Effects for bass???

[Tony]

I think that loads of the guitar effects actually sound great with my bass, so I just use all of them even if they are 'meant' for guitar

I think you are right.  I went for a walk last night and had a listen to Sly and the Family Stone on the iPod.  Hearing Larry Graham's bass made me feel I was being very conservative when it came to effects.

[Davo]

I use the first bass effect (Its not solo or crunch), and have activated the expander effect.  With compression is sounds punchy and clear,  a great  p-bass tone.
I have a humble squire p that I just set up, and i can tell you new basses usually need a truss adjustment, saddle height adjustment and finally the intonation set.  Also make sure all the screws that fasten the bass together are tight, and I usually move the pups closer to the strings also.  A bass should not rattle on open strings.

Oh I usually use a pick (ultex) but have also used a steel pick and rubber picks that when plucked over the neck give a decent upright bass tone.
Im a guitarist first but its so much fun coming up with new grooves and songs on my bass and synth.  Its kinda like speaking in another language or something!