Tech 21 Introduces Killer Blue Wail – A Bass Wah Pedal That Keeps the Low-End Intact
Tech 21 has expanded their lineup of wah pedals with three new models, including the bass-specific Killer Blue Wail. As part of the Killer Wail series, the pedal is designed to offer the “tonal integrity of vintage wahs and overcomes familiar shortcomings,” such as noise and breaking parts. It’s constructed from solid billet aluminum and utilizes light sensor technology to avoid pops and scratchiness.
“Rather than utilizing simple band-pass or low-pass filters, the Killer Wail’s faithful emulation uses a specially-designed filter,” Tech 21 explains. “It not only changes the frequency, it also changes the Q, which is the sharpness of the filter. Unlike guitar wahs, the Killer Blue Wail for bass keeps the low-end intact.”
It also features a spring-loaded rocker to return the pedal to the bypass position, letting you press forward to engage the effect and release when you’re done.
Hear the pedal in this quick demo from Tim Starace:
The Killer Blue Wail runs on a 9-volt battery or a 9-volt power supply. It will be shipping in April or May with a TBD price point.
Tech 21 Killer Blue Wail Wah Pedal Features:
| Measures: 3.375″w x 8.0″l x 1.75″h |
| Weight: 24 oz. |
| Operable with 9V alkaline battery (not included) |
| Optional DC power supply is available: Tech 21 model #DC9. |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
OK, I am a guitar player trying to learn bass. I am old, and remember when pedals and other items first came out. While I totally understand why guitar players want pedals for various sounds, I must admit I am totally confused as to why a bass player wants to change the natural sound of a bass more than the simple adjustments provided with the instrument. I am sure different brands have specific sounds or there would only be one manufacturer, so players have numerous choices and I realize that players have different brands, strings, etc., to produce the sound they want.
Can someone suggest some recorded examples of bass players using these items so I can learn why they are used and what exactly they do to change the sound of the bass.
Sorry to be so dense; it never occurred to me that bass players wanted to dramatically alter the basic bass sounds.
Cheers!
There are actually tons of bass players that enjoy using various effects just as much as guitar players do. The wah on bass, in particular, has been used by such artists as Black Sabbath, Metallica, Muse, to name a few. Here’s a video we found on YT for reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqaxv0s0oA4. Hope this helps!