aepoc Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 So I'm wanting to record bass tracks through the Helix, but the kicker here is that I don't have a bass (nor do I desire to spend the money on one). I'd be able to plug my Strat or Les Paul in, use a Pitch Wham effect to detune, and run it through one of the bass amp models, right? Anyone tried anything like that? Haven't noticed it in any threads here, or any videos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 I've done that in the past with the HD, and while it may be passable, it's hardly adequate, depending on your level of perfection, or what the track might be used for. A cheap bass (< $100) is better than an emulated one, by far. As primarily a six-string electric guitarist, before I spent the money on a decent bass, like you, I had no desire to buy one and thought I could get by without one. Eventually I broke down and got a fairly cheap one. Made a world of difference. Eventually got disgusted with the cheapness of the cheap one and got a better one. As it turns out, I really like playing the bass and now I wonder how in the world I ever thought I could just emulate one. Just thought I'd share my experience. I haven't tried this with Helix, but I would expect the results to be maybe slightly better than the HD, but not much. On the other hand, if the bass track you have in mind is fairly simple and straight-forward, go for it. Can't hurt to try it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aepoc Posted January 14, 2016 Author Share Posted January 14, 2016 I've done that in the past with the HD, and while it may be passable, it's hardly adequate, depending on your level of perfection, or what the track might be used for. A cheap bass (< $100) is better than an emulated one, by far. As primarily a six-string electric guitarist, before I spent the money on a decent bass, like you, I had no desire to buy one and thought I could get by without one. Eventually I broke down and got a fairly cheap one. Made a world of difference. Eventually got disgusted with the cheapness of the cheap one and got a better one. As it turns out, I really like playing the bass and now I wonder how in the world I ever thought I could just emulate one. Just thought I'd share my experience. I haven't tried this with Helix, but I would expect the results to be maybe slightly better than the HD, but not much. On the other hand, if the bass track you have in mind is fairly simple and straight-forward, go for it. Can't hurt to try it. Thanks for your input Duncann, I appreciate it. Yeah I definitely wouldn't be doing anything complex. Just something to mimic the guitar to get a nice rounded-out sound; something similar to how Tim Commerford and Tom Morello play - Not that I'm anywhere CLOSE to EITHER artist. Maybe a cheap bass is in my future then. Especially if I unload my Les Paul (Epi LP Standard, tobacco burst, with an Air Norton in the neck and a PAF Pro in the bridge). I just don't seem to play it often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterHamm Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 I did a trick like this with HD 500 live with my looper and it worked fantastically. I bet the Helix does it just as well, but I haven't messed with it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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