Best (affordable) bass fuzz pedal for modern surf?

billiam5billion · #1 11-17-2011, 10:51 AM

After a year of my band playing pretty standard blues/country, we've started straying into more experimental territory, and our latest song is a fuzzed-out psychedelic surf jam. Only problem is, for years I've been using nothing but a combo, a tuner and my bass. Now I need some fuzz and my amp's (GK MB150) pre just won't cut it. I'd like something under 100 bucks, simple to use, that won't cut out my low end. I use a custom P bass with a Rio Grande vintage pickup. Any suggestions would help!

newmachine · #2 11-17-2011, 11:07 AM

MXR El Grande comes first in my mind...

billiam5billion · #3 11-17-2011, 11:41 AM

Looked into it, pretty good start. Any more suggestions?

MSUsousaphone · #4 11-17-2011, 11:42 AM

Full Custom Repair's Barnacle. You can grab that for $100 used, a lot of times.

It's a bit rough, though....maybe not for surf jam.

Valerus · #5 11-17-2011, 02:20 PM

You say "modern" surf then mention psychedelic stuff. Those are kinda...completely different.

billiam5billion · #6 11-17-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

You say "modern" surf then mention psychedelic stuff. Those are kinda...completely different.

Then don't make a suggestion. Sorry for confusing you.

Kwesi · #7 11-17-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billiam5billion

Then don't make a suggestion. Sorry for confusing you.

Usually you want to be as clear as possible when asking a question so that we can provide adequate responses. Also, it's a good idea to be nice to people you ask for advice.

billiam5billion · #8 11-17-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwesi

Usually you want to be as clear as possible when asking a question so that we can provide adequate responses. Also, it's a good idea to be nice to people you ask for advice.

Oh man, I just wanted suggestions for a decent fuzz pedal for less than 100 bucks. I wish I could come over to the guy's house and play the song I'm talking about, but I described it as best I could. Think Link Wray mixed with Black Angels. Far-out, dirgy, but with surf riffs. Didn't mean to piss off your golf buddy.

sharpbass · #9 11-17-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billiam5billion

Oh man, I just wanted suggestions for a decent fuzz pedal for less than 100 bucks. I wish I could come over to the guy's house and play the song I'm talking about, but I described it as best I could. Think Link Wray mixed with Black Angels. Far-out, dirgy, but with surf riffs. Didn't mean to piss off your golf buddy.

I think I see where this is going...

billiam5billion · #10 11-17-2011, 04:51 PM

I'm sorry kwesi, didn't mean to be so brash

caeman · #11 11-17-2011, 05:36 PM

GFS Pro Fuzz
YouTube Demo

caeman · #12 11-17-2011, 05:38 PM

Danelectro Cool Cat Fuzz

Kwesi · #13 11-17-2011, 06:05 PM

LOL, I'm not the PC police or anything, was just sayin'. I'm sure we all want the thread to be productive and whatnot. The MXR El Grande does sound like it'll fit the bill.

caeman · #14 11-17-2011, 06:07 PM

I am big a fan of the de Lisle Fuzz on guitar and bass.

RickenBoogie · #15 11-17-2011, 06:10 PM

Yeah, I'd be more inclined to help out if the op wasn't such a hole with those replies. It's just bad manners. Besides, fuzz is probably the #1 topic around here, with scores of threads. Not too many good fuzz boxes that cheap that I'm aware of.

caeman · #16 11-17-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Yeah, I'd be more inclined to help out if the op wasn't such a hole with those replies. It's just bad manners. Besides, fuzz is probably the #1 topic around here, with scores of threads. Not too many good fuzz boxes that cheap that I'm aware of.

'tis true. Time to find the diamonds in the rough.

Slightly more expensive is the Big Foot FX Spaghetti Western Fuzz. If you want 60's style honky, horn-like fuzz this is the fuzz for you.

mouthmw · #17 11-18-2011, 01:01 AM

MXR Blow Torch. Cuts through great. And has a blend knob.

KramerK · #18 11-18-2011, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

You say "modern" surf then mention psychedelic stuff. Those are kinda...completely different.

how do you figure?

ryano · #19 11-18-2011, 06:11 AM

I recently went on a search for a fuzz box. One of the best resources for samples, besides youtube, is bassfuzz.com.

In the end I ended up with a Way Huge Swollen Pickle. Killer fuzz box for bass once you tweak the internal trim pots. It looks like they can be had for around 99 beans (just under the 100 dollar limit :-) ).

Enjoy the hunt.
--ryano

billiam5billion · #20 11-18-2011, 09:23 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions folks! Sorry for seeming rude, such is the nature of sarcasm on the internet. Doesn't translate well. The El Grande seems to be what I'm looking for, and they've got em on ebay for 79 bucks shipped free.

FWIW, Surf music is largely instrumental, guitar-driven, and emphasizes tone with lots of effects. It's also very improvisational and promotes long jams. Psychedelic music follows a lot of the same criteria. They were also both developed in the early 60's. I just think that one blends well with the other.