4 PEDALS EVERY BASSIST SHOULD HAVE

Stompboxes For The Bass

No matter the number of strings, or the register, on your instrument—nor whether you pick with your fingers, or a plectrum—you can instantly add a smorgasbord of sonic variety to your rig just by adding a handful of pedals into the signal chain between your instrument and your amp (or DI).

If you or any bass players you know need some aural inspiration made especially for the lower end of the frequency spectrum, we picked out four of our favorite bass pedals that we think are must-haves for any bassist—all of which are currently in stock (or soon-to-be replenished) in the BASSment at Chicago Music Exchange!

SHOP BASS EFFECT PEDAL ARRIVALS

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Looking to dial up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and everything in between? Much more than just a direct box, the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI features three different outputs to let you drive power amps, recording desks, and PA mixers—or, just use it to enhance the sound of your rig! While the core of the SansAmp Bass Driver and all of its tones remain true to its original design, for 5- and 6-string bassists, the latest version of the SansAmp Bass Driver DI comes equipped with an added switch to let users adjust the bass frequency and extend into those lower registers, plus an added mid-range control with a switch to adjust its frequency.

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2

$269.00
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2

Much more than just a direct box, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is capable of dialing up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. Three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the proportion of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active EQ specifically tuned for bass with 12dB of cut or boost.

VERSION 2 
With the popularity of 5- and 6-string basses going beyond fad status and becoming mainstream, we added a switch to adjust the bass frequency to extend into those lower registers. We also added a mid-range control and a switch to adjust its frequency. The core of the SansAmp Bass Driver and all of its tones remain true to its original design.

Manufacturer: Sans Amp
Type: DI Box
Controls: Level,Blend,Treble,Presence,Drive,Mid,Bass
Dimensions: 4.75" x 3.75" x 2.0"
Weight:14 oz.
Power Source: Phantom power operable, or uses optional DC power supply, Tech 21 Model #DC4-A, or 9V alkaline battery (not included).
True Bypass: Yes
Inputs: One
Outputs: Two, Parallel and none
Extras: XLR Out
View Details

Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion

The Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion—or MBD for short—is the long-awaited follow-up to our original MBD-1 and MBD2 bass distortion pedals but with a few enhancements, including a boost footswitch with a boost control providing over 30dB of additional gain, plus a newly designed contoured clean blend.

Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion

Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal

$249.00

The Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion, simply referred to as the MBD, is the long awaited follow up to our original MBD-1 and MBD2 bass distortion pedals. The heart of the MBD is the same bass-loving distortion as the original, but with a few enhancements customers have longed for.

Those enhancements include a boost footswitch with a boost control providing over 30dB of additional gain and the inclusion of our newly designed contoured clean blend.

 

CONTROLS

  • Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the distortion channel.
  • Level: Controls the output level of the distortion channel.
  • Tone: Tilt-style tone control for the distortion channel centered around 600Hz.
  • Boost: Adds additional boosted signal into gain stages. Does not affect the clean blend circuitry.
  • Clean: Controls output level of parallel contoured clean channel.
  • Depth: Controls the amount of low end injected into the distortion channel. Depth settings below 12:00 will tighten up the distortion to retain clarity with drop-tuned basses without sacrificing low end. Higher depth settings will thicken up bright basses and add mass to standard-tuned instruments.


Power

Use only 9VDC 2.1mm center negative (boss-style) power adapters. Isolated pedal specific power supplies are highly recommended. Damnation Audio pedals are designed for maximum headroom and ideal performance with a 9V supply. Going above 9VDC may damage your pedal and void any warranties. Damnation Audio pedals do not accept 9V batteries.

In the interest of continuous improvement, all specifications are subject to change without notice.

View Details

MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter

The MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter delivers classic, analog, envelope filter sounds in an easy-to-use and compact pedal designed specifically for bass. Separate Dry and Effect controls let you dial in the perfect mix of affected and direct signals, so you can bring the funk without losing the low end. Now available in 'Blackout' finish!

MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout

$179.99

With high-quality bass effects built from the ground up specifically for bass players, MXR Bass Innovations is the world’s bestselling line of bass pedals. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, we’re releasing a limited edition set of the line’s two most popular stompboxes—the MXR Bass Compressor and the MXR Bass Envelope Filter. Dressed in a stealth finish, these Blackout Series pedals feature a matte black housing with gloss black text and a bright yellow LED. Same great tone and durability with a classy new look that will hold down the look and tone of any pedalboard.

  • Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the world’s bestselling bass pedal line
  • Two most popular MXR bass pedals dressed in a matte black stealth finish with gloss black text and a bright yellow LED
  • The MXR Bass Compressor captures all the functionality of an iconic studio compressor in pedal form
  • The MXR Bass Envelope Filter delivers classic analog envelope filter sounds while retaining your low end
  • Limited Edition Global Availability: 1500 each

 

The Bass Envelope Filter delivers classic, analog, envelope filter sounds in an easy-to-use and compact pedal designed specifically for bass. Separate Dry and Effect controls let you dial in the perfect mix of effected and direct signals, so you can bring the funk without losing the low end. Its wide range of filter tones can be shaped with the Decay and Q controls, and a simple twist of the Sensitivity knob can tailor the pedal for your attack- as well as adjust for passive or active basses. The Bass Envelope Filter's power supply circuitry is designed to withstand over-voltage or polarity mishaps, and its true-bypass switching preserves your tone in bypass mode. It's all packaged in a durable, lightweight, Phase 90-size aluminum housing for the ultimate in portability and pedalboard space-saving dimensions.

Power: Dunlop ECB003 AC Adapter or Single 9 volt battery

View Details

Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal

The Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion—or MBD for short—is the long-awaited follow-up to our original MBD-1 and MBD2 bass distortion pedals but with a few enhancements, including a boost footswitch with a boost control providing over 30dB of additional gain, plus a newly designed contoured clean blend.

Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal

$239.00

There’s something truly magical about finding the compression sweet-spot on bass. Enter the Diamond Bass COMP/EQ. This bad-boy will go on your board, and never come off. This next-gen compressor maintains the classic circuit architecture while increasing range and functionality. The new EQ section allows you to sculpt your tone in the same box that squashes it (that’s a good thing). Furthermore, the tilt switch allows you to go from the signature ultra-snappy Diamond comp style all the way to softer transparent compression.  


Main Features  

  • Naturally smooth optical compression from a custom US-made Opto-Isolator 
  • Mid boost and cut  
  • Switchable Tilt EQ Fulcrum Frequency covering 250,500, & 900 Hz +|- 6dB  
  • Wide-ranging compression control and attack switch with LED indicator  
  • Top-mounted jacks and soft touch relay switching  
  • Burr Brown Integrated circuits  

What a buzzword “compression” is. But as soon as you slap one into your chain, you can never go back. Applicable in almost every situation, compression is the glue that keeps your tone tight and in the pocket. While the original Diamond Compressor was a formidable pedal, we can confidently say that this next-generation is the best version of the Diamond Compressor yet.  

We are serious when we say this pedal will always be on. Whether you’re looking for the snappiest compression to compliment your intricate funk leads, or soft transparent style compression to just add that perfect final touch to your tone, the Diamond Comp/EQ can do it all. So here’s how to use your new “always-on” pedal.  Place the Comp/EQ at the very beginning of your signal chain for a traditional compression effect or place it at the very end of the chain to act as a limiter. Need a boost? Place the Comp/EQ behind your drives and fuzzes to with the Comp set low to send your leads soaring! 

View Details

SHOP BASS EFFECTS

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #08
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #08

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #08

$119.00
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #07
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #07

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #07

$119.00
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #05
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #05

EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Bass Overdrive Pedal One-of-a-Kind #05

$119.00
MXR MB301 Bass Synth Pedal
MXR MB301 Bass Synth Pedal
MXR MB301 Bass Synth Pedal

MXR MB301 Bass Synth Pedal

$285.99
Origin Effects Special Black Edition DCX Bass Pedal
Origin Effects Special Black Edition DCX Bass Pedal
Origin Effects Special Black Edition DCX Bass Pedal

Origin Effects Special Black Edition DCX Bass Pedal

$335.00
EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Pedal Reseda Green
EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Pedal Reseda Green
EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Pedal Reseda Green

EarthQuaker Devices Chelsea Low End Fuzz Driver Pedal Reseda Green

$179.00
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Pre-Amp & DI Pedal Blue Line Anniversary Edition
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Pre-Amp & DI Pedal Blue Line Anniversary Edition
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Pre-Amp & DI Pedal Blue Line Anniversary Edition
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Pre-Amp & DI Pedal Blue Line Anniversary Edition
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Pre-Amp & DI Pedal Blue Line Anniversary Edition

Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Pre-Amp & DI Pedal Blue Line Anniversary Edition

$399.99
Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2
Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2
Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2

Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2

$299.99

Bass Bits

When you’ve got a full bass rig to lug around (plus a few new stompboxes on your pedalboard) it can be easy to lose sight of the littlest things. Make sure you’re all stocked up on all your bass supply needs when you shop for everything from picks to power supplies, patch cables, strings, and other accessories in CME’s BASSment!

SHOP PEDALBOARDS & POWER SUPPLIES

Boss BCB-60 Pedalboard
Boss BCB-60 Pedalboard
Boss BCB-60 Pedalboard

Boss BCB-60 Pedalboard

$100.00
Pedaltrain Classic Jr w/ Tour Case
Pedaltrain Classic Jr w/ Tour Case
Pedaltrain Classic Jr w/ Tour Case
Pedaltrain Classic Jr w/ Tour Case

Pedaltrain Classic Jr w/ Tour Case

$120.00
Vertex Effects TC2 Mk II w/ TC2 Riser
Vertex Effects TC2 Mk II w/ TC2 Riser
Vertex Effects TC2 Mk II w/ TC2 Riser

Vertex Effects TC2 Mk II w/ TC2 Riser

$250.00
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus

Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus

$100.00
SHOP PEDALBOARDS & POWER SUPPLIES

SHOP PATCH CABLES

Featured Videos

You know we’ve always got a steady flow of new arrivals, plus plenty of vintage and used options, so come see what’s bubbling in the BASSment when you shop online; or, head downstairs when you visit CME’s Lincoln Avenue showroom, located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.

And, if you want to branch out beyond our top four favorites, shop our complete collection of bass effects, and start building the rig that’s right for you!

Related Posts

Rock N Roll Relics | Club Series at Chicago Music Exchange

Discover the Rock N Roll Relics Club Series at Chicago Music Exchange. California-made pickups, vintage-inspired humbuckers, and stage-ready tone—now at an accessible price. Shop online or visit our Lincoln Avenue showroom today.

Read more

Yamaha Guitars | 2025 Revstar Additions

Rev up your engines—the Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 and RSS02T have arrived at Chicago Music Exchange, bringing performance-minded design, expanded versatility, and unmistakable style to Yamaha’s modern electric guitar lineup. Inspired by the stripped-down efficiency of café racer motorcycles, the Revstar Standard series blends premium tonewoods, chambered bodies, carbon-reinforced necks, and upgraded electronics to deliver lightweight comfort and powerful sonic character. Whether you’re after the articulate punch of Alnico V humbuckers (RSS20) or the warm, expressive bite of P90-style pickups (RSS02T), each model offers refined playability and a dynamic tonal range perfect for stage, studio, and everyday inspiration. Shop the full Yamaha Revstar Standard collection at CME and discover the next evolution of Yamaha’s performance-built electric guitars.

Read more

Gibson x Loog Guitars at Chicago Music Exchange

Meet the Gibson x Loog Collection—where legendary tone meets beginner-friendly design. These three-string guitars are made to empower kids to start playing right away, with simplified learning, top-tier sound, and timeless Gibson flair. As the only brick-and-mortar retailer for Gibson x Loog Guitars, Chicago Music Exchange offers a rare opportunity to plug in and play these in person—shop the collection today!

Read more