El Grande bass Fuzz micro-review

Thunderscreech · #1 08-14-2008, 11:19 AM

I got one about a week or so ago, after lusting after it for longer. I just recently decided to start exploring the thing's full potential.

By that, I mean I opened up the back of it and tweaked the trim pot that controls the amount of Deep that the Deep Switch boosts. On factory setting, it's like a vibratory assault on the bowels, with very little tone retention. So I backed it off a little bit, and soon it turned into a quite pleasant and usable fuzz. The range is impressive, it goes from a light growl to a full-on aggro-assault. The way I set the deep switch makes it noticeable, but more in the sense of when you turn it off you miss it.

All-in-all, I'm impressed by this little pedal. Hopefully with more time I'll be able to make it a more permanent part of my rig.

OptimusPrime · #2 08-14-2008, 11:25 AM

Buzzy?

Thunderscreech · #3 08-14-2008, 11:34 AM

A little bit. Depends on where you set the Tone and Fuzz knobs.

Valerus · #4 08-14-2008, 11:36 AM

I'm glad others are liking the pedal. I disliked any tone I got out of it.

Thunderscreech · #5 09-16-2008, 03:43 PM

Update: I have discovered that this pedal sounds better with a DI, or some sort of tube emulator between it and the amp.

My speculations are that, since Dunlop claims it was based off of an 70's fuzz circuit, my guess is that since most everyone was using tubes in the 70's on both guitar and bass amps, that this circuit is designed to operate better with tubes.
Or it could also be amp is use (BA115 SP), but at any rate, that's my guess and I'm sticking to it.

Has anyone else observed the same thing, be it with a real tube amp or emulator?

**grygrx** · #6 09-16-2008, 04:00 PM

I've only used it with a DI (Radial JDI Passive) and a Tube Amp. What do you mean by... "Performs Better".

barium · #7 09-16-2008, 04:05 PM

I was pretty "meh" about it at first, then I realized how awesome it sounds before a delay. Now I'm all giggly and tingly when playing... It's almost erotic.

Thunderscreech · #8 09-16-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grygrx

I've only used it with a DI (Radial JDI Passive) and a Tube Amp. What do you mean by... "Performs Better".

I should've said "Sounds Better". Glad you caught that.

And I also should have mention that I used it with a Behringer BDI21. Any SansAmp BassDriveresque DI will do better what the behringer does (and probably without the mysterious German radio crosstalk)

afroman · #9 09-19-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barium

I was pretty "meh" about it at first, then I realized how awesome it sounds before a delay. Now I'm all giggly and tingly when playing... It's almost erotic.

I agree with that, I tried it with my new Carbon Copy delay and the fuzzy delayed sounds are awesome. The CC is an amazing delay pedal BTW.