Fuzz, Distortion, OD

[GuitarStv]

Is there a difference between the three terms? I know that Hendrix used to like to use a fuzz pedal, and there was a fuzz used on the Stone's song Satisfaction . . . but can't you sort of simulate that effect with a distortion/OD pedal? And I know that overdrive refers to pushing your signal into clipping, but isn't that the same thing that a distortion pedal does - clip the signal? I was trying to explain to my girlfriend why I need a fuzz pedal . . . and she was saying that my OD pedal can do exactly the same thing . . . it got me thinking . . .

 

[twoheadedboy]

Re: Fuzz, Distortion, OD

I could be wrong, but I think fuzzes use a different type of clipping than overdrive and distortion (square wave)? Can anyone clarify here? I'm curious too.

 

[sooperunkn]

Re: Fuzz, Distortion, OD

Fuzz uses Square Wave Clipping. I believe Distortion/ODs both use Sine Waves.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Fuzz, Distortion, OD

I could be wrong, but I think fuzzes use a different type of clipping than overdrive and distortion (square wave)? Can anyone clarify here? I'm curious too.

From what I understand (and I could be wrong here too . . .) a square wave is achieved by just using LOTS of clipping . . . lemme draw you a crappy diagram to show you what I mean . . .

So is a fuzz just a REALLY REALLY clipped signal, and then OD/distortion are just lesser clipped variations?

 

[Jimbojsr]

Re: Fuzz, Distortion, OD

You could always just tell her that they "sound different" - which is perfectly true....

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Fuzz, Distortion, OD

Yeah, but she's an engineer like me . . . we like to see some sort of proof that there's more than just EQ at play in an FX pedal . . .