Mo Says...

A gloriously unruly stompbox that turns humble basslines into bubbling synth squelch, octave thunder, and envelope-filter mayhem. Like Parliament-Funkadelic trapped inside a tiny metal crate.

Notable Particulars

• Seven synth-inspired bass effects including envelope filter and octave fuzz
• Tracks surprisingly well for fast funk lines and modern grooves
• Blend control preserves low-end punch and clarity
• Compact, roadworthy DigiTech chassis built for live use
• Delivers classic electro-funk textures without needing a full synth rig

The Details

The DigiTech Bass Synth Wah is one of those delightfully eccentric pedals that emerged during the great late-90s obsession with making bass guitars impersonate spacecraft. And by thunder, it succeeds. Hidden within its compact enclosure are seven distinct synth-style effects ranging from chewy auto-wah sweeps and envelope quacks to thick octave growls and glitchy analogue-style textures.

Unlike many synth pedals of its era, the Bass Synth Wah keeps enough of your original low-end intact to remain genuinely usable in a live mix. That means you can unleash outrageous filter sweeps and synth squelches without vanishing beneath the drummer’s enthusiasm. A rare and noble achievement.

The controls are straightforward but surprisingly flexible, allowing players to dial in subtle Bootsy-style movement or full electronic meltdown. It particularly shines with funk, electro, industrial, synth-pop, and experimental bass work, though adventurous guitarists have also been known to coax strange cosmic noises from it after midnight.

Tracking is solid for a pedal of its generation, especially on clean playing styles, and the various modes each possess their own peculiar personality. Some sound smooth and vowel-like, others sputter and snarl like a modular synth held together with caffeinated optimism.

For bassists seeking vintage synth flavour without hauling keyboards onto the stage, the DigiTech Bass Synth Wah remains a cult favourite and a wonderfully mischievous addition to any pedalboard.