What fuzz do I want?

ex-250

ex-250

Riffologist Extraordinaire


So here is a demo I just made, and I'd like to know what the best fuzz for getting that sound in real life would be (the rhythm tone, mainly). I recorded it on my PODxt, JTM45 amp model and "Octave Fuzz" fuzz model which is based on an Octavia. I don't expect the real-life counterparts to sound anything like the models, so I'm making this post. Rhythm tone is middle-bridge notch on an MIJ Strat with 2 SSL1s and a stock Fender bridge single, lead tone is the bridge only.

I don't know much about fuzzes at all, my best guess would be a Fuzz Factory. But its just a guess.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

I'd be slightly wary of the Fuzz Factory, they can be quite tricky to set up (too many controls that interact with each other). Or at least that was my experience. It put me off fuzzes for a long time. To be honest, I'd start with what the model is supposedly based off - at least see if you can get to demo one in person somewhere.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

Chris of Arabia said:
To be honest, I'd start with what the model is supposedly based off - at least see if you can get to demo one in person somewhere.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'll try to find something similar. I'm just assuming the modeled version is a good deal different from the real thing, as the JTM45 model I use on there is a giant crushing doom/sludge monster with no pedals at all, and in real life…not quite. I might do the BYOC octave fuzz, it'd probably be a good experience even if I don't get that sound.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

dude

for $30 you really should try this one before building one

41YfKl876QL._SY450_.jpg


http://www.amazon.com/Joyo-JF-12-Ultimate-Octava-possibilities/dp/B007T8OGLK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1413590465&sr=1-1&keywords=joyo+octave
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

cool recording! that modeler does the trick lol

black arts pharaoh has a lot of gain to it and works with high gain amps so I think it is a good start (and finish) to the fuzz world ;)
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

That sounds a lot like a Boss FZ2.
You have...a plethora of fuzz designs to choose from now. The Black Cat Bee Buzz might be something to look into. (3:25 or so)
The Univox/Shin-ei Companion fuzz is a good pedal clone to look for, but the Burns Buzzaround goes way too far. Satisfaction Fuzz from EHX is rather nasty and may be a good pedal in combination to a fuzz face to get there as well.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

I am pretty impressed with the pedals Jon recommends

I betta post this in case you are looking for this sound:

 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

Try either the Joyo Octave (swapping the direction of the polarised caps is an easy mod that improves its octave sound) or Behringer FZ-2 Clone just to see if it gets in the ballpark before dropping hundreds on a boutique or vintage fuzz unless you can try out a whole lot of nice pedals with your rig.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

pharaoh is very hard to beat.
What amp will you be using tho? That's the biggest and most important key ingredient.
 
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Re: What fuzz do I want?

Yeah still Tiny Terror, its what I use most of the time.

I might pick up the Joyo and Behringer, they're cheap enough trying both wouldn't be a problem at all.
My concern with the Pharaoh (which I've considered before for other purposes) is that it seems to be a traditional muffy fuzz at its core. At least on my modeled version I'm adding very very little gain to the sound, what I desire is that rattiness and and grit that the octave fuzz adds without being liquidy. And, of course, the cool subtle octaveness. I'm wary of anything without an octave up to it, I think thats the secret to success here.

In my searching I just discovered that Black Arts is making the Fnord again. I had no idea. I think that might be the one to go with. Its a little more chaotic sounding, but that could be fun. I also like what I'm hearing from the Earthquaker Hoof Reaper, its got a pretty mean octave mode on it. It may actually be the closest to what I'm looking for.

I was hoping this thread would result in one definite answer. The options are killing me, damn that wide world of fuzz.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

I still vote for pharaoh. then try the others after...


unless you are looking for less rattiness and grit. then the other suggestions are better. to disclose my biansness, I would not be seeking the modeler tone in your original clip, but to each his own.

lots of adjustability, great for leaving on for the whole gig. I am not big into octaves except for effects on solos and other short term applications, as I prefer the natural primary frequencies of the amp/guitar, and that leaves the bass guitar in tact.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

…how does an octave up harm the bassist?


At any rate what I think I need to do is spend my entire xmas bonus on fuzz pedals this year. Practical? Not at all. But it might be necessary.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

you could always buy a fulltone octafuzz or the hartman octave fuzz. They both have octave on/off switches and without the octave effect on they are both pretty sexy sounding silicon fuzzes.
 
Re: What fuzz do I want?

Looked up the behringer and it actually sounded pretty awesome so I bought one. Even if it only lasts a month (which is entirely possible), $25 doesn't hurt too bad at all. Plus it should come in just before practice this week, so I can put it through its paces for real. And if that does the trick, perhaps then I'll pick up a real FZ-2.

Lots of cool pedals recommended here though, I'll probably pick up another couple (different styled) fuzzes around the holidays. Probably a Pharaoh Supreme and then something oddball.
 
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Re: What fuzz do I want?

If you hit more than 3 strings on the fz2 it farts out. Also, due to cheap build quality, you can slide the voicing between the vintage and modern and it gives you both blended. Also...I love the boost mode. It's a clean boost with a very powerful eq.
 
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