Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

[TheMadGypsyBaron]

Hey guys

I know Gearmandude did a comparison on YouTube between the Hendrix signature fuzz face (turquoise blue one) and the Band of Gypsies fuzz face (red with white knobs), but I was wondering if anyone had done the comparison personally.

What were your thoughts of the fuzz faces? Did you have a favorite?

I feel like I want to get the Band of Gypsies one a little bit more than the regular signature, mostly because it's got some mystery surrounding it, so there's more opportunity to get an original sound from this one (In my mind at least), but in the video comparison, this one sounded a little darker than I think I'd like with single coils, so when I use humbuckers as well it might be too dark for my taste.

Any recommendations for either pedal are greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

Fuzz Faces are interesting, because they're simple circuits, but can sound drastically different depending on what minor changes are made.

I sort of went on a tonal hunt, regarding FF's. I have the Jimi, Bonamassa, and Eric Johnson. It's hard to choose, because they all do something really good......the reason I haven't sold any, and would continue to buy more just for the sake of it.

I'd say the turquoise Hendrix FF is the most 'up the center' with it's signature buzzsaw Hendrix FF sound.

Dipping down in gain to a more fat and refined cleaner fuzz, is the Bonamassa. If you want over the top, spitty, amp ready to explode type fuzz, the Eric Johnson is the way to go.

Right off, I wasn't sure about the EJ, but once I spent some time with it, it started to make me realize why Eric spent so much time with Dunlop getting something that sounds like it does. It's the Fuzz Face that has the ability to be both pretty and ugly at the same time, if you know what I mean.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

Is there any way you can try them in person with your own guitar?
FFs are SOOOO individual when it comes to setup that video clips are pretty useless.

When I went on my FF hunt last year I played about 8 or 9 different units and ended up with a silicon AnalogMan SunFace, which was not my favourite based on clips but I loved it when I actually played it in anger.

I now have 4 fuzz pedals, each with its own distinct tone and level of gain:

Hartman Tommy Bolin fuzz
AnalogMan SunFace
Fulltone Ultimate Octave
Death By Audio Fuzz War

Edit: if you are a Strat player and like stacking pedals, and also like using echo, you owe it to yourself to try the Bolin fuzz. With my PH1 and Space Echo (put the echo first if you want Bolin's signal chain) into a cleanish amp ... Pure 70s rock tone!

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

I just want to add that the Band of Gypsys one is technically not a fuzz face. Their marketing calls it an octavia minus the octave. As such, it responds differently than a standard fuzz face. It also seems even more aggressive than the blue silicon fuzz face. As Joe mentioned, you'll have to try them out with your rig, although I think the BOG will be a little more forgiving. I could see having both... (and a Ge one as well!)

 

[kilphody]

Re: Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

I have a BOG FF coming today.
More to follow.

PC

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Faces Comparison

Fulltone 70 does the silicon fuzz face thing amazingly. It also has a mids control outside and a bias control inside which are both essential IMHO to tune your fuzz sound in to suit your rig.