The “Bass Chief” is an op amp based distortion pedal specifically designed for bass instruments, however you can use it for guitar if you wish. The pedal buffers and splits the incoming signal, one half is distorted by the amount set by the ‘Gain’ control which is then further shaped by the ‘Bass’ and ‘Treble’ controls. The two signal paths meet again at the ‘Blend’ control allowing the original signal to be mixed with the distorted version. Note that at extreme settings of the tone controls a further range of tones can be found using the ‘Blend’ control to cancel parts of the original signal. The overall level of the combined signals can be arrived at by using the ‘Volume’ control.
The blue halo light ring installed diffuses the light when playing live, avoiding being blinded by the standard LEDs just as you are about to go into that all important solo thus giving a larger area to see where the pedal is located easily on the pedal board on darkened stages. The addition of the aluminium foot topper gives you more real estate for contact when switching the pedal on and off during quick changes when playing live.
All Flattley “Platinum Range” pedals are hand processed in our Flattley paint shop. The bare aluminium enclosure is abraded prior to painting with the etch primer. The etch primer acts as a anti corrosive layer and allows the primer to bond to the enclosure ensuring a tough resilient paint finish.
Multiple coats of base coat primer are applied which are then lightly abraded to remove any blemishes or paint speckles prior to the application of the base colour. We apply several coats of base colour until an even coverage occurs and the base colour develops rich smooth depth. Metallic holographic chrome flake is then applied using a clear inter coat which adds that all important Flattley sparkle.
The pedal enclosure is now ready to be hydro dipped in its Flattley graphics. This is the process whereby the graphics are applied using water activated film, the residual PVA film is then washed off and the enclosure is then allowed to dry naturally.
Once dried the lacquer process begins. Each “Flattley Platinum” pedal has a minimum of three coats of lacquer which are all wet sanded between coats. Once the lacquer has hardened, it is then hand polished using three different grades of polishing compounds and it then has a final polish to achieve a high gloss finish using a wool finishing pad. This process gives the smooth deep lustre finish that is inherent in all Flattley Guitar and Bass effects pedals.
Mark Williams –
Great overdrive pedal with that all-important blend control, enabling the mix of dry signal and overdrive signal, no more low end drop-out when you stomp on that for you sir or madam! From a sprinkling of drive, to full on Lemmy at the sweep of a couple of knobs. You have complete control of bass and treble as is your desire, and of course a level control.
With a choice of great decorative graphics and function indicators to boot, this adaptable and unique pedal is a very useful and powerful addition to my arsenal….it kicks a** basically!….
Paul Flattley –
Hi Mark, thanks for the awesome review on the Bass Chief overdrive pedal and really great that you like it and it does what you want when using it live on stage. Best regards Team Flattley
Mark Fontanarosa –
This is the Bass Overdrive pedal I’ve been looking for. Besides the cool graphics the sounds from a subtle overdrive (Which is one my favorites) to full blown are perfect. You have complete control over any desired drive. Well built with the bass player in mind! I’ll be on lookout for more bass pedals from Paul. Thanks!!
Paul Flattley –
Hi Mark, Many thanks for the kind words and we are very happy that the Bass Chief does what you need it to do. Hope it gives you many years of great service. Many thanks and best regards, Paul
heard_225 –
Well what can I say? This is the fourth Flattley Pedal in my arsenal and to be honest it’s the one I wish I would have bought first! Like many a bass player I’ve been on a constant search for an overdrive pedal that will give me a little to loads of dirt without loosing bottom resulting in getting lost in the mix. I have tried a wide variety of popular and boutique pedals over the years but had never found “The Pedal” until now!! To say that this pedal is versatile is an understatement! It can be dialed in from a very subdued tube sounding “fuzz” to a Lemmy on steroids wall of filth. What I think sets this pedal apart from the rest is the ability to blend the dry/wet signal AND eq the pedal using the bass and treble knobs. UK made, built like a tank, looks the nuts and literally the best customer service you will ever get! I was already a fan of Flattley but this purchase has defiantly made them my favorite pedal manufacture!! You wont be disappointed with this or any other Flattley pedal!!
Paul Flattley –
Hi Jason, thank you for the kind words and we are extremely happy that the Bass Chief does it for you. Its an amazing bass overdrive pedal and we worked hard with a couple of pro bass players to get it right and make it as versatile as possible. Many thanks and hope it gives you years of enjoyment. Regards Paul