You know that feeling when you’re watching your favorite bassist, and they step on a pedal, and boom—the whole vibe changes? Suddenly, it’s like their sound is lighting up the stage, making you go, “I need that.”
But then you check out the prices of some of these pedals, and your wallet immediately breaks into a cold sweat…
Don’t panic! I’ve got a list of seven top budget bass pedals out there. And yes, every single one is under $100 😉
Best Cheap Bass Pedals – Quick Picks
Don’t want to read the whole thing? Here’s the summary! But make sure to scroll down to listen to demos.
- Best Distortion/Fuzz: Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi
- Best Octave Fuzz: Electro Harmonix Lizard Queen
- Best Graphic EQ: Behringer BEQ700 Bass Graphic Equalizer
- Best Compressor: Electro Harmonix Bass Preacher
- Best Metal Distortion: Harley Benton MiniStomp Sucker Punch
- Best Preamp: Joyo R-30 Tidal Wave Bass Preamp
- Best Sub Octave/Fuzz: Joyo R-29 Gloam Sub Octave/Fuzz
1. Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi
You know you want fuzz. And the Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi is a solid pick for that. This classic beast has been around for ages, and there’s a reason people keep coming back to it: it sounds amazing.
Smooth, thick, and with that signature Big Muff sustain, this pedal’s got it. Plus, with the little bass boost switch, you won’t lose any of that low-end growl. It’s creamy and punchy, all at once. A real „big” sound in a little box.
- Type: Distortion/Fuzz
- Controls: Volume, Tone, Sustain, Bass Boost Switch
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Dimensions: 102 x 121 x 89 mm
Why I Recommend It
For fuzz fans, this one’s a no-brainer. It’s chunky, thick, and a bit messy in the best way. It’s not subtle, but who wants subtle? Your bass will command attention with this pedal. 👊
If you like that vibe, you may also want to have a look on this list of best pedals for metal – some of these may also work well for bassists!
2. Electro Harmonix Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz
Now here’s one with style. The Electro Harmonix Lizard Queen was dreamed up by Josh Scott (yeah, the JHS guy) and graphic designer Daniel Danger. It’s a pedal that’s all about that classic EHX sound, with some octave-up magic for good measure.
Dial in everything from vintage tones to experimental sounds. There’s volume, balance, and octave controls for tons of tweakability. Just look at it: It’s a fuzz box that has character.
- Type: Octave Fuzz
- Controls: Volume, Balance, Octave
- Power Consumption: 5 mA
- Bypass: Effect Bypass
Why I Recommend It
For bass players who want fuzz with a twist, the Lizard Queen delivers. It’s gritty but musical. It’s like the pedal equivalent of a neon lava lamp—vintage yet kinda out there. Not just another fuzz pedal.
3. Behringer BEQ700 Bass Graphic Equalizer
EQ pedals don’t get the spotlight, but the Behringer BEQ700 deserves it. EQing your sound gives you control over how each frequency sits in the mix.
This pedal has 7 bands that you can boost or cut by 15 dB. It’s a lifesaver for dialing in your tone and eliminating frequencies that might be clashing with the rest of the band. Cheap and effective? Yes, please.
- Type: Graphic Equalizer
- Bands: 7 bands (50 Hz to 10 kHz)
- Controls: LED on/off, footswitch for effect bypass
- Power: 9V battery or DC power supply
- Weight: 330 g
Why I Recommend It
Need a pedal that just works? This EQ pedal has got your back. Not flashy, but man does it get the job done. You can tighten up the low end, add a bit of clarity, or adjust for that room that just sounds…off.
And honestly, I’m a big fan of Behringer effects. Not ideal, but definitely good!
4. Electro Harmonix Bass Preacher
Compression for bass can be a game-changer. The Electro Harmonix Bass Preacher was built with bassists in mind, helping you get a smoother, more consistent sound.
This pedal has controls for volume and sustain, and a 3-way attack switch that lets you pick how fast the compression kicks in. It’s perfect for taming those wild notes or giving your groove a bit more punch. 🎶
- Type: Compressor/Sustainer
- Controls: Volume, Sustain, Attack Switch
- Dimensions: 70 x 115 x 54 mm
- Power: 9V battery or adapter
Why I Recommend It
If you’re a fingerstyle player or into slap, this pedal helps bring out every note with clarity. Smooth, subtle, and with just the right amount of squish. Makes your bass lines feel like they’re wrapped in a velvet glove.
5. Harley Benton MiniStomp Sucker Punch
Sometimes, you just want to get heavy. The Harley Benton MiniStomp Sucker Punch is here for those moments.
This pedal offers two modes—Classic and Extreme—letting you pick between a milder rock distortion or a full-on metal attack. This pedal’s build is tough, so it’s ready for any gigs where you might need to stomp a little harder.
- Type: Metal Distortion
- Modes: Classic and Extreme
- Controls: Distortion, Contour, Volume
- Power: 9V DC adapter
Why I Recommend It
For bassists who love metal, this pedal is a great addition to the lineup. Not too complicated, but packs plenty of punch. It’s for those times when you want your bass to roar. Nothing fancy, just in-your-face distortion.
6. Joyo R-30 Tidal Wave Bass Preamp
The Joyo R-30 Tidal Wave is all about control. It gives you a full set of EQ controls, plus options for blending drive with your clean tone. If you’re into dialing in specific tones (especially those grungy ’90s sounds), this preamp pedal is your new best friend.
It even lets you select different frequencies for the mids and bass, which is super useful for adjusting to different styles and situations.
- Type: Bass Preamp
- Controls: Level, Blend, Presence, Drive, Treble, Middle, Bass
- Switch: Middle and Bass frequency toggles
- Power Consumption: >100 mA
Why I Recommend It
This pedal gives you the tools to shape your sound exactly the way you want. Great for gigs, practice, or if you just love to mess around with your tone. It’s got a cool vintage feel too, and honestly? It’s just a good time.
7. Joyo R-29 Gloam Sub Octave/Fuzz
Finally, here’s one for all you experimental types. The Joyo R-29 Gloam is part fuzz, part octave pedal, with separate controls for both. This means you can either dial in just a bit of sub-octave, or crank it for some serious, earth-shaking fuzz tones.
With two fuzz modes and all those controls, you can get some seriously unique sounds. You want weird? Here it is.
- Type: Sub Octave/Fuzz
- Controls: Octave, Dry-Tone, Dry, Low, Hi, Gain, Fuzz
- Footswitches: Boost Bypass, Effect Bypass
- Power Consumption: 120 mA
Why I Recommend It
You know when you want to shake things up? This pedal’s got that covered. It’s quirky, flexible, and kind of addicting to play with. It can make your bass sound like a totally different instrument. (In a good way.)
Are Cheap Pedals Worse?
Honestly? No, they’re not. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get good tone. Budget pedals can sound amazing if you know what you’re looking for.
Some of these pedals won’t last forever, and yeah, they might be a little less fancy. But the sound? Just as awesome. All the magic happens in your fingers anyway 😉.
More Tips? Visit Our YouTube!
If you’re into learning more about bass gear and want to hear these pedals in action, check out our YouTube channels! Best Guitars Now has everything for English-speaking musicians, and Strefa Gitar is perfect for all you Polish bass lovers. Tons of demos, tutorials, and in-depth reviews waiting for you!
FAQ
1. Can I use „regular” guitar pedals with my bass?
Sure, but results will vary. Some guitar pedals cut off bass frequencies, so give it a test run first.
2. Do I need a power supply for my pedals?
Most pedals work with either a 9V battery or DC adapter. Invest in a power supply with multiple outputs—it’ll make your life way easier.
3. Are compressors necessary?
Depends on your style, but they’re awesome for making your playing sound tight and professional.
4. Distortion vs. Fuzz—what’s the difference?
Distortion is gritty, while fuzz is that thick, wall-of-sound vibe. Both sound killer but suit different moods.
5. Do Behringer pedals hold up?
Yep! They’re budget-friendly but reliable, especially for EQs like the BEQ700.
6. How do I use an EQ pedal?
Try boosting the lows for depth, cutting mids to clean up, and adding highs for clarity. It’s all about experimenting.
7. Does pedal order matter?
Generally, yes. Compressors usually go first, followed by overdrives/distortions, then modulation. Play around to find what works for you!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—seven affordable bass pedals that pack some serious tone without burning a hole in your wallet.
From fuzzy chaos to smooth compression, each pedal has its own flavor, and there’s something here for everyone.
Grab one (or a few) of these and start experimenting. And hey, isn’t that what it’s all about ;)?
