou Moctar

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

It's early in his chain for this video (first seen at around 0:44). The distinctive stripes, three knobs, and big Zvex logo at the top are visible.

See how Rob Pope uses ZVEX Basstortion

Rob Pope

Bassist

Spoon

...
Verified via Google Docs

This is from the Rob Pope's most recent pedal board from the Get Up Kids show on 3/12/20 at Amitville Music Hall.

See how Stephen Paulson uses ZVEX Basstortion

Stephen Paulson

Bassist

Remo Drive

...
Verified via Photo

On the Instagram post each band member's gear is specified including Stephen's.

See how Teddy Nordvold uses ZVEX Basstortion

Teddy Nordvold

Bassist

she’s green

...
Verified via Instagram

Teddy Nordvold is confirmed to use the ZVEX Basstortion, as seen in an Instagram video by The Current.

Album Usage

The ZVEX Basstortion has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ZVEX Basstortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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