There's an art to assembling a pedalboard. Learn to perfect your effects signal chain and capture the tone you've been seeking. Read more… BUT… Keep in mind that your modulation settings, chorus, and distortion could requure even lighter settings on the added bass.

So… I suggest this basic starting point…if, like me, you seek to add a bit of base or low end to your solitary guitar playing. Another cool OC-5 enhancement is the new octave-up effect, which is available in both Vintage and Poly modes. Simply twist the dedicated +1 OCT knob to bring in the desired effect level. Use the octave-up effect on its own for faux 12-string sounds and unique solo tones, or blend it with the octave-down effects for extended chord voicings and super-fat leads.For ME… -The key to discovering this octave pedal's strength requires some restraint. I think a lot of people have come to expect the "middle" settings are a safe place to start with many things…and I'd wager that those who complain of terrible results with the OC-5 are very often misunderstanding how to really start with it. BOSS' OC-5 also boasts an updated version of the smart 'Poly' mode that first featured on the OC-3 Super Octave pedal. This allows you to play full chords with breathtaking octave effects!

A light enhancement can be truly rich…especially if you play alone…and maybe some chords or etc only use your higher strings snd feel thin. By lightly adjusting upward to include only what you want to add a wee bit of bass to, this unit is pretty dang sweet. The Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal builds on BOSS’s outstanding reputation for building world-beating Octave Pedals, cemented by the original OC-2 from the ‘80s. This latest OC-5 version includes the best of the original in its Vintage Mode, while adding a new Poly Mode for chord playing. A Mode Switch optimises performance for either guitar or bass, and a Direct Out allows for wet/dry setups.These thoughts aren't expert…but merely a suggestion to get past what might initially sound terrible. OCT RANGE = Smart 'POLY' setting first introduced in the OC-3 but somewhat significantly honed here - lets you variably control which strings / notes are targeted - so that in the 'LOWEST' setting only the very Lowest note on the lowest string triggers a Sub-Octave while the other notes of your chord pass through as unaffected. As you dial up the Range you include further Strings and Higher Notes in your Sub-Octave trigger. In Vintage Mode this knob simply controls the LEVEL of the -2 OCT. Some of us find that old-school octave-pedal glitchiness endearing, but with Boss’ new OC-5 you don’t have to take sides. And for those who still loved the analog warmth of the original Monophonic OC-2 - the OC-5 delivers the very best digital replica take on that - where the engineers were really able to put the manufacturing delays to good use - and really hone the authenticity of the VINTAGE mode.