Best Traditional Fuzz?

[forgivenman]

I've decided that, while my Fuzz Factory can get some very cool sounds, it's just not traditional enough. It can be hard to get just a plain old fuzz sound out of it (I've tried about every setting known to man and even printed out the 50 or 60 suggested setting from another thread here at TGP).

Having said that, I do own a modded TS9 DX but I really want a nice rich fuzz sound. I'm leaning toward:
1). A Keeley Modded RAT (I'm a huge JB fan and know he occasionally pulls one out).
2). Fuzz Face Hendrix Reissue
3). That Fulltone Fuzz Face clone- I can't remember what it's called

What do you think? I've owned a Muff and it was just too hard to get a good tone out of it.

As always- thanks for your help!

 

[forgivenman]

I just came across the Keeley Fuzz Head- does anyone have any experience with that?

 

[52ftbuddha]

Well I bought my Hendrix FF reissue from jakeddy and for $120 it is a bargain. Cleans up a little and sounds great through my bassman. On the fulltone I am not sure which one you mean the 69 or the 70 but they vary a bit from unit to unit. And the 69's are now no longer made. As for the rest I am not much of a fan, it is just too easy to source the parts and build a knockoff. Alright I know you lot are going to go on about the lack of NKT275's but with a curve tracer some decade boxes and a good ear you can roll your own. Now with the reissue you get this cool as heck enclosure, looks a hell of a lot cooler than a hammond box. Oh I should add that I think you need a FF/Muff/NKT275/BC108/Rat just to be safe.

rob

 

[Merelington]

You should look into the Hartman SFZ Dual Stage Fuzz Pedal. Textbook germanium and silicon fuzz...sounds amazing and Theo Hartman is a really great guy...he's all about the customer.

 

[Joems]

I'd been looking into that for awhile now (SFZ) but what holds me back is that it only uses battery (2 9v battery) and no output jack for 18v.

I might order the Ge pedal tho with all the mods.

 

[nibus]

For Fuzz Face sounds look no further than Analogman's SunFace.

 

[Rumblefish]

I'd been looking into that for awhile now (SFZ) but what holds me back is that it only uses battery (2 9v battery) and no output jack for 18v.

I might order the Ge pedal tho with all the mods.

Trust me.Fuzzes sound better with cheap carbon batteries.Much better.

 

[Strat58]

You should look into the Hartman SFZ Dual Stage Fuzz Pedal. Textbook germanium and silicon fuzz...sounds amazing and Theo Hartman is a really great guy...he's all about the customer.

HI big + 111111111111111 on this one I have one and its a killer Fuzz.
And in combination with his treble booster you can get al kinds sounds.
2 Stage Fuzz -> Treble Booster (rangemaster clone 100%).
Peace Strat58

 

[blackjack davey]

Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face RI
Fulltone '70
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof (based on a Green Russian Muff)
Analogman NKT-275 SunFace
Analogman Peppermint Fuzz
FoxRox Hot Silicon

 

[Ben C.]

Also 9v (normal neg. tip) and not sensitive to buffer placement:
Monsterpiece NPN & PNP fuzzes.
Doesn't hurt that they're also only about $100 new and you can get them in large or small boxes with jacks on top or sides.

 

[Last Nerve]

I picked up a fuzz, just to use for a little bit, I planned on selling it.
No LED, no AC Tap, those really are "musts" in my book.
But NOW, NOW that I've played it. Now that I'm getting sweet fuzzy-OD goodness around 8 or 9 on the Vol knob and searing fuzz tones at 10, I can't see myself parting with it!

AnalogMan SunFace NKT275 with SunDial! WOW!

 

[wgs1230]

Trust me.Fuzzes sound better with cheap carbon batteries.Much better.

Agreed- and using power taps on most traditional, discrete transistor fuzzes significantly raises S:N (also, if the input isn't grounded with a resistor, the likelihood of picking up RFI increases).

For the OP: the Rat really sounds nothing like a FuzzFace. In fact, it's really a modded version of the old DOD 250/MXR D+ circuit with tone control.

 

[Merelington]

I'd been looking into that for awhile now (SFZ) but what holds me back is that it only uses battery (2 9v battery) and no output jack for 18v.

I might order the Ge pedal tho with all the mods.

That held me back for a moment too but the SFZ comes with a battery kill switch which saves you from having to unplug everytime you're done playing. And if that doesn't satisfy you you can ask him to add two 9V adaptor jacks (which is what I had done after about 2 months of owning the pedal).

 

[soldano16]

Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face RI
Fulltone '70
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof (based on a Green Russian Muff)
Analogman NKT-275 SunFace
Analogman Peppermint Fuzz
FoxRox Hot Silicon

+1 The Peppermint fuzz is a really nice thick fuzz.

 

[Guinness Lad]

Analogman Sunface is probably the most musical fuzz. Another great one my friend Jujo has is the DAM fuzz, that's big money though but it sure sounds great.

 

[JUSTJOB]

The Fulltone 70 is a great pedal, an improved upon FuzzFace and can go head to head with any silicon fuzz, IMHO. It can do the snarly spitty fuzz as well as violin type sustain, and cleans up pretty good for a silicon fuzz.
The Keeley FuzzHead is a great pedal as well, although it is a more modern type tone. It is more like an OD/Distortoin/Fuzz, very smooth, tighter than than most fuzzes, but definately one of my favorite tones, especially makes for a great lead boost. Very tonefull musical pedal!
I have both on my board and enjoy them very much.
Best Regards!

 

[767400]

I just ordered a SFZ Two-stage Hybrid Fuzz today and Theo (owner of Hartman Electronics) added a "boss Style" female adapter to my order with no problems at all. If your interested in a SZF just call him and ask questions. He was very accommodating.

 

[Mo'Tone]

I would suggest a Tonebender MKII style fuzz. Similar to a FF but more gain and nastier. Greatest fuzz made in my opinion.

 

[Jumblefingers]

Retroman Nu Fuzz...similar to an Analog Man Sun Face but with more...
Tone knob cuts bass pre-fuzz to tame wooliness
More gain
Bias knob gets you Fuzz Factory sputter when maxed
AC power
On/Off switch in Tone knob
Can get w/ NKT275's
Great build and par none the best service I have found

One choice to consider...

 

[forgivenman]

Guy's, as always, you were soooooo helpful. I decided to go the the Keeley Fuzz Head because I found a great deal on one here!

Thanks!