Zoom Review: 506 Bass

History:

Purchase: I purchased this pedal new from Counce Bros. Music in Muscle Shoals, AL. about two years ago for roughly $150.00 (before the prices went down). I needed an effects unit that was flexible, and cheap in price so if a beer got spilled in it, I wouldn't feel the need to kill a drunken redneck.

What I Like About This Zoom 506 Bass: I like having all these effects at my feet, in one unit. Being a bass player, I don't have the need to run more than one or two effects at a time, so noise really isn't a problem. The Zoom 506 Bass has a great octave effect, the chorus is nice, and when I use the envelope filter in conjunction with a little fuzz, it replicates my old BassBalls pedal nicely. As far as reliability, I have filled it full of sand from playing gigs on the beach, club-owners dogs have taken massive pisses on it, and yes, beer has been spilled in it (the redneck lived, btw). Still cranking out the sounds after several cleanings.

What I Do NOT Like About The Zoom 506 Bass: The only complaint I could have about the Zoom 506 Bass is when I have tried to run several effects at once, there is an ever-present noise that is almost as loud as the original signal. As I stated earlier, this isn't a real-world problem that I have to deal with.

Zoom 506 Bass Quality Rating: The whole unit is plastic, but is still half-way sturdy. Unless your performance includes standing on your effects pedal while doing a ballarina twirl as your high-heel spiked army boots are in flames, you shouldn't have a problem. Effects quality is very high, especially considering the cost of the unit.

Review Summary: Great sounds, lots of effects to choose from, all at good to great quality, cheap in price, and should last a long time. When this one finally dies, I will replace it with one just like it, or the updated version.

Rating of this Zoom product: 5

This Zoom 506 Bass Bass Guitar Effects Review Submitted By: wademanthebassman

Review Date: 2002-08-12