• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

'Entry Level' Fuzz? (Poll)

Fuzzzz

  • EHX Big Muff Pi

    Votes: 28 25.7%
  • EHX Big Muff Pi- Russian

    Votes: 34 31.2%
  • Fender SubLime

    Votes: 22 20.2%
  • Way Huge Swollen Pickle Mkii

    Votes: 25 22.9%

  • Total voters
    109
Having completed my quest for an OD pedal (I went w/ a modded Bad Monkey btw), now I'm looking to get an 'entry level' fuzz pedal. Looking for something that'll run me only about $100, with some versatility (since I don't have a precise sound in mind yet). Of course opinions vary (to say the least!), but the pedals listed in my poll all seem like decent options... what do you think? I play a passive P-bass, if that factors into your thinking.
 
Not in your Poll is the EHX Bass Big Muff (with it's dry switch) IMHO sounds better on bass than anything you have posted in your poll and runs less than $100.00 brand new.....and by most Fuzz Standards it's fairly tame....again IMHO a very good place to start for gaining an introduction to the fuzz world
 
Is the entry level meaning you'll sell it in 6 months to upgrade? If so, either get the cheapest option or save up and get something "better" or more versatile.

It means a) i'm not looking to drop a wad of cash and b) something versatile enough so that I can find out how I like to use it, so if in the future I do decide to 'upgrade' I'll know exactly what I'm looking for
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
y'all are confusing me, haha

-Carrots?
-Can you get a Ss/Bs TAFM for $100? None come up in Google Shopping, so I'm not sure what they go for used.
-The EHX Big Bass Muff is the first choice in my poll

Doesn't read EHX Big Bass Muff it reads Big Muff Pi...which...my mind instantly goes here...

big-muff-pi.jpg
 
Here's my thoughts. I suggest you find some demo's on youtube or here, read some reviews and if you can, try some of these out. Most of these pedals, if not all, could be tried at Guitar Center or another guitar store. That way you're not flipping it in six months. I loved my Swollen Pickle and probably would get another one if I had the dough. It's a very versatile and underrated fuzz IMO.

The TAFM is amazing and you might be able to find a used one for that much, but probably not. They go new for 175. Used is generally 120ish. The TAFM is made my a boutique company called Smallsound/Bigsound. Check them out. Brian is the man. You could also check out the Grey Stache made my that sexy man a few posts up. Very awesome pedal as well.
 
I have not had a chance to try the Sublime, reviews and users here seem to like it a lot, in spite of its large size. But comparing the SP MK II to Big Muff Pi was no contest in my mind- and although I have not tried the Russian variant, I'd be surprised if it was light years better than the standard big muff pi. Of course I could be wrong in that assumption, but the SP is a great fuzz for bass anyway you look at it.
 
As someone that has tried all 4 and owns three of those four and loves them dearly that is really hard......I have a passive P-Bass as well so here is my 0.02...

1) EHX BM-PI: sounds really well, no much low-end lose and can get synthy on some settings.

2)EHX Russian BM-PI: this sounds way better (IMHO) than the standard BM-PI. Creamy sustain and overall aggressiveness if need be.

3) Fender Sub-Lime: VERY versatile if you spend some time adjusting the x-freq, tone, and the amount of drive. Useful for more vintage (I use it to play Mean Mr. Mustard) stuff but can do modern rock stuff as well.

4) Way Huge Swollen Pickle: this is THE doom fuzz if you want a nice wall of fuzz. Can get farty on some settings but that may be good if need be. Has the most control overall.

The choice is yours but my order is as follows (based off entry level fuzz)

1) Fender Sub-Lime
2) WHSP
3) EHX R-BM-PI
4) EHX BM-PI

hope that helps!
 

Latest posts