When it comes to portability in musical instruments, we can all appreciate what technology is doing. No one could have imagined that they can make a full band alone and play with different percussion instruments.
A stompbox is one accessories instrument that makes this possible. This a simple instrument that makes bass drum sounds when played.
Suppose you want to buy the best stompbox. There are so many products that it becomes overwhelming, especially to newbies.
In this guide, we will be looking at some of the best stompbox products on the market.
What is a stompbox?
A stompbox is one of the best guitar effects used by percussionists today. It consists of a small wooden box placed under the foot and is stamped rhythmically to mimic a bass drum’s sound.
As stated above, it is all about portability. If you are looking to get the classic bass sound without needing a full set, this is the best instrument. It eliminates the need for a drummer in your production.
A stompbox is a simple solution that ensures you get your bass drum sound without much trouble. It is a great way to add more life to your performance.
Who is a stompbox for?
Modern music, especially instruments, is quite demanding. It is not only in the price but in the space too.
Hence, some musicians want to make fuller bands without spending too much on personnel. Hiring a drummer, for instance, can be quite expensive.
Stompboxes are a perfect solution for such artists. It lets them produce a full band sound on their own.
If you are a solo artist, you want to give your audience the performance, and this could be such a brilliant addition.
The best part is, stompboxes are really easy to use. All you have to do is play as though you are stamping your feet, and the sound just comes out. They are connected to an audio output, making it easy to get what you need.
These devices are used as a foot drum for guitar players. However good you are as a guitarist, sometimes impressing your audience is just not easy. But adding in more sounds gives you a better shot at this.
You only need to learn rhythm and stomp your foot while playing. And just like that, you have a percussion in your set.
What is the best StompBox?
With so many stompbox manufacturers around, it is hard to know the right product. Each maker promises a different feature and benefits from their products.
But it takes a lot more than just looks to get the right stompbox. There are a few things to put in mind. Consider the following:
- Your need. The best stomp box depends on how you want to use it. Each of us has different needs, and it is important to understand what a stompbox can do to satisfy those needs. For instance, a solo artist looking to add some flavor in the performance can use a more energetic box.
- Your budget. As it is with many other products, the best stomp box depends on how much you want to spend. There are all ranges from expensive to budget. Priced differences generally arise from brands and features. It could also be due to different versions of the same product.
- Features. Stompboxes are electronic devices that come with a wide range of features. For instance, Roland SPD-1 and the Meinl digital stompbox are among the most expensive choices. But you get an extended range of sounds and the ability to play bespoke samples during your performance.
- Quality. You should never compromise on the quality of your stompbox. Not every product that comes out has the best service for you. The last thing you want is something you step on, and it breaks before you start enjoying it.
Based on these, features, here are the top choices the market has to offer:
Meinl Percussion Digital Stompbox
Meinl is one of my favorite brands of drum related gear. The company has been on the market for a long time, and they understand what users need.
And the Meinl Percussion Digital Stomp Box does not disappoint. This hands-free and simple use percussion instrument carries built-in piezo technology that helps you create percussion sounds by simply tapping your foot.
It is a wonderful piece of equipment. Its compact, lightweight, and precision design offers incredible services. It is constructed from solid mahogany for a premium feel.
The piezo technology is the best for picking up velocity sensitivity. This means you get a seamless dynamic response.
It features five useful sounding samples. It also has a USB port that lets you load a bespoke sample. Hence, you have up to six sounds to choose from and which you can easily change.
Pros
- The best stompbox for guitarists
- Velocity-sensitive piezo
- Simple and easy to use.
Cons
- Perhaps the price could be a bit high for some users.
Roland SPD-1 E- Stomp Box
There are very few companies that make as great electronic drums as Roland. And once again, they prove just how far they are willing to go to make you feel happy.
The SPD-1 Stomp Box could easily be the best stompbox you will ever come across. It is a standalone percussion instrument featuring 22 killer sounds.
The quality of this product is what makes it a favorite choice for many users. It will integrate seamlessly with any drum or percussion rig.
If you are a musician looking for the best kick drum sound, you can never go wrong with this one. Besides, USB connectivity means you can load your own samples.
Pros
- Best quality product
- A wide range of realistic sounds
- A portable design
Cons
- You will need a PA or Amplifier to use it.
Meinl Percussion BassBox Stomp Box
One good thing about Meinl is that they cater to all types of users. And here is one of the most affordable stompboxes.
The Meinl Percussion BassBox Stomp Box does not require plugging in or power to use. This feature makes it very portable and simple.
But it does not come with a bass pedal, which could be a huge disadvantage. It comes with a secure attachment, though, on which you can mount any pedal.
The stompbox is constructed using the Baltic birch. This is why it gives out a fantastic, warm punch that will always make the listener smile.
Pros
- A brilliant addition for foot percussion
- A porthole on the front for mic
- No plugging on or power
Cons
- It is quite bulky
- Missing bass drum pedal
Logarhythm Stomp Box
If you are looking for an electronic stompbox with a classic touch, look no further. The Logarhythm StompBox a wooden device that looks and feels vintage.
It is passive, which means you have to run through your guitar amp. However, you don’t need additional power, which makes it highly functional.
It is a simple, mid-range priced stompbox that offers some of the best sounds out there. It is also very easy to use.
Pros
- Beautiful sound
- Quality construction
- Good for guitarists
Cons
- It is a bit bulky
Wazinator Dropkick Stomp Box
Another wonderful stompbox is the Wazinator Dropkick. It is a great device that does not require a power supply. Just connect to an amp or a preamp, and you are good to go.
The stompbox comes with a high gain output and delivers powerful and punchy sounds. It gives out kick drum sounds with easy to use features.
It is a perfect solution for guitarists looking to make an impression.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Sturdy design
- Punchy sounds
Cons
- Only works for acoustic and blues music
- Only one sound
How does stompbox work?
A stompbox is a pretty simple device that mimics the sound of a bass drum. It has been designed to work by stamping your foot.
The stompboxes reviewed above emulate a kick drum. This means you don’t need a drummer or the drum to produce beautiful percussion sounds.
How do you make a stompbox?
The best way to get a stompbox would be to buy one. But if you don’t have the money, you can always make one yourself.
You can make a simple stompbox using a speaker box. All you need is:
- An old speaker
- ¼ inch mono jack female
- Working tools ( saw, screwdrivers, drill, wood glue, soldering iron
- Soldier
Begin by disassembling the speaker. You can simply remove the front section along and leave the rest of the speaker for use.
Now you can work on the box using the tools listed above. Some speakers have metal brackets that put it at the back of the mount, while some are in front.
Cut the speaker to your perfect size, blue out the dust, and attach the other parts. It is that easy.
What is a guitar effect?
The guitar effect is an electronic device that changes the sound of the guitar. Common effects include distortion, dynamic, and filters.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to pick the right stompbox, you should make better music. Just be sure to go for something that works for you.
