a fuzz question

phatbass30 · #1 02-13-2008, 06:54 AM

i know that fuzz normally doesn't go well with active basses. so what if i'm using a wireless system? does the fuzz still recognize the signal if its coming from an active or passive bass? does the VFB-2 with variable impedance will really do the trick? pls enlighten me. thanks guys!

Hookus · #2 02-13-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass30

i know that fuzz normally doesn't go well with active basses.

Not quite true, they don't like super-high input gain. Just turn the bass down a bit if it is too hot. I had a Spector that all overdrives hated, but the Bartolini Pre in my Charvel gets along with them just fine.

Oreomeister365 · #3 02-13-2008, 07:22 AM

fuzz sounds durn right awesome on my active, wouldn't have it any other way! I don't have a passive to compare it to, but it sounds awesome.

bongomania · #4 02-13-2008, 07:32 AM

No, there really is a difference in the impedance relationship, it's not just about signal level. By way of illustration, I have had passive basses with very high output which sounded great with an old fuzz face, and I have had an active bass with somewhat low output (lower than unity compared against the same bass in passive mode) which sounded harsh and spitty with the exact same fuzz face. Additionally, with a passive bass the volume and tone knobs on the bass dramatically change the "quality" or "flavor" of the fuzz effect, and not just in terms of how clipped the signal is.

Fuzz is a different effect than overdrive; not just because is it a higher degree of clipping, but because the circuits that were mainly used to get the fuzz effect in the '60s (which have been copied ever since) happen to be very sensitive to the instrument that they are connected to. One pedal designer I read said he felt those early designs formed a complete circuit with the pickups in the instrument, as opposed to being just another processor in series.

There are loads of different ways to get "fuzz", but a classic "fuzz pedal" design, e.g. based on the Fuzz Face or Muff etc., will be sensitive to the impedance relationship with the instrument.

Because of that, a wireless will completely negate that relationship. There is an impedance relationship between the bass and the transmitter, and there is an impedance relationship between the receiver and the pedal, but there is no relationship at that point between the bass and the pedal.

Tayste and at least one other person have said that the Barge variable impedance device worked very well.

ehque · #5 02-13-2008, 07:43 AM

Barge has a new sub-100 dollar pedal that allows you to boost your signal and adjust your impedance. Its called the GLZ or something, i read about it in the newsletter a few days back. I guess this would be great to throw before a fuzz, especially if it's not the first thing in the signal chain, or if you use a wireless.

Bongo's right about the impedance thing, its not just about signal level.

rasthedoctor · #6 02-13-2008, 07:52 AM

Which begs the question: how about digital fuzz effects on a multi-processor, like - to pull an example out of thin air - a Line6 Bass Pod XT Live?

I haven't been able to compare the active to the passive yet as I've been having issues with my active system - I'm forever thankful for having a pull knob to switch from active to passive on my bass...

Bear in mind that I'm a technological idiot - my apologies in advance if that's a ridiculous inquiry...

phatbass30 · #7 02-13-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

Because of that, a wireless will completely negate that relationship.

so it means it doesn't matter if i use a passive or active bass cos it won't affect the fuzz. so is that good or bad? i have the VFB-2 variable z coming soon. so atleast i have some options. one more thing, does the blowtorch has this issue with active/passive bass too?

bongomania · #8 02-13-2008, 09:18 AM

Digital fuzz is not subject to the same issues as old-school analog fuzz, as the signal is processed in a completely different manner.

With the wireless it doesn't matter whether you use an active or passive bass, as the signal comes out "active" from the receiver.

I don't know the answer for the Blowtorch.

JanusZarate · #9 02-13-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass30

one more thing, does the blowtorch has this issue with active/passive bass too?

I use an EBMM Stingray, which is active. It sounds awesome with the MXR Blowtorch (IMO), even with Gain and Blend at maximum. Compared to how my Little Big Muff reacted with actives when cranked (chaotic!), they're nothing alike at that level.

I don't think the Blowtorch has any problem with active basses, IME. But as always, YMMV.

phatbass30 · #10 02-13-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

I use an EBMM Stingray, which is active. It sounds awesome with the MXR Blowtorch (IMO), even with Gain and Blend at maximum. Compared to how my Little Big Muff reacted with actives when cranked (chaotic!), they're nothing alike at that level.

I don't think the Blowtorch has any problem with active basses, IME. But as always, YMMV.

boo, i'm planning on getting a blowtorch. can i get a synthy kind of fuzz with it? or maybe gated? maybe not exactly like the mammoth, but something like that?

phatbass30 · #11 02-13-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

With the wireless it doesn't matter whether you use an active or passive bass, as the signal comes out "active" from the receiver.

okay, thanks for that very useful info. i think i made the right decision ordering a VFB with variable z.