bass distortion
Darkglass B3K / Microtubes
| Maker | Darkglass |
|---|---|
| Type | bass distortion |
| Introduced | 2011 |
| Price | USD 259.99 (2026-09) |
| Status | current |
A compact bass overdrive pedal from Darkglass, and the model that made the Microtubes circuit widely known.
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Why it matters
The Microtubes B3K is the pedal that established Darkglass with bass players who wanted distortion without losing the bottom end of the signal. It sits mid-way through the company's pedal range in price, above the entry pedals and below the larger preamp units. Blending clean and driven signal is the feature that separates it from a generic distortion box, which is why it turns up on so many bass boards.
Note
THE modern bass overdrive — shaped a generation of prog-metal bass tone.
Specifications
- Scale length: unknown
- Neck shape: unknown
Before you buy
- Blend control matters more than gain for keeping low end
- Decide between a pedal and a preamp/DI for the rig
- Confirm the current revision being sold
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
The Bass Channel · 2017-10 · 153,160 views
“Signal chain: Will - Various basses* - Microtubes B3K V2 - Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 - Fender Rumble 4x10 - Shure Beta 52 1.”
The Microtubes B3K V2 bass overdrive run through its gain and tone range.
Patrick Hunter · 2015-10 · 126,404 views
“So the Darkglass B3K is probably the best overdrive pedal I have ever used.”
A bass played through the Darkglass B3K with the drive dialled from subtle to full.