Help! Looking for the right bass-fuzz

[fuzzspiral]

Hi! Summary: I play bass and I'm obsessed with fuzz pedals. I found out that I like the sound of the germanium. I came with a couple of options: Earthquake Devices Hoof and the Team Awesome Fuzz Machine, by Small Sound big Sound. Now, the problem is that I live in a small town in Italy and I just can't find them anywhere to try before buying. Can anyone help me? Do you have experience with these two pedals? Other advices before wasting money? Thank you
P.S. considering shipping costs the price, more or less, is the same

 

[Lammchop93]

Check out the Black Arts Pharoah fuzz too. It has a germanium/silicon switch. And it's my favorite germanium fuzz on that setting

 

[fuzzspiral]

Hi! Thanks! I've already taken in consideration but it seems similar to a muff (at least from youtube...). I already have the Green Russian Reissue

 

[2010P]

Hi! Summary: I play bass and I'm obsessed with fuzz pedals. I found out that I like the sound of the germanium. I came with a couple of options: Earthquake Devices Hoof and the Team Awesome Fuzz Machine, by Small Sound big Sound. Now, the problem is that I live in a small town in Italy and I just can't find them anywhere to try before buying. Can anyone help me? Do you have experience with these two pedals? Other advices before wasting money? Thank you
P.S. considering shipping costs the price, more or less, is the same

Be prepared to get dozens of answers all of which are going to be the individual posters personal opinions and most of which will ignore your post. This is why I think posts like this are sort of pointless. But I'll bite anyway, get the Smallsound Buzz. Big low end and switchable GE/SI switch. I prefer the silicon side.

 

[Bassist4Eris]

Hi! Thanks! I've already taken in consideration but it seems similar to a muff (at least from youtube...). I already have the Green Russian Reissue

The Hoof is based on the Muff too.

I've never tried it, but the Team Awesome Fuzz Machine has a reputation for versatility.

 

[fuzzspiral]

Buzzz also sounds good...and the "shag Overdrive" also form Smallsound? Sounds badass

 

[Frodolicious]

I love the sound of Germanium fuzzes too, and the ones you posted are great options! I've been with using Amptweaker Bass tight Fuzz for about 1 year, and it's a favorite of mine.

 

[two fingers]

I have several pedals. The only one I ever bought new was the TAFM. It was well worth it. It has just about every fuzz you can get your head around in one pedal.

I bought after reading dozens of great reviews here at TalkBass.

And welcome to TalkBass @fuzzspiral !!!!!!

 

[fuzzspiral]

Thank you very much to all. @two fingers how is it the clean blend control? I'm not a big fan of the blend "concept". I tried the big muff deluxe and mxr deluxe fuzz with the blend but in both cases there was the clean tone and some fuzz "behind" it, two parallel sounds, not well integrated each other...is it just me? How is on the team awesome?

(thanks for the welcome )

 

[spufman]

TAFM is definitely my favorite fuzz. It has an 'oomph' to it that the many other fuzzes I have and have tried, do not. Independent Fuzz and 'Clean' volumes work beautifully on this one to make a great consolidated roar. The Mini is great as well - guess I like the SS/BS concept of drive.

 

[Krisfield]

I have my sights set on the new EHX Sovtek Deluxe. Fingers crossed it'll be great.

 

[fuzzspiral]

TAFM is definitely my favorite fuzz. It has an 'oomph' to it that the many other fuzzes I have and have tried, do not. Independent Fuzz and 'Clean' volumes work beautifully on this one to make a great consolidated roar. The Mini is great as well - guess I like the SS/BS concept of drive.

Yes, the mini seems a possible choice as a drive, also (my EBS multidrive has done its time, I suppose)

 

[Bruiser Stone]

 

[JimmyM]

Had a TAFM, was terrific, wished it was smaller and only had the fuzz circuit with no gating, gave it to my friend Silver from Winny Puhh, the greatest band ever, and he's been digging it a lot, so he says But I'd totally get another one if he makes it smaller without the gate.

 

[RickyT]

TAFM is a fantastic pedal.
Gain & Fuzz control. Clean blend. Mid boost switch. Gives you plenty of control and zero bottom end loss.
A second footswitch gives you a gated fuzz too.

I live in Australia, you can't buy them in shops, and after searching for a while I saw this demo and ordered one immediately.

 

[BassBrass]

I have an early TAFM without a gate but with bias/starve knob which makes it more like the Mini, and it doesn't need a gate.... if all else is the same, the "clean" side adds grit and lots of Low End which is why people say it has oomph, it Pushes or SLAMS could be said as well. Into a compressor with attack time control, it can be a sledge hammer. And the fuzz CUTS whereas muffs might not. (my favorite muff is the Black Arts Pharaoh) (Favorite superfuzz, the Buzzz or Attack Goat.) An MXR Delux Fuzz rules another board for extreme fuzz.

 

[Planespotter]

I'm a huge fan of the hoof. I got the cloven hoof as a gift from my wife for Christmas 2015 and it been one of the only constants on my board. The shift knob is hugely helpful in dense mixes. I've also had the regular hoof and may like it a tad more, but since the cloven was a gift I must reinforce that behavior by using it haha. No experience with the TAFM, but it seems universally loved and is a a pretty safe bet too.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I would stay away from the hoof if you have the Russian muff reissue, I have the Russian muff and I have had the Hoof, it's no doubt a good pedal but it's redundant with the Russian, very similar

 

[vvvmmm]

FWIW, EHX hazza Germanium OD, and Malekko makes a Germanium version of the B:assmaster. (I've not tried either but someday I might buy 'em if I see a good price.)

 

[Maynjo]

So I've been near and far with bass dirt. The one I always come back to is the MXR Bass Fuzz Deluxe. Nothing else is as clean and dirty at the same time.