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Square wave synthy fuzz

lowmid

lowmid

Commercial User
Feb 2, 2005
738
87
belgium
Disclosures
Owner & builder CMC Audio
#1
Hello y'all Id like your opinions on a couple of pedals to get a nasty fuzz tone like the one you can hear on radiohead's myxomatosis or on a couple of jamiroquai tunes like feel good or deeper underground (maybe synth thought) I though two pedals could get me there: the MXR blowtorch and the electro harmonix BMS

I know colin greenwood uses a Shin ei companion fuzz so I might aswell build one of these, but you know, DIY and stuff, I can maybe be unlucky plus you get all the reliability issues...(depending on you building skills)

So I was thinking between those 2 commercial pedals, I rapidly tested both but never when looking for that type of sound.

I know using a bass micro synth only for fuzz might be reducing

any other advice???? what are you thought about the question???

CHeers from Belgium
 
#2
I have played a Microsynth in the store, but haven't ever owned one, so while I think it could get you close to that synthy-square wave fuzz, I can't be sure.

On the other hand, I bought (and returned) a Blowtorch. I can tell you that it won't do what you want. Because it emphasizes the midrange, you don't get that heavy fuzz applied to the low end. While this is helpful in cutting through the mix with a full band, it really detracts from the ability to get that synthy-fuzz tone.

There are people who dig the Blowtorch and people that don't (IMO it really just provides different levels of annoying buzzing) but whatever its merits might be, over-the-top synth fuzz isn't one of them.
 
#3
Just as a side note, when I play "The National Anthem" from Kid A, I use the Guyatone TZ-2 for the fuzz.

It's far from a perfect fuzz as it has definite bleed through, an awkward battery compartment and doesn't work well with other pedals (I like using a fuzz to drive an envelope filter and/or phaser which it is not useful for) but it does give me the heavy, thick fuzz that I like for certain applications. It sounds especially good for powerchords.

Because of its lack of versatility, it doesn't occupy a permanent place on my board, but I definitely use it on occasion and it was pretty cheap ($70 US).
 
#4
The Bass Micro Synth is a good idea. Try combining an Envelope Filter with an Octaver and a Fuzz pedal to get that Deeper Underground sound.

From what I've heard of the Sound Clips, The BMS might be the easiest route and cheapest if you don't already have the above mentioned pedals.
 
#7
Can't believe the Crowther Prunes and Custard hasn't been mentioned yet. That pedal is great for Deeper Underground/High Times etc. by Jamiroquai.

Here's a quick sound sample: Link Removed

It's also great for the Muse stuff.

And it also sounds amazing run into a filter/phaser/flanger.
 
#9
I would definitely go for a Prunes and Custard. I bought mine based on Higgie's great samples! I also bought it directly from Paul Crowther, and he was very nice to deal with and it was reasonably priced. Considering it had to come from New Zealand to Canada, I got it in little over a week. His email (hopefully still current) is [email protected]

Lyle
 
#11
karter2000 said:
I would definitely go for a Prunes and Custard. I bought mine based on Higgie's great samples! I also bought it directly from Paul Crowther, and he was very nice to deal with and it was reasonably priced. Considering it had to come from New Zealand to Canada, I got it in little over a week. His email (hopefully still current) is [email protected]

Lyle
Click to expand...

Lyle, I'm glad you're happy with your purchase!

Thanks for the compliment on the samples ;)

James.
 
#15
Okay i would rather bring up an old "fuzz" thread than start another one.
So want i want to know is how did lowmid go on his quest???

Becasue i haven't found the perfect heavy/brutal fuzz synth sound that i'm chasing but i am struggleing with my russian muff...
I have an syb5 and i like but not for synth fuzz.
Anyway having read these posts i will check these suggestions out...
Ohh yeah i will post a clip of the desired sound and i'm using active basses....
 
#16
Hello!! I'm still searching for the perfect heavy fuzz, I've bought a USA big muff and I modded a bit but It's not reaaly what I was looking for, I definitely have to try something else, Infact I'd love to have a fuzz with big compression because I often use a toggle switch to make some staccato effects with my fretless and It doesn't put out a lot of signal so the fuzz has to be quite compressed so It will handle a soft signal like a hotter signal

I'm still searching but I've found a great pedal: the red llama, when you push it it sounds verry fuzzy and VERY gritty SO i might add a second channel with lots more gain to have that compressed effect, however red llamas are know to be very touch sensitive but not really with bass signals because they're generally hotter dans guitars signal
 
#17
lowmid said:
Hello!! I'm still searching for the perfect heavy fuzz, I've bought a USA big muff and I modded a bit but It's not reaaly what I was looking for, I definitely have to try something else, Infact I'd love to have a fuzz with big compression because I often use a toggle switch to make some staccato effects with my fretless and It doesn't put out a lot of signal so the fuzz has to be quite compressed so It will handle a soft signal like a hotter signal

I'm still searching but I've found a great pedal: the red llama, when you push it it sounds verry fuzzy and VERY gritty SO i might add a second channel with lots more gain to have that compressed effect, however red llamas are know to be very touch sensitive but not really with bass signals because they're generally hotter dans guitars signal
Click to expand...

Firstly try this Invalid Link Removed

Next I have a very exact Red Llama Clone and I wouldn't have described it anything like what you have just said.

Red Llama Clone
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
http://myselfalone.com/tayste2000/Mule_-_passive_1_4.mp3
http://myselfalone.com/tayste2000/Mule_-_passive_2_3.mp3

Hope this helps
 
#18
I don't know It's a kind of distortion with a fuzz tail to it, But It gives me the effect needed the fat slow running chainsaw tone a bit staccato like, Like you sometimes hear on synths

THe omega fuzz sounds nice!
 

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