Fuzz, Overdrive or Distortion?

[DavC]

get something with variable clipping modes ... !!

my current choice = Dr Scientist ' the elements ' ... all analog , knobs to twist

another that looks interesting ;

Source audio - ' After Shock ' ... hook up to computer , program away - has 3 mode switch for your 3 programs ... digital . parameters to tweak

 

[BassBrass]

Dirt pedals, all effects really, are sources of inspiration too. A certain sound suggests ways to play with it, and is a starting point for writing. With my SSBS Mini into the TAFM I am the hammer of Thor so that suggests a theme...with a flangy chorus effect I start playing strait eighths in the middle register and chords like Cocteau Twins or Joy Division. Guess what an envelope synth wah suggests? Funk maybe? Maybe dub. A Maleko Charlie Foxtrot will change the way you play, you have to let it do what it does with sampled sequenced bits, and that becomes your tempo.

 

[gregmon79]

IME it can go either way, you could either get buried or cut through. But then you could also sit in there too. I usually aim for the one that cut. But I would say you’re in luck if you just want to sit as there are a ton of great options out there. You could go with any number of drive types but to really “fill out” and “sit in” the mix, I would go with a muff. I recently got the newer EHX green Russian and I feel it would excel at what you are wanting.

 

[waveman]

If I were going to make a single recommendation... go with a Zoom MS 60-B, since it emulates many effects and I think all of the dirt effects have a clean blend, which I find very useful for sitting right in the mix. If you find something there that you like, then you can try some real effects that that you seem to gravitate toward.

The thing I like about the MS-60B is that you can set presets and not worry too much about them getting off settings during a gig.

If I were going to suggest a single analogue pedal, it would be the MXR M85 Bass Dsitortion.

 

[Joe Ty]

Check out an OCD style overdrive like the Joyo UD, versus a rounder, tubbier OD like the Pigtronix Bass FatDrive. Very different to my ears. I like the tubby kind a whole lot, but I also have a more raw drive channel on my amp that can get that sort of vintage Geddy sound.

Been waiting for a Pigtronix Bass Fatty to come up for sale on TB, and it ain't happening. Looking back there are very few that come up despite the fact its a popular pedal, meaning folks don't like to part with them.

 

[stigbeve]

I like to use the OD to add definition. In a metal band though. It's always on.

 

[Basshappi]

It all depends on the type of music you play and how you want your bass to sit in the mix. A flat transparent bass sound is always a winner no matter the venue. But you can add effects to your taste for the stage sound.

True.
However, very few bass tones no matter what genre, either recorded or live, are EQ'd truly flat and are seldom "transparent" or "uncolored" even when taken DI.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I play many styles of music and almost always use distortion of some kind (italicized because I'm using it as the generic term for anything from light OD to fuzz). Despite my TB handle I only rarely use fuzz, but always use varying shades of distortion for hard rock. For traditional blues, country, pop, jazz, I use light overdrive -- sometimes from a pedal, but often from gently overdriving the all-tube preamp in my Reiner bass amp.

I disagree with the notion that clean/flat is always superior -- this is a matter of personal taste. Light overdrive is barely different than totally clean in terms of both tone and dynamics, assuming a quality, transparent OD is being used. James Jamerson's amazing tracks were slightly overdriven, which helped them sound warm and phat, yet still dynamic. This is why I love overdrive. Fact is, MANY bass lines in pop are overdriven, and it can be difficult to tell unless the bass track is soloed.

I'm not saying overdrive (distortion, whatever) is better than totally clean -- again, it's only personal preference, and I happen to prefer OD for almost every application.

 

[Korladis]

Why not all three?

I use an overdriven sound basically all the time, but it's from my amp. I use a custom fuzz pedal when I want "MORE".

 

[Korladis]

I play many styles of music and almost always use distortion of some kind (italicized because I'm using it as the generic term for anything from light OD to fuzz). Despite my TB handle I only rarely use fuzz, but always use varying shades of distortion for hard rock. For traditional blues, country, pop, jazz, I use light overdrive -- sometimes from a pedal, but often from gently overdriving the all-tube preamp in my Reiner bass amp.

I disagree with the notion that clean/flat is always superior -- this is a matter of personal taste. Light overdrive is barely different than totally clean in terms of both tone and dynamics, assuming a quality, transparent OD is being used. James Jamerson's amazing tracks were slightly overdriven, which helped them sound warm and phat, yet still dynamic. This is why I love overdrive. Fact is, MANY bass lines in pop are overdriven, and it can be difficult to tell unless the bass track is soloed.

I'm not saying overdrive (distortion, whatever) is better than totally clean -- again, it's only personal preference, and I happen to prefer OD for almost every application.

I would go even further. I actually dislike totally flat/clean bass tones.

A lot of bass tones that sound clean in the mix are anything but if you solo them, and the overdrive helps them sound big and full.

 

[Basshappi]

I would go even further. I actually dislike totally flat/clean bass tones.

A lot of bass tones that sound clean in the mix are anything but if you solo them, and the overdrive helps them sound big and full.

Very true, and I am willing to bet most people hearing a truly flat/transparent tone wouldn't be very impressed with it, especially in a band mix.

 

[Feral Feline]

"Fuzz, Overdrive or Distortion?"

Yes, but not necessarily in that order.



I'll suggest you get as versatile a dirt pedal as possible for your first foray.
Maybe try the Aftershock, for instance, which has already been suggested. However...

A jack of all dirt is a master of none, but the Dr Scientist ELEMENTS that DavC mentioned comes damn close to mastering all but outright Fuzz.