Why do you dislike OD/dist/fuzz

[OOD]

I've seen plenty of reasons to use overdrive, but I have not been able to find explanations for why it can be a bad thing in certain situations.

I'm not looking for people to tell me about how overdrive should never be used on bass. There are obviously good reasons to use it, so please don't be a troll. That being said, if you can explain why you don't think it is right for YOU I would like to know why you feel that way (without insulting others for using it)

I'm basically asking because I've noticed that I like to leave overdrive or fuzz on all the time and I'm worried I might be putting my personal taste above what is best for the mix as a whole.

 

[FretNoMore]

I don't think it's a matter of like or dislike distortion in general, it's about what fits a certain song or genre. Sometimes a growly overdriven sound is right, sometimes smooth as a baby's posterior is right. Simple as that, really.

I often like just a touch of overdrive, not even as much as audible distortion, just to put a very slight roughness into the sound. It seems to make the bass more audible without raising the volume, and it sits nicely in the mix. Something similar to how a fretless bass has a certain growl (without the more obvious fretless mwah).

 

[wintremute]

I think I agree with you, in that it has its place. Lots of players gets a favorite sound or effect that they have as their "go-to" or "main" sound. I would suggest that, if possible, you record your songs both fuzzy and clean. Then listen with your mates and have an honest discussion of when fuzzy sounds better, and when clean sounds better.

 

[untilshewokeme]

I dislike fuzz/distortion because I can't have enough of them or fit more on my board.

 

[76jazzbass]

I dislike fuzz/distortion because I can't have enough of them or fit more on my board.

I hear ya, I currently have a battle between filters and dirt.

 

[DrewM85]

I dislike all the attention I get when I use my OD/dist/fuzz. I also dislike all the drool I have to clean off my pedals.

 

[Mosfed]

I love fuzz overdrive and distortion but other than some light grit (ie Barbershop or Blueberry) to emulate a tube amp if I am not using my tube amp, I don't have it always on. It doesn't fit our style of music for it to be always on, it makes it a little more special when I do kick it on and frankly I actually really like the sound of my bass->comp->amp.

 

[OOD]

I love fuzz overdrive and distortion but other than some light grit (ie Barbershop or Blueberry) to emulate a tube amp if I am not using my tube amp, I don't have it always on. It doesn't fit our style of music for it to be always on, it makes it a little more special when I do kick it on and frankly I actually really like the sound of my bass->comp->amp.

What style music do you play?

 

[shawshank72]

If I wanted my bass to sound like a guitar I'd play a guitar.

 

[bassbrad]

If I wanted my bass to sound like a guitar I'd play a guitar.

Are we ever going to get the "unlike" button? ;-)

 

[76jazzbass]

If I wanted my bass to sound like a guitar I'd play a guitar.

So a dirt pedal will make my bass sound like a guitar? Intersting.......

 

[JimmyM]

I'll be ignoring the obvious "Let's wind up the Effects section" post...

I use it all and love it. That's all you need to know. If I do it, it's good enough for anyone.

 

[76jazzbass]

I'll be ignoring the obvious "Let's wind up the Effects section" post...

I use it all and love it. That's all you need to know. If I do it, it's good enough for anyone.

 

[76jazzbass]

...... I might be putting my personal taste above what is best for the mix as a whole.

Similarly, if you refuse to expand your sonic horizons beyond 'magic tone fingers', you may be putting personal taste above what's best for the mix, especially with cover songs.

 

[gln1955]

If you're playing originals, then if that's your sound, then that's your sound. But, it's still probably good thing to change your tone some (including going totally clean) from song to song, as should your guitarist, keys, whatever. You'll hold your audience's attention better, IMO. If you do covers, I guess I'd go with something like the original most of the time.

 

[nshuman]

Similarly, if you refuse to expand your sonic horizons beyond 'magic tone fingers', you may be putting personal taste above what's best for the mix, especially with cover songs.

This is very true. Very very very true.

 

[nshuman]

If you're playing originals, then if that's your sound, then that's your sound. But, it's still probably good thing to change your tone some (including going totally clean) from song to song, as should your guitarist, keys, whatever. You'll hold your audience's attention better, IMO. If you do covers, I guess I'd go with something like the original most of the time.

A Weeping Angel replying to an OOD, well, I've seen everything.

 

[mpdd]

I dislike having to constantly tell people that fuzzrocious is my dog and pedal brand of choice

 

[gln1955]

A Weeping Angel replying to an OOD, well, I've seen everything.

EX-TER-MIN-ATE!

 

[OOD]

it's still probably good thing to change your tone some (including going totally clean) from song to song, as should your guitarist, keys, whatever.

I like the idea to change from song to song. I personally tend to set it and forget it because I'm lazy. I should probably work on that.

I'm curious, what are your thoughts on changing in the middle of a song?