How to get that Buzz Saw sound

kyral210 · #1 12-30-2007, 07:46 AM

Before anyone says it, I have searched the forums, and have yet to find a decent answer.

Q: How do I get that Buzz Saw sound?

I am talking about more than just effects. Which pickup is best, that pedal type and setting is best, what EQ configuration is best? I really want a powerful low end wonderful buzz from my bass!

K2000 · #2 12-30-2007, 08:04 AM

There is no "one" best way to get a buzz saw sound. What's your current bass and amp? I'd be curious to know. If your bass is any good at all, it will probably suffice. Lots of people like tube amps (including me) but if you are going to run a massive distortion box on your signal, a solid state amp might be preferrable, if not totally serviceable.

A decent bass, amp and cabinets are really the first step... your bass will never sound truly big and scary -- except perhaps for recording purposes only -- if you're playing it through a little practice amp.

If you have that foundation covered, then maybe look into the Zvex Wooly Mammoth or the Malekko B:assmaster distortion pedals. There are other good pedals out there, as well.

bongomania · #3 12-30-2007, 08:13 AM

Also, everyone will have a different idea of what "buzz saw" sounds like. Some people are going to think of the classic sound of steel rounds, fret buzz, playing with a pick, into a cranked SVT. Others are going to think of a very processed industrial distortion tone, maybe even with a synth blended in.

Can you post some Youtube links or list some well-known song titles that have the sound you're after?

Hookus · #4 12-30-2007, 10:15 AM

To me a buzz saw sound is like an industrial sound. Makes me think of House and Dance music. Sort of Shiny Toy Guns.

And for that I would say you want a Micro Synth.

kyral210 · #5 12-30-2007, 03:49 PM

I definitely want a processed industrial sound!

- My bass is a Schecter 5 string with EMG DC and P5 (p bass style)
- My amp is an Ashdown 2 x 10 combo (solid state)

I know its not the best gear in the world, but it is very affordable and durable.

Earwaxsculptor · #6 12-30-2007, 03:55 PM

B:assmaster.

bongomania · #7 12-30-2007, 03:56 PM

What's your budget? The Wooly Mammoth, B:Assmaster, and 3XFX Fatman are three (among many, many, many) semi-expensive boutique fx that get a killer industrial sound. For cheaper, DOD made a number of pedals with metal-sounding names that work well enough for a processed industrial sound. Also things like combining a ring modulator and a fuzz will get you into some harsh territory.

Darkstrike · #8 12-30-2007, 04:01 PM

A Blowtorch mabye? I can ge some buzzin' noize going when I want to.

K2000 · #9 12-30-2007, 04:12 PM

Usually, I think people should get a good amp setup for themselves, before spending lots of money on pedals. In your case, it might be okay to get a boutique pedal now (like the B:assmaster or Wooly Mammoth) even though your 2x10 combo amp could be improved upon... I say that because those pedals will "get your foot in the door" for your sound, and when your amp situation improves, those pedals should become even more effective.

If you're on a budget, there are other options as well. And as opposed to some of the more expensive pedals, the less expensive ones should be in your local shops where you can get a chance to try them out.

One less expensive suggestion (and there are many ways to go, on this) would be the Boss ODB-3 overdrive. I think it's a good pedal for guys who play hard rock with classic Ampeg SVT tube setup (that's where I've seen it used effectively). However, some people knock the ODB-3 here, for being harsh and abrasive. So, possibly just the ticket.

I'd recommend you test-drive as many distortion pedals as possible. A lot of this comes down to personal taste, in the end.

kyral210 · #10 12-30-2007, 05:38 PM

I actually use an Ibanez PD-7 Phat Hed pedal at the moment, which isnt a bad pedal by any stretch, im just looking for a magic one for when I want to get down and dirty in the buzzy fuzz!

I dont bother with any amp over a 2x10 combo as when you play venues like I do you are going DI into the mixing desk (sansamp bass driver there) so the only person who hears the amp is the bassist! Ashdown MAG series is great for a cheap amp/ cab that has good tone and little on features. Thats just my personal take at least, but i don't see the point of having a Trace Eliot stack that no one but me will hear.

Geddyfleaharris · #11 12-30-2007, 05:46 PM

IMO a Boss ODB-3 is a buzz saw sound. So much buzz saw that I hated the pedal. The Blowtorch has a buzz saw sound to my ears anyways. But it is a more quality buzz than the ODB-3, if that makes any sense.

OhThePeacock · #12 12-30-2007, 06:30 PM

Find a Traynor Mono Block II amp head, I found one in the basement of my LMS and picked it up for 80 bucks. It has awesome od/dist with the mids cranked and still has great low end. I love it.

fenderhutz · #13 12-30-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geddyfleaharris

IMO a Boss ODB-3 is a buzz saw sound. So much buzz saw that I hated the pedal. The Blowtorch has a buzz saw sound to my ears anyways. But it is a more quality buzz than the ODB-3, if that makes any sense.

+1

Darkstrike · #14 12-30-2007, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geddyfleaharris

IMO a Boss ODB-3 is a buzz saw sound. So much buzz saw that I hated the pedal. The Blowtorch has a buzz saw sound to my ears anyways. But it is a more quality buzz than the ODB-3, if that makes any sense.

+2