Difference between 3 effects?

[Pilgrim]

After recent discussions, I think I need help with a basic question.

What is the difference between these three types of effects?

1) Fuzz
2) Distortion
3) Overdrive

I have the general impression that a fuzz sounds like a blown speaker, and that either distortion or overdrive (not sure which) sounds like a tube amp pushed too hard (aka: overdriven into distortion...which doesn't help.) I have absolutely no clue what the difference is between distortion and overdrive.

I may be entirely wrong. So please, edjumacate me!

[OhThePeacock]

This may not be all that helpful but the difference is the intensity of them overdrive is anything from a slight boost to a very light distortion. This can also be easily accessed while using a tube amp as they can be overdriven easily.

Distortion is the next step up and for me the difference between a dist. and fuzz is hard to explain.

Fuzz sounds better on bass in most contexts IMO.

[nad]

It's in the FAQ yo, top thread, this forum. SAME BAT CHANNEL.

Overdrive and distortion are nearly interchangeable to me, fuzz is a completely different animal.

[dancehallclasher]

They're subjective terms regarding the amount of clipping going on. It's like asking what the difference is between green, aqua, and blue.

[bongomania]

1) FAQ, FAQ, FAQ.
2) like green, aqua, and blue, there are widely-accepted "real" definitions of each, and there is also a lot of room for personal interpretation about the "line" between them.

[Pilgrim]

Hey thanks - it is indeed covered in the FAQ. Will fall back and re-read! I must have really screwed up on my search terms.

[JanusZarate]

We were just complaining about another thread on this today, too.

Sorry to pick on you, but it really does come up a lot. It hadn't been mentioned in a while, but the past few days have had some deja-vu moments.

[Pilgrim]

No problem at all. I'm often one of those who refers people to search or FAQ. My bad.