EarthQuaker Devices has collaborated with Japanese bassist Kentaro Nakao, and together they have created the Bass Odyssey Bass preamp and overdrive pedal.
Contents: EQD Scrolls
Scrolls Bass Odyssey
The EQD Scrolls Bass Odyssey is a heavy hitter for lovers of low-end and is designed from the ground up for bassists. This all-analog circuit has tube-amp-inspired overdrive for low-end growl and offers compact preamp and drive in one well-specified pedal.
Maintaining Low-End
To ensure the bass guitar’s fundamental low-end power is never lost, EarthQuaker included a Blend control that lets musicians mix their natural, clean bass signal with the driven tone.
The standout feature, however, is the Bandwidth dial. Moving beyond the limitations of a standard tone knob, this control actually shifts the distortion’s focal point.
When dialed back, the pedal produces a thick, vintage-style saturation that really emphasises the low-end. When pushed, the drive tightens significantly, providing the sharp, aggressive attack required for technical genres.
Variable Frequency
While it offers standard Bass, Middle, and Treble eq adjustments, the inclusion of a Variable Frequency knob elevates the pedal to studio-grade status. This sweepable control allows players to hunt down and adjust specific frequencies between 20Hz and 10kHz, making it easy to eliminate muddy frequencies or accentuate the “clank” of a fresh set of strings.
With dedicated footswitches for the EQ and Drive sections, this pedal is perfect for live and studio sessions.
Voice Switches
The pedal also includes three voicing toggle switches for even more tone sculpting options, each with its own distinct voicing.
The Deep switch provides a massive 80Hz boost for added weight. The Process switch creates a classic low-mid scoop for a more modern, hi-fi character. Finally, the Bright switch adds a 5kHz lift, ensuring that every note remains clear and articulate even through heavy distortion.
Pro Connectivity
The design also features an integrated FX loop, located between the drive and EQ sections. This allows players to run modulation or time-based effects after their gain stage while still using the pedal’s main EQ to glue the entire sound together.
The pedal is packed with utility, featuring a balanced XLR output with an analog cabinet simulator for direct recording, a Buffered Parallel output for dual-rig setups or tuners, and a Ground Lift to combat noisy power sources.
Price & Availability
The EarthQuaker Devices Scrolls pedal is available to order now at Thomann, priced at $393/£348/€399. This pro-spec pedal looks like a great, versatile tool for bassists looking for an all-in-one preamp and overdrive solution.
More Information
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