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"Think for Yourself" bass fuzz

#3
That thick "modern" fuzz is usually a type of big muff, muffs have been a round since 70's.

Try looking at pedals based on the Tonebenders Fuzzface, Bosstone, ect too many to name.

I think Paul used a REALLY early Tone bender.
The Prescription Yardbox might be fun to look at. Stay a way from the Vox reissue [black] is you want any lows, I'm not all that up on Tonebenders my self, You might also want to give thought to building one from a kit as well.

Off the top of my head for cheap ones that "might work" that I have tried.
MXR 108
Seymour Duncan Tweek Fuzz
Voodoo Lads Supperfuzz
 
#5
Love that sound, too. It could never carry a band as the actual bass part but it's so effective in the little spots it's in. Definitely sounds Tonebender-y to me, but unless you get a bass version, the only thing you'll be using it for is to overdub your own version of "Think For Yourself" ;)
 
#6
JimmyM said:
Love that sound, too. It could never carry a band as the actual bass part but it's so effective in the little spots it's in. Definitely sounds Tonebender-y to me, but unless you get a bass version, the only thing you'll be using it for is to overdub your own version of "Think For Yourself" ;)
Click to expand...

Or be put in a blendable looper like a Barge VFB-2 , Xotic X-Blender or a Radial Big Shot Mix Effect Loop.
 
#9
I'm not trying to mimmick the sound, so much as I am trying to find a comparable live sound. I know you can rarely get the exact sounds you get in the studio after the mics, pres, compressors, etc take shape.... I am basically asking for something that sounds good witht he amount of saturation turned down.... with a blend knob.
A long time ago I used an old Big Muff, but it wasn't for bass. I found it too woofy and uncontrollable.
 
#12
RCCollins said:
the difference between "modern" and "vintage" is usually in the amount of gain. At least, that's how folks use those terms today.

Which is funny because a maestro fuzz is absurdly high gain
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Maestro's FZ models are low gain compared to the Brassmaster. Built up a clone this past weekend and didn't care for the sound. It's a two transistor circuit compared to the Brassmaster's 8 transistor circuit.
 
#13
rcubed said:
Maestro's FZ models are low gain compared to the Brassmaster. Built up a clone this past weekend and didn't care for the sound. It's a two transistor circuit compared to the Brassmaster's 8 transistor circuit.
Click to expand...

yeah well, the brassmaster is it's own animal for sure. From a bass player's perspective, it was arguably ahead of the curve - a "modern" fuzz before it's time. And basically the ONLY bass fuzz for... decades?

keep in mind that EVERYBODY used tube amps in those days, so fuzz pedals were designed with that (and, of course 6-sting geetars) in mind
 
#14
JimmyM said:
That's a whole extra pedal. I'd much rather have the pedal do it for me, or not need it a blend at all than add a pedal that doesn't make funny noises...but that's just me ;)
Click to expand...

I can see your point but I like a layered sound for fuzz.

On the other hand, if it's funny noises you need, the Barge VFB-2 also has a feedback loop in it which can be used to misuse the pedal in the looper to make.............well.......... funny noises; with a simple Fuzz > Wah combo you can do some real cool theremin like parts with your foot while playing a bass line that comes out clean because of the blend!
 
#15
whitespike said:
I am basically asking for something that sounds good witht he amount of saturation turned down.... with a blend knob..
Click to expand...

This is why I made my suggestion earlier about a blend/looper, there are not many fuzzes with blends and even less that are under $100 and most of the one with blends are more of the "extreme" type.

That way you could get any fuzz pedal you like the sound of and not worry about, lows, attack ect.
 
#17
DO NOT USE A BLENDER if you want a "think for yourself" sound. it is middy as heck and a 100% fuzzed signal. Turn up the bass with an EQ somewhere if you must but if you want a "vintage" sound, you're gonna have to embrace the limitations of old school fuzz and keep your low end boosting to a minimum
 
#19
Mudfuzz said:
I can see your point but I like a layered sound for fuzz.

On the other hand, if it's funny noises you need, the Barge VFB-2 also has a feedback loop in it which can be used to misuse the pedal in the looper to make.............well.......... funny noises; with a simple Fuzz > Wah combo you can do some real cool theremin like parts with your foot while playing a bass line that comes out clean because of the blend!
Click to expand...

Oh, well that's very cool...that's definitely a funny sound. Not my thing but definitely sueful for some. Never mind ;)

Lurker, we've already established McCartney used a Tonebender.
 

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