Fuzz versus distortion

[phxlbrmpf]

Is anyone else who's in a band with one guitar player and uses distortion to fill up sonic space having better results with fuzz than with distortion?
When I use some slight distortion, you often don't notice it's there with the whole band playing. A slight dose of fuzz, on the other hand, seems to generate lots of overtones while the low end remains fat and punchy. What do you distortion wizards think?

 

[The Lurker]

depends on how much distortion vs how much fuzz, really.....

 

[Willem]

I use distortion and I think it handles it quite well. Never used fuzz though, ain't gonna, I have an active bass which doesn't work quite well with fuzz (so is told).

 

[Nyarlathotep]

I use distortion and I think it handles it quite well. Never used fuzz though, ain't gonna, I have an active bass which doesn't work quite well with fuzz (so is told).

I imagine, depending on the dist settings and how much volume your feeding it, that you're getting into fuzz territory anyway...

But that's just my theory

 

[Hookus]

I use a EH English Muff'n with only enough overdrive to let you know it is there, and take the "cleanliness" out of my tone, and to great effect. I run it about 80% of the time, just to take up space, like you describe. Listen to the songs on our website for a sample. (link in signature) In all fairness, there are two guitar parts in some places, but you will get the idea.

 

[EricF]

I, too, am lovin' the Muff'n. Mine is set for a mildly thick overdrive, and I've found that a boost in volume is necessary to give me the presence in the mix I need.

 

[bassman314]

I love fuzz...

I use my Big Muff for fuzz (duh)

I use a Hot Tubes for adding grit to the tone...

 

[Grind It Out]

harsh fuzz is my main sonic void filler...i'll add overdrive (a really heavy overdrive that some would probably call distortion) on top of that to pick up any empty gaps the fuzz missed...my band has 1 gtr player and the fuzz does the job

 

[God of Rapture]

I play in a metal band with one guitarist. I use distortion in my tone and I have no problem cutting through.

Check it out.

http://www.fallenvictim.com/audio/Fallen_Victim-Far_Beyond_The_Dark.mp3

 

[JanusZarate]

I'm not in a band, but when jamming with my guitar-playing brother, fuzz does cut through better. This is probably because it sounds considerably different than your classic metal distortion on guitar.

However, with some EQ adjustments, bass distortion will cut through just as well, only with a different tone.

It really depends on tone settings and how many guitars you're competing with. Seems like fuzz always does better though...

...and it sounds sweet anyway

 

[Willem]

I imagine, depending on the dist settings and how much volume your feeding it, that you're getting into fuzz territory anyway...

But that's just my theory

Well, that could be the case... don't really know.