Which Fuzz Pedal Also Gives Definition?

[Pilgrim]

I like the sound of fuzz on some numbers, especially the old Link Wray stuff my surf band plays. However, I find that when I kick in the fuzz, my bass notes tend to lose definition and it's harder to hear them in the mix. Minimizing the fuzz effect helps, but that also tends to defeat the point of using the effect.

How do you folks deal with this? Boost the gain when fuzz kicks in? ...or have you discovered a pedal that gives the fuzz effect but still leaves the bass sound well-defined?

[Connor]

maybe a zvex woolly mammoth.
or fuzz factory

both expensive though

http://zvex.com/mammoth.html
http://zvex.com/fuzz.html

[Max Roberts]

Zvex Woolly Mammoth and the Chunk Systems Brown Dog will both do this pretty well...

Not sure about any others, a MXR Blowtorch might aswell actually.

A blender pedal used with your current fuzz may do the trick, I'm not completely sureo n that though.

[assboglin]

Sometimes an EQ pedal makes a nice partner to a fuzz. The MXR Blowtorch is a fuzz with a powerful EQ and a blend right on it.

[Swimming Bird]

+1 to EQ. I used to use an EQ right after my fuzz and it worked wonders.

That or a blend pedal/y-split cables would work just fine. Assuming you don't want to go get a new fuzz.

+1 -- ZVex Fuzz Factory is the most fun I've ever had with a fuzz pedal.

[Pilgrim]

Cool - I'm hearing about some units I've never heard of before...more comments welcomed.

[syciprider]

That specific one that Larry uses has to take the cake.

[opivy3056]

Effector 13/Devi Ever USA makes about every kind of fuzz you could imagine.

I really like my Vintage Fuzz Master. It's a vintage styled fuzz with octave up overtone.

The octave up really helps you cut through the mix. And the fuzz itself is very pleasant and beefy.

check out devi's site, maybe you'll see something else that would interest you.

http://www.deviever.com

Good luck!

PS I mention devi a lot because I love her stuff and fuzz pedals in general

[markjazzbassist]

Use a Gated Fuzz. Lovetone Cheese Source, Zvex Wooly Mammoth, Chunk Systems Brown Dog, all will do the trick.

[Pilgrim]

I should mention - I have a 60's Univox Super-Fuzz. Very aggressive, but doesn't cut through...

And syciprider, who's Larry?

[eshears]

Originally Posted by markjazzbassist

Use a Gated Fuzz. Lovetone Cheese Source, Zvex Wooly Mammoth, Chunk Systems Brown Dog, all will do the trick.

Or a Zoom Ultra Fuzz...lots of definition if you want...

[Jared Lash]

I'm guessing Larry Graham . . .

As for the OP's question, there aren't any fuzzes that add definition. A fuzz drastically clips your signal, which gives it the fuzz tone, but also reduces the quality of the note. That's their function.

Some have suggested a blend (letting more clean tone in) or a gated fuzz (which cleans things up a bit by not having the fuzz sounding when you aren't playing a note) which are good suggestions, but understand that you will always lose some definition with a fuzz. It's just the nature of the beast.

[Jazz Ad]

I'm very shocked to see so many people using "definition" and "wooly mammoth" in the same sentence. This pedal is well known for delivering shameless gargling.
I suggest a Frantone lo-tone.

[NYCBass]

I know you have never heard of this pedal, but I use an Audio Monk Fuzz Potion. It has two settings Twiggy & Wiggy. One is a standard type of fuzz that keeps true to your tone. The other is a big thick fuzz that adds low end and sustain to your fuzz tone. Something to look into.

[rodl2005]

I LOVE the LArry Graham fuzz sound & to get the best version of it-for me anyway- I've found the green -Russian- EHX Big Muff to be superb.

[JanusZarate]

Fuzz is a tricky effect to use if you're playing fast. For slow playing, a heavy fuzz with definition problems ends up working pretty well. But speed it up, and you'll get mud.

Brighter or mid-heavy fuzz pedals, fuzz pedals with flexible EQs, and fuzz pedals with blend circuits have less problems with definition, but you may not like the tone of some of them (or you might love them more! ). Playing with a pick allows for more clarity in many cases.

Fuzz doesn't fit in everywhere. Keep that in mind before you decide to use fuzz on every song, because if your band likes to use a lot of guitar distortion, there will be mix issues.

[Thangfish]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

I'm very shocked to see so many people using "definition" and "wooly mammoth" in the same sentence. This pedal is well known for delivering shameless gargling.

No kiddin'. Unbelievable.

[ricknote]

The MXR blowtorch is great for that.
The eq effects only the distortion!
This allows you to roll a good bit of low end out,
boost the mids and roll off the highs for warmth.

Then blend in the right amount on crunch with
your direct "uneffected" signal via the "blend" control.

This gives you solid lows and furry mids. Nice.

[Earwaxsculptor]

Malekko B:assmaster.

Just got one, once you get comfortable with the pedal it is easy to dial in a very tight fuzz sound.

[zongeek]

Frantone Bassweet is a great one.