Hey everyone! Sérgio Rodrigues here, and I’m beyond excited to bring you a very special video review. Why? Because today I’m showcasing my brand-new pedal and latest partnership—with none other than SoloDallas!
That’s right. I’ve officially joined forces with the legendary SoloDallas team to bring you a deep dive into a pedal that has already become an essential part of my setup: the BASS-X.
A Quick Word Before We Dive In
If you’re not already subscribed to Sérgio’s channel, hit that subscribe button—he’s even running giveaways through Apoia‑se for pedals, strings, and more. Big shout-out to Start B, SoloDallas’s official Brazilian distributor, for handling logistics so Sérgio could get the BASS‑X at his fingertips.
What’s the SoloDallas BASS‑X?
The BASS‑X is a bass-specific evolution of the iconic Schaffer Replica. The original circuit behind it was born in the 1970s, inside the Schaffer‑Vega Diversity System—a wireless unit that revolutionized rock tone by boosting signal strength and adding tone-shaping compression. Legendary players—including Angus Young of AC/DC—used it throughout Back in Black.
SoloDallas founder Fil Olivieri rebuilt this tone-making engine, first as the EX Tower rack unit, then the Storm pedal for guitar, and now the BASS‑X—voiced and optimized for bass players.
Guitarists: Storm • Bassists: BASS‑X
They share the same core circuit, but each is tailored to its instrument. Bass players need deep lows preserved with clarity—enter the BASS‑X. Guitar players, grab the Storm.
Inside the Pedal: Simplicity Meets Sonic Power
The BASS‑X combines elegance and versatility with just three intuitive knobs:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Gain | Shapes low-mid harmonic richness – tasty overdrive without losing punch |
| Boost | Up to +31 dB of clean boost – drive your amp or stand strong in the mix |
| Limiter | Optical limiter inspired by Ken Schaffer’s circuit – manage dynamics naturally, keeping tone tight |
The BASS‑X In Action: Tone That Commands Presence
In Sérgio’s rig, the pedal lives between his preamp and amp. He emphasizes:
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Big midrange presence and punch
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Thick, drive-laden tone with low-end clarity intact
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Responsiveness to limiter settings—from open and textured to tight and controlled
“It doesn’t just add gain—it refines it.”
Why Bassists Can’t Stop Using It
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100% analog, inspired by the EX Tower—fast, dynamic, and musical
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Perfect for both live and studio—hard grooves, clean boosts, and tone shaping
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“Secret weapon” used by legends like Pino Palladino, Billy Sheehan, and Rudy Sarzo
Final Thought
The SoloDallas BASS‑X is more than a pedal—it’s tone magic for bassists, designed to deliver presence, punch, and clarity in every performance. If you're ready to upgrade from flat to full-spectrum tone, this is your tool.
👉 Ready to Level Up Your Bass Sound?
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Order now from SoloDallas: The Schaffer Replica® - BASS‑X
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Brazilian? Buy through Start B (link in Sérgio’s review)
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Want to hear more? Watch Sérgio’s full video demo!
