Favorite amp for dirt, especially fuzz

[Jared Lash]

I've been thinking about doing some amp shopping soon and was just curious to hear from fellow effects forumites.

Of the rigs you've used, what is your favorite when using overdrive, distortion and fuzz?

I'm not a "fuzz always on" doom player so it won't be solely basing my decision on it, but I'm very curious to hear what amp sounds best with fuzz in your opinions.

[zachoff]

My Bassman 135 takes amazingly well to all forms of effects (that I've tried, at least). Bums me out that it's not loud enough because if it was I'd use it over my SVT.

**edit**

I think any 2 (parallel) channel amp would be your best bet though. The #1 gripe about fuzz/disto is a loss of bottom so if you run one channel clean and the other channel dirty you can get a pretty good amount of fuzz without losing bottom.

[Eric!]

SUBSCRIBED!!!!

[Din Of Win]

Are you asking which head takes dirt PEDALS well, or an amp that gets dirty on its own?


IME: My Kustom200 gets AMAZING dirty tone when cranked

If you want a amp that TAKES dirt pedals well, sell a kidney and get a Sunn 2000s.

[Jared Lash]

Originally Posted by Din Of Win

Are you asking which head takes dirt PEDALS well, or an amp that gets dirty on its own?


IME: My Kustom200 gets AMAZING dirty tone when cranked

If you want a amp that TAKES dirt pedals well, sell a kidney and get a Sunn 2000s.

Ah good distinction. I'm primarily looking for an amp that will TAKE dirt pedals well.

Even if it's an all-tube head I'd rather use a pedal for distortion mostly because I don't play gigs at super high volume.

[Jared Lash]

Originally Posted by zachoff

I think any 2 (parallel) channel amp would be your best bet though. The #1 gripe about fuzz/disto is a loss of bottom so if you run one channel clean and the other channel dirty you can get a pretty good amount of fuzz without losing bottom.

Good point. But both of my main fuzzes have a clean blend and my OD doesn't lose any low end.

For reference, my current rigs are a GK 1001RB-II with two 410s and a TecAmp Puma 1000 with an LDS fEarful 15/6.

I dig them both but was looking for something a bit "woolier" that would sound good with dirt and my other effects as well.

Thanks for the responses so far.

[Eric!]

That's why they make attenuators

[MaxMaps]

A Dwarcraft Love Buzz would probably sound oh so good with fuzz.

[Eric!]

Originally Posted by MaxMaps

A Dwarcraft Love Buzz would probably sound oh so good with fuzz.

DO FRIGGIN WANT! Especially covered in burlap!

[Darkstrike]

I've not much experience with amps, but, I always like 1x15's for dirt and fuzz, though, I seem to like a 1x12 just a hair more for cleans.

Yeah, I know thats just speakers, but it's about all the input I have.

[Joe Gress]

GK 700RB-II

Jared Warren used one, and that was hell of enough proof to me that dirt plus GK sounds incredible. I do like the 700 better than the 1001 though due to the fact that it's warmer and more aggressive at lower volumes than the 1001. The 1001 just stays too clean and precise until you get into good god almighty levels of sound.

[ccpbass]

I prefer and would recommend an all tube head paired with a closed back,non ported cabinet sans tweeter. A tube head will give you a nice full and rounded sound with a touch of natural compression although, the bass response will not be as tight as a SS head. Here are a few personal picks: Anything Sunn, Ampeg V-4b, Traynor YBA-1 and a Fender/Sunn 300t.
A cab without a tweeter will even out some of the harsh buzz- saw type tones that some pedals produce. For example I have a Tronographic Rusty Box, which through a tweeter sounds like a blizzard of nails. Without a tweeter it still has that bite but without the harshness. The only downside is that if you use flanging or phasing type effects they may not be as pronounced without a tweeter/horn.
I say play as many amps you can before making a decision. I feel that a good amp/cab rig will make any decent bass and or effect pedal sound even better.

[RickenBoogie]

Most all tube heads do the pedals justice, but particularly Mesa's Buster is a great amp with a fuzz pedal. Kinda gives ya goose bumps good.

[slurpy]

i quite like my Hartke 3500 (head) with my Hartke 4x10s.

although i seem to prefer things most bassists i know dont eg. using the 4x10's for fuzz/effects and the 1x15 for clean

[vegas532]

I just wanted to add one little thing to this...I adore the sound of 12" speakers on bass for dirt.

[Mudfuzz]

Mesa 400+
Orange Thunderverb 200
Sunn 200s

Originally Posted by vegas532

I just wanted to add one little thing to this...I adore the sound of 12" speakers on bass for dirt.

I agree. I love 12s!

[whoatherechunk]

i've always thought that the boogie 400+ excelled with dirt pedals. i also have a v4b and i never thought that, that head took pedals that well. my personal opinion....

[TaySte_2000]

Dynacord MV15 but good luck finding one or doing a gig with one

I've found I prefer my GT200 greatly over my 400+ for fx in the gain area, that might just be that the gt200 is easier to push headroom wise.

[MAMMOTHvolume]

i do love my superbass for fuzzzzzzzz

[faceinbass]

Sovtek 50w Bassov Rhythm 'n Blues Bass Amplifier.
Sunn Concert/Coliseum/Beta bass amps.
Traynor YB1
Traynor TS50-B
GK 800RB
AIMS 120w Valve Bass Amp

All different, all good for fuzz ime.