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Topic: Boss OC-3 Review: |
Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 12 Nov 2005 9:23 am |
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I recently picked up a Boss OC-3 octave pedal, and now that I've read the directions and sample settings inside and out a few times, I think it is a great Octave pedal!
The Poly mode rules for playing bass on the low strings while not affecting the high strings! The Range knob sets what note or string the octave tone dissapears at.
The direct and octave notes have their own volume controls.
The OC-2 mode is great for soloing with an octave effect on all notes. Either 1 or 2 octaves below is available, with all three notes (direct, 1 octave below, 2 octaves below), all having their own volume controls.
The Drive mode is a raunchy (ie. great!) overdrive effect that can be used with or without octave notes. Direct and Octave note volumes are independantly adjustable, as is the amount of Drive.
Using both outputs allows for even more possibilities. It has a Direct out for the uneffected signal, and Octave only out. this separation of signals allows for some cool stereo mixing.
I got the OC-3 for $75 new at a store sale, and have seen them regularly for $99 at guitar center (typically tagged at $119).
I only wish they had a programmable OC-3, because I have found about 9 settings that I like alot, and would like to be able to call them up quickly.
Anybody else have any Octave pedal tips/tricks? |
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Papa Joe Pollick
From:
Swanton, Ohio
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Posted 12 Nov 2005 11:28 pm
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Yeah Pete,I've had the OC3 for a couple of months,but haven't used it much yet.Just tryin to cop some Wes licks so far.But I think I'll hook it up and mess with it some more.You have given me some ideas.That was a very good price.Think I paid $89 for mine.
P J
------------------
ZB DS10 3\4
Stringmaster D8
Nationals Rocket One 10 ,Chicagaon
Dobro 8 string
Strats,Teles,Gibson,Ibanezs
Old Fender & Gibson tube amps.Little bit of talent.
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Stephan Miller
From:
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2005 7:20 pm
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| Pete, can you play more than one string at a time without the thing glitching out on you? --Steve |
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Jim Bob Sedgwick
From:
Clinton, Missouri USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2005 9:27 pm
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I have an old OC-2. It is a great octave pedal. But, you can not play more than one string at a time as it confuses the signal. It sure will make some weird noises though. Maybe the OC-3 has been modified so more than one string can be used at a time.  |
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Bob Smith
From:
Allentown, New Jersey, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2005 3:04 am
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| I just got one myself and its an awsome unit. I use it for guitar, does anyone use these for steel? I havent seen any steelers around using one. bob |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2005 10:54 am
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With regard to playing more than one string at a time, I don't think octave pedals, in general, are designed to handle multiple string inputs and provide multiple Octave outputs.
The OC-3's Poly mode allows you to play chords into it, with the Octave only appearing on the low string(s) (set with the Range knob). This gives you the ability to do alternating bass lines with your thumb, while comping chords with your fingers (As far as I know, this feature is unique to the OC-3). The Travis/Atkins pickers will like this feature!
A huge part of the octave-pedal user success is based on completely muting the Octave note you just played, before striking the next note (in steel terms, think "right hand blocking").
I think if you stick within the parameters that the unit was designed for, and follow the tips in the manual for good tracking, you will find it works exactly as advertised.
I really like this effect!
I don't see the need for it in a country band context, but in the jam-band scene, you will be loving life when you fire off some single note octave solos!
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