imguitardan
09-28-2011, 02:47 PM
There are three ways to look at/use fuzz:
1) STOMP and go!!!
For the uninitiated, (especially those who are used to OD/dirt pedals) this is how we want Fuzz to work. In this capacity, most do drop out of the mix. Exceptions include MKI Tone Benders, Big Muffs that have mid boost capacity and most Basic Audio pedals I've played (which just have a TON of output volume). If this is how you use fuzz, you'll quickly become frustrated (unless you use a MKI).
2) Dirty amp, fuzz on, gtr volume rolled down
THIS is how most fuzz reacts best. It took me a long time to figure it out b/c I never was a gtr volume roller (which I've adapted to after watching how Townshend gets so many tones with a dirty amp and a Superfuzz).
Here's the methodology: with gtr vol at full and no pedal, the amp tone should be as dirty as you'd want. Now, roll back the guitar volume to 6 or 8 or wherever you're getting a decent cleanish tone. THERE IS YOUR BASE TONE. Want dirt? Step on a Fuzz Face or MKII (since yr volume's not mazed on the gtr, they won't overly compress). Don't want fuzz? Roll up the gtr vol to 10 to get that cranked amp tone.
This is why people use fuzz!
Option 3: Fuzz on all the time
This works best with two transister fuzzes (esp a good Fuzz Face/MK I.V Tone Bender). Turn fuzz on, (al knobs at max). Use gtr vol and fuzz knob to find a clean tone (here's where Fuzz Faces are awesome). Gtr vol at 4= clean, 7=dirt, 10=fuzz
EXPERIMENT!
I used to fall into category A, now I'm more of a B/C and FINALLY understand the appeal of a Fuzz Face (or similar designs).
I've spent more than I'd admit to figure out what I have and so far, the BEST would be a MKI Tone Bender for the "Stomp and Go" players and a D*A*M M-25 Meathead Deluxe or MKII for the players who do option "B" (or possibly "C") and a GOOD Analogman NKT Sun Face (I don't know what makes a good one but I've heard ones I hated and ONE that was AMAZING- I think it was a smaller box one but can't say if that was the difference).
This is an example of option C:
lmgX2fIMtO0
I've got a similar demo with a Fuzz Face (which I eventually contrast with the MKII).
(Notice that around 4:50 the bass content on the Fuzz Face (and then the MKII) once the guitar's volume is at full the camera (which was just sitting on a stool) started rumbling and moved to the right).
CRjSnF21Zak
I plan to also do others with other techniques/styles of fuzz. Please feel free to add your own methodology (as well as "How to" video).
1) STOMP and go!!!
For the uninitiated, (especially those who are used to OD/dirt pedals) this is how we want Fuzz to work. In this capacity, most do drop out of the mix. Exceptions include MKI Tone Benders, Big Muffs that have mid boost capacity and most Basic Audio pedals I've played (which just have a TON of output volume). If this is how you use fuzz, you'll quickly become frustrated (unless you use a MKI).
2) Dirty amp, fuzz on, gtr volume rolled down
THIS is how most fuzz reacts best. It took me a long time to figure it out b/c I never was a gtr volume roller (which I've adapted to after watching how Townshend gets so many tones with a dirty amp and a Superfuzz).
Here's the methodology: with gtr vol at full and no pedal, the amp tone should be as dirty as you'd want. Now, roll back the guitar volume to 6 or 8 or wherever you're getting a decent cleanish tone. THERE IS YOUR BASE TONE. Want dirt? Step on a Fuzz Face or MKII (since yr volume's not mazed on the gtr, they won't overly compress). Don't want fuzz? Roll up the gtr vol to 10 to get that cranked amp tone.
This is why people use fuzz!
Option 3: Fuzz on all the time
This works best with two transister fuzzes (esp a good Fuzz Face/MK I.V Tone Bender). Turn fuzz on, (al knobs at max). Use gtr vol and fuzz knob to find a clean tone (here's where Fuzz Faces are awesome). Gtr vol at 4= clean, 7=dirt, 10=fuzz
EXPERIMENT!
I used to fall into category A, now I'm more of a B/C and FINALLY understand the appeal of a Fuzz Face (or similar designs).
I've spent more than I'd admit to figure out what I have and so far, the BEST would be a MKI Tone Bender for the "Stomp and Go" players and a D*A*M M-25 Meathead Deluxe or MKII for the players who do option "B" (or possibly "C") and a GOOD Analogman NKT Sun Face (I don't know what makes a good one but I've heard ones I hated and ONE that was AMAZING- I think it was a smaller box one but can't say if that was the difference).
This is an example of option C:
lmgX2fIMtO0
I've got a similar demo with a Fuzz Face (which I eventually contrast with the MKII).
(Notice that around 4:50 the bass content on the Fuzz Face (and then the MKII) once the guitar's volume is at full the camera (which was just sitting on a stool) started rumbling and moved to the right).
CRjSnF21Zak
I plan to also do others with other techniques/styles of fuzz. Please feel free to add your own methodology (as well as "How to" video).