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Is there a sawtooth fuzz in a box yet?

SirTarquin

SirTarquin

Jul 28, 2014
86
44
39
Atlanta, GA
#1
I have been wanting a clean, greasy, sawtooth fuzz sound for years now. I managed to get it almost spot on with a patch I created for the Panda Audio Future Impact (I’ll include a sample of it). However, while the FI is one of the very best synth pedals in terms of tracking and latency, this patch can still have some occasional tracking issues and glitches when using different basses (meaning the tracking responds differently for each and every different bass I use) or different styles of playing (longer drawn out notes track better than quick rapid staccato notes and I’m wanting this sound for both, or just all styles of playing) and it just doesn’t have the same kind of responsiveness or, for lack of a better term, “feel” as a dedicated analog fuzz pedal. And I just can’t help but feel like this sound can be achieved with a dedicated fuzz pedal. So my question to you, Talkbass, is do you know of any fuzz pedal, either new or just off my radar, that can achieve this same sound? I’d appreciate anything you have to offer!

Here’s a sample of the sound with the patch I made for the FI. Dry bass first followed by effect.

 
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#2
Some additional info:

I have tried both a Zvex Woolly Mammoth and Mastotron and while they both can get a similar choppy buzz saw effect, they felt dirtier, messier, and a little harsher, especially in the mids, than what I was looking for. They also had a bit more presence in the mids than what I’m looking for.

I also used to own a Malekko B:Assmaster, which I thought sounded extremely messy and (best I can put it) “fizzy,” so I ended up selling it.
 
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#5
jbybj said:
Have you updated your FI to ver 3? If not you may find the improved tracking has fixed your issues.
Click to expand...
I have. I did so the week it was released. Like I said, it’s one of the best as far as synth pedals go, but this patch can still have issues depending on the bass and speed it’s being played. I basically want it to sound the exact same way but respond like a fuzz pedal. Considering what it is (a digital pitch-identifying synth pedal), I don’t know if that’s possible.

And if anyone thinks I’m knocking the FI, I’m not. It is a truly remarkable pedal, and all the presets it comes with that I tried track beautifully and the quality of the oscillators is IMO unmatched. I personally just care more about that one sound I programmed over any of the other available sounds, simple as it may be.
 
#9
The 3Leaf Doom is awesome, but closer to a square wave than a saw wave.

The subterranea and C4 are also awesome, but both are pitch tracking pedals. They do have good tracking, but may not respond as quickly as you want. I would still recommend you try the C4. Unfortunately the Subterranea is discontinued and hard to find.
 
#11
bassbrad said:
Have you tried the SA C4?
Click to expand...
I got it before the FI. Super hyped for it too. I ended up returning it though because I thought the oscillators on the FI sounded much better. I was able to achieve that sound on the FI much easier than I was on the C4. It felt kind of thin and lo-fi when I tried it on the C4. IMO of course.
@Bassgeer is right though, those are all still pitch tracking/synth pedals, while I was looking more for a dedicated fuzz.
 
#13
I have achieved good results by using an EQ pedal as a sort of lpf in front of my Proco Rat. This really gets that tight, neat sawtooth sound without the mess of all the higher order harmonics.

I blend this with my clean signal that has a constant lpf as well.

Works for me, might be disastrous for you. Good luck!
 
#18
Many gated fuzzes can get sounds like that. They're not going to be as clean or polite about it, but you're right that they feel better than a synth pedal. A Malekko Diabolik can go there. It's a Brassmaster family fuzz, and really good for that midrangey trombone type sound.
 
#19
Proton Lenny said:
The only way to get an actual sawtooth IMO is with a dedicated synth pedal like the C4 or FI. But if you're looking for a fuzz to get you close the 3 Leaf Doom 2 is the best I've heard yet.

Click to expand...

I’ve been interested in this one as well, especially since it can achieve the Blade Runner brass sound (with help, of course). I just need to find a way I can try it first. As far as the sawtooth sound goes, is it specifically the Doom 2 that’s the best for that or would the original achieve the same sound?
 

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