Sorry, bassists: Ibanez "Big Bottom" pedal isn't for you

(Dave Molter | Posted 2011-01-22)

Sorry, bassists: Ibanez "Big Bottom" pedal isn't for you

When a bassist sees a stompbox called the "Big Bottom," he naturally has to assume that someone has seen the movie "This is Spinal Tap," which included that hilarious sendup of heavy metal anthems. Surely, I figured, this is bass effects pedal. Shame on me.

In fact, Ibanez has released three new 9 Series pedals: the JD9, BB9 and TS9B -— but the surprising news is that the BB9 (Big Bottom Boost) is aimed at *sigh* guitarists. However, the TS9 is a bass overdrive/fuzz pedal, maybe not as cool as a Derek Smalls-inspired stomper, but cool nonetheless.

The original 9 Series pedals appeared in the early 1980s, and the Tube Screamer of that era is still highly prized by guitarists. Ibanez began to reissue the 9 Series pedals in 1993, and the current releases expand the reissue. The JD9 Jet Driver (pictured at left) is equipped with massive amounts of output volume, making it ideal for pushing tube amps while offering a wide variety of tones—from smooth overdrive to amp-like distortion.

The BB9 Big Bottom Boost is perfect for the player who wants to push their amp into overdrive without losing any of their low-end. There’s no compromising tone as the BB9 features a super responsive tone control and true bypass switching.

Based on the guitar Tube Screamer, the TS9B is specifically designed for bassists. The TS9 ranges from subtle overdrive to vintage fuzz and everything in between. High and Low controls give the player the ability to dial in just the right sound for their amp.

Pricing for the new 9 Series pedals were not immediately available. For more information about Ibanez Guitars visit us at Ibanez.com and on Facebook.

Ibanez Guitars has a long history dating back to Japan in 1908. The company initially gained a foothold in the US with a line of guitars patterned after popular models by Fender and Gibson. By the mid-1970s, Ibanez had begun to produce unique designs and was among the first companies to premiere a line of neck-through basses with active EQ. Today Ibanez guitars are used by high-profile players such as Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and its basses continue to offer upscale features and looks at affordable prices.

From a press release.

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