'Entry Level' Fuzz? (Poll)

[NoisyShores]

Having completed my quest for an OD pedal (I went w/ a modded Bad Monkey btw), now I'm looking to get an 'entry level' fuzz pedal. Looking for something that'll run me only about $100, with some versatility (since I don't have a precise sound in mind yet). Of course opinions vary (to say the least!), but the pedals listed in my poll all seem like decent options... what do you think? I play a passive P-bass, if that factors into your thinking.

[Phendyr_Loon]

Carrots are always a safe bet when choosing from a poll.

However, since I see no carrots in the poll options I will suggest a Bass Big Muff for reasons of the price point and it being simple to setup.

[Joe Gress]

Smallsound/Bigsound TAFM

[jwr]

Out of those I think the Way Huge pedal sounds the best, plus it was my first fuzz. So yea...that's what I would choose.

[Snakeman1066]

Not in your Poll is the EHX Bass Big Muff (with it's dry switch) IMHO sounds better on bass than anything you have posted in your poll and runs less than $100.00 brand new.....and by most Fuzz Standards it's fairly tame....again IMHO a very good place to start for gaining an introduction to the fuzz world

[rratajski]

Is the entry level meaning you'll sell it in 6 months to upgrade? If so, either get the cheapest option or save up and get something "better" or more versatile.

[NoisyShores]

y'all are confusing me, haha

-Carrots?
-Can you get a Ss/Bs TAFM for $100? None come up in Google Shopping, so I'm not sure what they go for used.
-The EHX Big Bass Muff is the first choice in my poll

[NoisyShores]

Originally Posted by rratajski

Is the entry level meaning you'll sell it in 6 months to upgrade? If so, either get the cheapest option or save up and get something "better" or more versatile.

It means a) i'm not looking to drop a wad of cash and b) something versatile enough so that I can find out how I like to use it, so if in the future I do decide to 'upgrade' I'll know exactly what I'm looking for

[gjbassist]

I don't have one yet but there are a few people here talking about the Joyo Ultimate Octave Fuzz. Heck for under $40 I would at least give it a try.

Amazon.com: JOYO JF-12 Fuzz Ultimate Octave Effect Pedal Green: Musical Instruments

Out of the ones you listed in the poll I really like the Sublime. It is capable of a nice variety of fuzz tones.

[Snakeman1066]

Originally Posted by NoisyShores

y'all are confusing me, haha

-Carrots?
-Can you get a Ss/Bs TAFM for $100? None come up in Google Shopping, so I'm not sure what they go for used.
-The EHX Big Bass Muff is the first choice in my poll

Doesn't read EHX Big Bass Muff it reads Big Muff Pi...which...my mind instantly goes here...

[jwr]

Here's my thoughts. I suggest you find some demo's on youtube or here, read some reviews and if you can, try some of these out. Most of these pedals, if not all, could be tried at Guitar Center or another guitar store. That way you're not flipping it in six months. I loved my Swollen Pickle and probably would get another one if I had the dough. It's a very versatile and underrated fuzz IMO.

The TAFM is amazing and you might be able to find a used one for that much, but probably not. They go new for 175. Used is generally 120ish. The TAFM is made my a boutique company called Smallsound/Bigsound. Check them out. Brian is the man. You could also check out the Grey Stache made my that sexy man a few posts up. Very awesome pedal as well.

[NoisyShores]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

Out of the ones you listed in the poll I really like the Sublime. It is capable of a nice variety of fuzz tones.

Yeah, I found this poll in which the BBM beat out the Sublime, but then when I read the comments I found myself leaning toward the SL... Sounds like the BBM may be preferred by more people, but Sublime fans feel stronger about it.

[NoisyShores]

Originally Posted by Snakeman1066

Doesn't read EHX Big Bass Muff it reads Big Muff Pi...which...my mind instantly goes here...

ah, crap, that was a mistake. Should have read Bass Big Muff Pi

[HolmeBass]

I have not had a chance to try the Sublime, reviews and users here seem to like it a lot, in spite of its large size. But comparing the SP MK II to Big Muff Pi was no contest in my mind- and although I have not tried the Russian variant, I'd be surprised if it was light years better than the standard big muff pi. Of course I could be wrong in that assumption, but the SP is a great fuzz for bass anyway you look at it.

[JamesHommersen]

None of the above. Carrots FTW!

[Josh Pelican]

Going with the Swollen Pickle. I haven't tried the Sublime and I don't like muffs (the pedals, anyway).

[Achtane]

Isn't the Swollen Pickle a muff, or at least very muff-like though?

[sillyfabe]

As someone that has tried all 4 and owns three of those four and loves them dearly that is really hard......I have a passive P-Bass as well so here is my 0.02...

1) EHX BM-PI: sounds really well, no much low-end lose and can get synthy on some settings.

2)EHX Russian BM-PI: this sounds way better (IMHO) than the standard BM-PI. Creamy sustain and overall aggressiveness if need be.

3) Fender Sub-Lime: VERY versatile if you spend some time adjusting the x-freq, tone, and the amount of drive. Useful for more vintage (I use it to play Mean Mr. Mustard) stuff but can do modern rock stuff as well.

4) Way Huge Swollen Pickle: this is THE doom fuzz if you want a nice wall of fuzz. Can get farty on some settings but that may be good if need be. Has the most control overall.

The choice is yours but my order is as follows (based off entry level fuzz)

1) Fender Sub-Lime
2) WHSP
3) EHX R-BM-PI
4) EHX BM-PI

hope that helps!

[NoisyShores]

I'm listening to clips, but I wonder how you'd describe the 'muff sound,' and if you could describe what it is you don't like about it? Just trying to get a sense of what I'm listening for.

[Jazz Ad]

The Guyatone TZ-2 is awesome. It should make your list.