Distortion vs fuzz - Difference?

[busta_bird]

I realize this question might possibly be on the edge of retardation, but I'm just now getting into the world off bass effects. I have a Big Muff Pi, and should be getting a VT in a few days. I've been looking at the Aguilar Octave pedal, then ran across a Swollen Pickle. What exactly is a fuzz pedal and how is it different from a distortion pedal?

[Mudfuzz]

Originally Posted by tplyons from TB FX EFFECTS Forum Rules and FAQ -- MUST READ sticky ;)

Difference between overdrive, distortion, and fuzz:

Overdrive, distortion and fuzz are often used interchangeably, but in a nutshell can be used to describe three degrees of the same effect: overdrive being a slightly grittier tone often heard in tube amps, distortion being a much dirtier tone while still retaining note definition, and fuzz tends to be a much more extreme distortion where note definition begins to be lost.

On a technical basis: overdrive refers to soft clipping, whereas the extremes of a sine wave are compressed a bit, distortion compresses them significantly more, and fuzz cuts off the tips.

This ^ is why there are stickies...

[bigchiefbc]

To me, the difference between distortion and fuzz is as easy as comparing the tone of early Metallica (distortion) to Siamese Dream-era Smashing Pumpkins (fuzz).

[Mudfuzz]

Also interms of actual effect units Fuzz has been around the longest and even before they were made as units fuzz has been around from like 1960...