Fuzz pedal suggestions?

[Colin.Lush]

I'm looking at getting a fuzz pedal, any suggestions on what to get or what to stay away from?

[René_Julien]

My two favourite fuzzes are: BOSS FZ-5 and Ibanez Tonelok Bass Synthesizer.

Yup, you heard me: bass synthesizer.

[vegas532]

Let me you help not get flamed by the search nazis...what type of sound are you going for? There are so many different flavors of fuzz out there, it helps to give some type of example of what you're after.

[RCCollins]

At its price point, the ehx Bass Big Muff is pretty hard to beat. It's arguably the best "vintage" fuzz for bass, but it's not limited to old-school tones. If you want a real buzzsaw-type modern bass fuzz, you might look elsewhere - and you'll probably be spending more on it.

[Jared Lash]

This may come off more rude than I intend, but you'll get a lot more help with a more thought out and specific post.

For example, if you said, "Hi, I'm looking for a fuzz. I play all passive jazz basses in a post-rock band and am looking for a fuzz sound like in Myxomatosis, then I would tell you to check out the Audio Monk "Fuzz Potion".

The more details you give (including your price range) the better we can help. Otherwise you'll just get people listing their favorites which may or may not work for you.

[René_Julien]

Originally Posted by TheBigO

Otherwise you'll just get people listing their favorites

Yup, that's what I did.

May I add another cliché: fuzz, like overdrive and distortion, is a very subjective effect. It's a matter of taste.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by vegas532

Let me you help not get flamed by the search nazis...

That's very kind of you. IMO however some posts, which show absolutely no effort or thought, don't deserve much kindness. To the OP, we appreciate it when posters make an effort to educate themselves, or at least read the FAQ and stickied threads. Heck, even just read the titles of the stickies.

[eyvindwa]

Go to http://bassfuzz.com!

[4stringmangler]

so far my favorites on bass are ronsound stone machine, malekko b:assmaster, and the EHX Bass Muff, i had a superfuzz clone that sounded killer with my old fender geddy lee, but horrible with my rickenbacker 4003.

[SpankyPants]

I'mma dissatisfied with my life and think I have nothing real to contribute to this thread.

[spunj13]

fuzz pedals vary so much it really is a matter of taste...
right now i've got some serious gas for a new MXR EL Grande Bass Fuzz (i really love the tones that it's turning out) and i'm getting my hands on a ProCo Rat soon too...
and then there's the old Sovtek Big Muffs...
it's all a matter of what KIND of fuzz you're looking for.

[spunj13]

[DosiYanarchy]

Originally Posted by Colin.Lush

I'm looking at getting a fuzz pedal, any suggestions on what to get or what to stay away from?

what to get:
something with 'Fuzz' labeled on it

what to stay away from
something labeled 'clean boost'

but seriously, we need a price range, and some background.
u have any other pedals? any other overdrive/distortions?

theres a clips database in the WIKI which'll help you out, hell just type 'bass fuzz' into youtube and you'll get a fair few examples.

you got any example tones?
ie intro to Around The World by the Red Hot Chili Peppers


fuzz is a pretty big subject and is discussed all the time on TB, so please try to be more specific about what you want from a fuzz

ie:
Do you want a clean blend to retain some clarity or just something that'll turn your bass into a fire breathing demon
Do you want an more organic sounding fuzz (like a big muff) or a synth like buzz saw (like an MXR Blowtorch)?

let us know and we'll help you out

[jumbo_steelie]

I'm in the market for a fuzz pedal as well, but like someone mentioned earlier go to bassfuzz.com. Great reviews of boutique and major brand fuzz boxes. And then its just a matter of if it works right with your particular setup.

[tigerbass]

Wren and Cuff Pickle Pie B.

[Colin.Lush]

Originally Posted by TheBigO

This may come off more rude than I intend, but you'll get a lot more help with a more thought out and specific post.

For example, if you said, "Hi, I'm looking for a fuzz. I play all passive jazz basses in a post-rock band and am looking for a fuzz sound like in Myxomatosis, then I would tell you to check out the Audio Monk "Fuzz Potion".

The more details you give (including your price range) the better we can help. Otherwise you'll just get people listing their favorites which may or may not work for you.

I see your point haha. Well I'm not sure of what fuzz sound I'm looking for, I've been playing bass for about a year now. I was looking for something that did a reasonably wide range of different kinds of fuzz if it was available, and price really isn't too much of an issue.

[Mr. Pickles]

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

Go to http://bassfuzz.com!

+1

Grygrx does a great job of reviewing several fuzz pedals. Troll around his site and enjoy. Heck, you could even make a donation...

[Aussiephoenix]

I'm undecided about what fuzz to get too.

I've had a russian Muff, hated it, it was way too crazy, too touchy, and huge loss of low end.

I've tried out a Fuzz Factory clone that I quite liked, though there was something wrong with it, and it had some pretty horrible feedback when you stop playing (even while muting the strings)...

What I'm looking for is a FULL deep Fuzz, something akin to the kind of fuzz you can hear in Muse, etc.

what can you guys suggest?

strangely enough, the Ibanez Phathead got close-ish to what I wanted, but didnt quite get there.

[sk8]

Originally Posted by tigerbass

Wren and Cuff Pickle Pie B.

+ lots

[SpankyPants]

Originally Posted by SpankyPants

I'mma dissatisfied with my life and think I have nothing real to contribute to this thread.

Thanks, gry.