All About the Bass - BOSS ME50B - Put Your Foot On It

[@CaptAnderton]

Holy Moly - this is way older than I thought!! I just checked & we 1st received them in 2004!! Older people will know what I mean when I say that 2004 "feels" like it was only 3-4 years ago!!!

[@stevehogan8829]

Yes, it seems like just last week

[@michaelallen1930]

I still can't believe 1996 was 20 years ago!

[@paulsummerside]

I had one 'back-in-the-day'. sold mine a few years ago. it was way more usable with the additional footswitch. but to be honest the main problem with the Boss, is that it is 'Boss'. so it's more Affected, than effected. Boss to me has this certain colour and character to any sound that seems to happen. which is okay in its way. but something that I rebel against tonally. one thing they really get right is pedal board in a tin box, that just works. if I could get the same idea but with all my actual favourite pedals and not be software driven, which is another thing I rebel against, probably more so, then I would be a happy chappie. if one or two of the other more boutique sounding mainstream manufacturers did an equivalent, say 'EH' etc, then would jump at something like that. if you look at the pedals I own, there is now not one single Boss pedal amoungst them for either Guitar or Bass, for the reason I state. The ME50B is fairly bomb proof. And a bit like Travelodge, you know what you are going to get

[@oussamaamakrane9740]

I remember playing a guitar version of the ME50 in 2005.

[@stacygarden914]

i was born then

[@brucepiland]

Bought one of these in 2008 or so. Gigged it a ton. Not a bad piece of kit.

[@gillsontoast]

we need more than 1 bass video a week .

[@pablomoreno9936]

I have the same Pedal board and I can say is the best multi effect for bass.

[@daveharris514]

I've had one of these for years, and I'll never sell it. The more you use it, the more you get to like it, coz you're discovering new things all the time - eg if an effect sounds crummy, all you do is turn down the effects level and use less of it, and it actually sounds great.

[@adrianfoote8281]

I have both the me50b and me20b and although the me50b has more options I prefer the tone of the modulation effects on the me20b bit maybe that's just me

[@johncougar526]

I scored one for 60 bucks, and didn't expect much, but I love it! Best buy by far in my toy collection!

[@Amyrayanne]

Oh you lucky bitch

[@ethanlancaster76]

“The special Nathan King signature tone” YES! 🤘 I suspect that most people watching these videos have no idea who Nathan is and just how great he really is. His brother, Mark is considered to be one of the best bass players in the world and Nathan plays rhythm guitar in that band..Level 42.

[@Theospeak1]

Phenomenal demo guys, wish all pedal and equipment demos were this excellent.

[@Theospeak1]

"Sorcery!"

[@SawyerPvP]

Found out about these from this video a few months ago and got me one for Christmas. Not all of these effects are great quality, but most are awesome and the unit altogether is most definitely a great buy! Sound hold, octaves up and down, compressors, and delays are exceptionally useful, but don't carry out low notes too long with the octave up... Overall, I love this thing and would recommend it to both bedroom and bar gigging players, but maybe not recording musicians. Edit: A few of the synths and the phaser and flanger effects are really useful too

[@rj_connor3779]

Nathan is like everybody's grumpy uncle with a heart of gold... thoroughly entertaining!

[@jameslewis2635]

This set up reminds me so much of the rig I used to have. Fender Jap Jazz bass, ME10B effects and Marshall bass combo. It does prove that there is nothing wrong with the Squire Jazz basses.

[@patrickfarley8036]

I love my ME-50B!! I would suggest to get the best effect from the "fretless" mode, use half rounds or flat wound strings and experiment with the knobs to find your own sweet spot. That effects also sounds nice with a bit of chorus and a wee bit of reverb. Not too much, but a touch. Anyhow, thats my 2cents worth, on that and I hope it helps. Also this demo is absolutely basic! This board is chock full of goodies and uses. READ THE MANUAL!!!!!!!! As intuitive as this is, it does have its secrets! Btw Captain, Nathan is a great salesman and personality and you two work kind of like good cop, bad cop. Between the two of you, I find a fair representation of what ever the gear you audition is achieved. Maybe a little light on all the features but the key points to justify the price point is firmly met! Thanks for an enjoyable demo!

[@deafprof]

Love my Boss ME50b!

[@timothyritchie5290]

I have one of these and love it as a great preamp and practice tool. the best effects are really transparent and easily manipulated and the extreme effects i have only ever used for piddling about in the bedroom. the kick drum stays on as a tap tempo thing and has several tones that make it a very helpful metronome under your foot. love it.

[@juanfrancisa.bugtong4253]

Is the compressor decent? I'm planning to buy this online.

[@timothyritchie5290]

@@juanfrancisa.bugtong4253 hey dude - I like it goes from subtle to very squashed- but it does not have a lot of ability to tweak (think it just has about 4 or 5 presets) mine usually sits in the lowest setting for smooth stuff or take a bit of peak off the top or I turn it off. I wouldn't buy this pedal for the compression or the drive (they are usable but not the best) I would get it to have a bit of everything and clean modulation effects that are decent - its best usage for me has been in covers bands where you just need a touch of chorus or something to get that 80s sound or whatever. Hope this helps. 😁

[@juanfrancisa.bugtong4253]

@@timothyritchie5290 I'm confused, what's the difference of each compressor from the ME-50B? I know what the Limiter does but the remaining 4 compressor confuses me. Sorry for my ignorance but what does the threshold do? Btw thanks for replying to my comment. I'm researching as much as I can because this is the only pedal that I really like and can purchase in my budget range:/

[@timothyritchie5290]

@@juanfrancisa.bugtong4253 yeah I find compression hard to visualise but basically it will take out the peaks of the high and low of the signal. The threshold will alter the amount it does that. Bigger compression units will have all sorts of parameters that allow you to alter the dynamic range of the sound. On the ME50b there are a few presets for this. The natural that just has the straight signal and cuts threshold takes out the peaks. The hard with really flattens the dynamic range dramatically giving you a very very consistent volume. The soft that is just a little more squashed than the natural. Then it has a model of the mxr dyna comp - on the me50b this is a set (fairly hard) compression and the knob then controls the sustain. Honestly none of them are fantastic and usually you only want to apply them subtly anyway. The really high settings will mean no matter whether you play loud or soft on the strings you will get one consistent volume. Its is can be nice to help you sit in a mix and it can help trim unwanted frequencies from percussive playing like tapping and slapping. However the best solution to these things is a good even technique rather that a pedal solution. Perhaps if you plan to use a lot of drive effects it might be more helpful but the drive effects on this unit are definitely its weak spot. If you are looking for something you might get some better sounds out of perhaps try the line 6 products- second hand pod hd500x probably are that much now and have a tonne of tone dialing you can do. Or save a few pennies and get the helix stomp unit- these look ace for the money they also have the ability to just perform as your amp when run through the PA. It really depends what and where you are playing?

[@Musouk66]

Love it. Have one of these. I have to say the Captain has explained it superbly. Even I’ve learnt something new from this and of course this video was available 6 years back 🎉

[@tahoebruce]

Found that pedal in a box in a closet, made the purchase 14 years ago for my son. Can't wait to take it on the road. GREAT demo, you boys are the shyte!! Very nice to have someone playing while your mate goes through the settings. Thanks so much for saving me to read the f@@king manual. Cheers from So. Cal.

[@grant_langs10]

Thanks guys, I've been looking into getting one but there aren't really many good videos on KZbin on it. This helped me out a lot.

[@EdMuse1122]

Thanks so much for this! I've had an ME-50B for years, and only ever scratched the surface of its learning curve. I always have the compressor on and dial in my tone with the semi-parametric. I play my Chapman Stick through defretter and chorus, and use various other effects on individual songs (that pitch bend on the expression pedal is a blast!). I've been looking for a way to do sample-and-hold forever, though, not even realizing until I watched this vid that I already had that in the expression pedal! Now I have to attack the learning curve of the programming mode. You're the best! Thanks again!

[@boxonbass]

I have this, good for trying sounds quickly, Tuner is super handy too! as well as a kick drum feature, excellent for being creative....(slow gear is a secret weapon!)

[@boxonbass]

Came out around 2008 i think

[@SawyerPvP]

Ian Box I have this as well. Slow gear is really interesting, it almost sounds like it's in reverse, but I can't seem to find a practical use for it yet...lol

[@boxonbass]

Sawyer McElroy-Parvis you can get a good cello like sound if you play around with the setting... I use it on an intro to one of our songs

[@dylc413]

Ian Box it came out in 2003, still a handy piece of kit to have, using it as a DI is a handy feature too!

[@jesusm.aragon1178]

Box on Bass dude. how do i clear the memory??

[@lewisyouknow]

Genuinely the me 50b is a huge part of my rig. One of the best effects pedals of all time

[@barrypwalkerable]

I got one of these about a year ago, now I know how to use it!!!!!! Great video, you fellas crack me up!!!!! Keep up the great work👍👍👍

[@juanfrancisa.bugtong4253]

Is the compressor decent? Is it still worth it in 2021? I'm planning to buy this pedal online so I'm researching as much as possible

[@lastweekslightning]

Thank you for some bass!! I've been wanting to ask you guys for more bass videos, and everyone beat me to the punch with the time frame of the pedal. I had to double check the date the video was released because I was like wait, I've had mine like over ten years now! What!? HA! Keep up the good work guys!

[@WilDBeestMF]

Before I got the Boss BB1-X, which this unit convinced me to buy, I was carting this old beast around just for the privilege. It's not exactly a *digital* multi FX. It's really a bunch of single pedals jammed in a box, the way it functions.

[@gregkrobinson]

Lee "oh yeah it's like 3 years old' It came out in 2003!

[@CaptAnderton]

This is what happens when you get old. The last 13 years just feels like 3 years - sorry everyone!!

[@Robstafarian]

Beloved Captain, why did you repeatedly skip the “Natural” drive mode?

[@CaptAnderton]

Didn't do it intentionally - maybe it didn't sound that great & we just skipped past it.

[@GibbyDaGhost]

I have one. great way to stylize your playing. very fun to use.

[@brutalbasspro]

Scored one years ago for $50 use it for jam nights and partys its fun to play with I have no clue how the memory works still cool pedalboard-ish thing.

[@obiwanrussell1747]

I've been using the guitar version, the ME-50 for several years and still don't know how to programme the damn thing! I use it in manual mode all the time which is more than good enough for my needs, would love to see you guys do a video like this on the ME-50 if possible!

[@ghostofgar]

12:33 every tone from farting in a PVC pipe to farting in the bath

[@Meddled]

Bass distortion without a cab sim is nasty.

[@esposoman]

I have one of these. I used a lot when I used to play in cover bands. 2020 update: I still have this at home and I still play it from time to time..mostly in manual mode turning fx on and off when I need them. If you want to have a bunch of quality fx without busting the bank you can find one of these on the used market at a reasonable price.

[@blop-a-blop9419]

you know what's AWESOME about this video ? ... EVERYTHING !!! :D

[@1dabirdman68]

Still use mine for band practice but individual pedals live....Sansamp, bass big muff pi, MXR envelope filter, Boss tu2....Tonal bliss!

[@benhodgetts9816]

Really look at what you're buying this pedal first, really good modulation section/ compression is half decent/ has a built in adjustable noise gate/ filters have some use with some tweaking but drive section is actually quite of a let down but if you were to run a decent drive/overdrive pedal infront of this board you can come up with some really cool things

[@callumsahan3743]

Would really like it if somebody could put some batteries in that clock in the background... its been 3o'clock for the last 30 minutes aha

[@adrianfoote8281]

Or turn it to 4.20

[@robbyray]

Love the Classic Vibe basses. I have a fiesta red 60s P and I absolutely dig it!

[@quasiczarcasm]

14:28 Yeah, but it would be cool if you explained what tap, hold, and analog delay were.

[@Chudhole]

I've owned the guitar version. A great buy picked up used. Reliable and easy to use.

[@prograven4844]

i got this pedal v recently and the user manual was in korean and this is v help full and great playing... thanks

[@oskarvonderluhe8]

Had one of those for about five years. Great and sturdy device, and loved it, until it got "confused". The settings dialed in had nothing to do anymore with the effects it produced. A repair would have meant "a motherboard replacement" for almost the original price. It's now retured and replaced by a Zoom B3. Update a couple of years later: the device reset itself and is back to good working order. Now doing duty in the rehearsal room for a jazz band.

[@SlimRhyno]

13:22 is just so classic. Cap rolls his eyes, but goes along with it nonetheless. Like I said, classic. 🤙

[@davids9192]

I took up bass as a result of Nathan's bass reviews. I can recommend it!

[@ferox965]

Got one of these not long ago. I haven't really needed to dive too deeply into it...got some good sounds, I can get some good grindy sounds, but I absolutely love the wah pedal.

[@mr8ty8]

I just bought a new one second hand. Didn't want to have 20 pedals. It's still a mint board today. Have this Infront of a DI Bass Preamp pedal.

[@o0Donuts0o]

12:19 Brown note confirmed.

[@danmurphy8144]

Had one of these some years ago, decent effects on the filter/modulation side, distortions were a bit pants and did find it to be a bit of a "tone sucker" and as already mentioned nowadays you gotta have a blend knob!

[@Lysdexia]

Jings - Nathan's got some lovely bass chops in the locker.

[@samiam5557]

Nathan is funny as hell, I like the Boss's sustain/hold that would be cool, the auto wah reminds me of the seinfeld bass intro.

[@SigneKruzmane]

You guys, this one was awesome - super helpful! I've been looking at this for a while now, but this made me realize that i need one in my bass gear!! GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@wr3ncher]

it really depends on what you want out of this thing. I own one. it's really nice if you like effects and or have a need to play thru headphones. It will do enough to get you down the road for a guitar too in a "home recording" kinda setting. It's awesome if you're learning, you can do a note hold, and play scales over a root sound. Mostly any effect you would want out of a bass pedal. There is a note in the user manual that octave won't work right if you play more than one note at once. It's not something you're gonna go to a studio with. I could imagine seeing someone playing live with this tho. I don't have the best ears and notice a "digital vibe" in all the effects. But if you want to get creative, need to have a pre-amp you can input a MP3 player thru, or even want a pedal that gives you effects for your guitar and bass, this might be for you. $320 isn't cheap but you'll pay $300 just getting 3 cheap ass pedals. Definitely a learning tool/barometer for a growing musician.

[@k.t.ingram375]

if you hold down pedal 1 until the lights start flashing you can use pedals 1 and 2 to scroll up and down through the banks, then press 3 and then select the patch and press 3 again to lock it in.

[@NotAHumanYT]

This was amazing! Loved the walkthrough (now I can actually use my pedal) and the playing was great. Also, u guys are amazing, definitely subbing.

[@baldbeardedbassist]

I've had this pedal since I was a teenager...never done me wrong, except for going through batteries like nobody's business

[@ClaudioBrogliato]

You can use an electric transformer. Boss sell its own but any would do but watch out, they work in reverse polarity.

[@maliwilliams7262]

I know this Old, But I Enjoy listening to this bassplayer, "Underated" for Sure!! Other, posters Take Note!!

[@wolfram4321]

Today in 2020 the ME-50B is delightly old-fashioned . Zoom B3n is cheaper and allows simpler programming. During gigging the patches have Full names on the Display. And - drum roll - you can switch to manual mode also and switch effects on and off inside the patch. All by your feet. But anyway. I just bought a ME-50B (second hand for 100,- €) for some nostalgic reasons and to see if I can use one or two of the effects. Instead buying separate pedals.

[@pdodo388]

I have the Gt-1B and the sounds and programbility are very similar if not exact. That being said the hands on the knobs and stuff is kinda cool. I use 3-4 times a night per gig so .. I probably don't need another piece of gear that does just about what I all ready have with the GT 1B -- but I probably will get it at the some point - why not?? -- i have more than one bass so....

[@4x4andcampingchannel]

Does the gt1b have whammy pedal as a pedal function??

[@adamthecommunicatorsreboot9203]

Like the repetitive kick drum for practice at difference speeds. I suppose you could use that with the looper it has built in and get creative.

[@M2Mil7er]

feeling that Grange Hill vibe 12:44

[@crusherolies8195]

back in like 2005 i bought this pedal, the whole set, power unit, gig bag, a-b switch. its got volume pedal, tuner, compressor and its own EQ and all kids of good effects if you need em. i use only the compressor and volume pedal and tuner (just for touch ups and not a main tuner) but if you fiddle around you can get some good sets, and even may wanna try some of the preloaded setups. the best part to me of this particular unit is that i can plug in an audio device and have the mix of bass and tracks mixed in headphone. major fail of this product? no DI output.

[@rmp5s]

I want this just for the chorus/delay bits.

[@marc-andrec1610]

Same for a lot of people. Used ones often pop out at a cheaper price than a DD-3, I find it's worth it.

[@rmp5s]

Marc-Andre C That'd be awesome. Definitely keeping an eye out for one!

[@brianneal4597]

While I was a bit underwhelmed by this one, it is a good idea to give some exposure to the multieffects available for bass. On the other hand, I enjoyed hearing a little of the Laney combo. Is there a review of the DL series anywhere from you guys? I wish you linked your product reviews/demos from their Anderson's product pages too. Great playing from Nathan as always thanks guys!

[@BarryWorst]

Could you do a video on the Mooer Thunderball?

[@sebastians320]

I still have the one I bought in around 2002

[@SlimRhyno]

Ya'll r epic. ... Oh, and so is everything that BOSS does, has done, and shall ever do.

[@terrylill2363]

Slim Rhyno everything by boss except the metalzone obviously

[@influxxmedia]

Nathan's bass chops though...

[@wyattmcconnell5993]

Would be helpful to know a little more about Nathan's rig -- knowing the kind of stuff he generally chooses for himself would help give a sense of what kind of bias/base-line he brings to the table when playing through different gear.

[@blanepope9557]

Anderton's has a bass show?! How am I just now discovering this?

[@thehunterstruck]

Right! I really enjoy their videos/reviews all together they actually do a great job!

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Musicians!!,..this is a Bassist Gig Machine!!....simple effects that get to the point! You can’t go wrong with Boss!,..(the durability!) all the trademark tones are there!,..that sound awesome on any decent amp set up! I`m STILL blowing folks & fans away even today!! 2020! It CAN hang with all the new fangled gadgets!,..I just grab it,some guitar cables and go to the gig to jam out & have a kick ass-time!! b(`_` )

[@justinjones6810]

+CaptAnderton I would love for you to check out the micro q tron from ehx and compare it to other ones

[@trevcornwall8160]

Don't think much of this product but each to there own! But you guys are really getting into this all about the Bass malarky aye?! Haha very entertaining thank you guys! :-)

[@medicineman7278]

great work 👍 thanks

[@dylc413]

oh my god, I was drinking coffee and didn't expect the "so you just AHHHH" and it just made me bust out laughing xD

[@dashcamvlogs8722]

i fell in love with this pedal because of this video. but im having a hard time finding this pedal here in the Philippines. Its like no one wants to sell. 😔

[@grgbnntt11]

4:11 - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PEDAL

[@agerom]

@17:41 face you got when you receive the pedalboard as a present

[@kblcuk]

Were both Lee and Nathan shouting "WWWAAAAHH!!" when turning on wah pedal? :-D That's what I heard at least.

[@verodos]

Thanks for this demo! Would it work ok for voice too?

[@tomboss7955]

When you use drive sounds with the DI output you need some form of cabinet emulation to roll off some top end, else it will sound way too harsh

[@simonlees2848]

even with that there still not great drive sounds. Some can be ok if you run them into a two notes - le bass that's already slightly driven as a boost

[@budandbean1]

Man, 2004, that's hard to believe... They were that far ahead of their time, I suppose, huh? Ha! Well, I can think of all kinds of places to play it. It's freaking cheap too! Cheers all!

[@davevasquez8052]

I was just wondering when you are going to get around to playing this thing.

[@paulsummerside]

the only problem the Boss ME50B suffers from, is that it is Boss. otherwise it's a great, well thought out unit. I have owned one in the past, and with the addition of the additional footswitch, makes it more useable from a gigging standpoint. but I really don't like that certain tonal colour and character that Boss seems to have to all their pedals.

[@DrZpook]

HEY!!! That's my exact bass

[@forrestmark805]

this thing is so cool

[@stefanomecella7006]

Is it possible to use the kick drum without the loop? I mean, to play it live while playing the bass changing the rithm live?

[@thoyarik]

thx from france guys

[@simonlees2848]

I've had one of these for close to 10 years, i've now replaced the compressor with a MXR, (Running the compressor after the ME-50B tightens up the filters and wah alot and makes them sound much better. Most of the drives suck to much low end or don't sound great (The fuzz works alright as a fuzz) , I use a Two Notes - Le Bass for pretty much all of my drive. You can get a decent synth sound with a octave + fuzz / synth and "Resonance" on the pedal. Other then that I use the Tuner and slow gear (Cello sounds) regularly the filters are fun but I don't have much use for them. i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah200/simotek_net/Mobile%20Uploads/ec3b8726-ff5b-4419-9895-313672577bbb_zpsp9sn7xvp.jpg

[@gmofftarki]

So in memory mode, can you have, for example, both delay and flanger running? Or still just one per footswitch?

[@deldia]

I guess they have some stock to clear

[@ddraigtribe8768]

so, if I already have an ME-80, is there any point in getting an ME50B? Can you programme an ME-80 to make the same noises? I like the functionality of the ME-80 better is all

[@Theio-r4c]

please do share some patch ...too thank u

[@thiagoc.marinho]

ME 50b or Gt1b?

[@Brankas]

Thiago Marinho same question for me...

[@FunkyCrime]

Zoom B3 🙂

[@ethanlancaster76]

GT-1B hands down

[@georgebingham3307]

Is there a version of this where the modulation and delay sections are independently controllable?

[@ethanlancaster76]

George Bingham no, because delay IS modulation 🧐

[@robersabalero]

is possible use two mods at the same time??? like chorus and flanger?

[@valgirard4718]

Hey AMC, maybe you may help me out. My first pedal effects are outta wack like when i'm on enhance, it plays the slow gear effect... Don't know why and what to do. Thanks in advance from Montréal.

[@thomas_the_cat]

still have a working one... these older models were built like a tank 😅

[@EMPextinction]

They were getting some Claypool esc envelope sound

[@stefanozurich]

I'm not too convinced by the drive sounds, but other than that it sounds great.

[@quepasoconloquepaso]

awesome bros

[@Mitchnagel58]

The intro sounds like an intro that I heard on another video... on a different website.

[@megatyaesree]

...propane

[@Cguy7]

+Megat Yaesree I tell ya' H'wat

[@MsMoves]

Does a ME50 without B work for a bass guitar also? Please. Thank you.

[@SetFire2TheNightSky]

I believe the ME50 is for guitar and the ME50b (b for bass) is of course, for bass.

[@lance_cpa1175]

Can you guys do jcm 800

[@eliakimkishpier7743]

How do you do to make the loops?