Glassy, gainy strat Fuzz tone?

[jamison162]

I tried the AM SunFace a while back and it just didn't do it for me (my first fuzz). Not enough gain or something. I'm looking for a fuzz to use primarily with my SA Grosh RC (Fralin BS/BS/SP43).

I really like that glassy, gainy, SRV'ish fuzz tone. Do I need a germanium or silicon (GE I think).

Thinking about an MJM, Retroman, HBE, or Throbak...any advice?

 

[Bo Faulkner]

did you try cranking the internal trim pot gain? mine get real gainy

 

[PlexiFuzz]

Skreddy Screw Driver.

http://www.skreddypedals.com/skreddy_pedals_screwdriver.htm

Fatback's vid:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7288155652390880471&hl=en

 

[jamison162]

did you try cranking the internal trim pot gain? mine get real gainy

Yes.

 

[lifeinsong]

Listen to the clips of the London Fuzz(ge) and London Fuzz 2(si) on MJM's website. Both are really great pedals, but the LF2 has a bit more of that glassy sizzle you're talking about.

 

[EXP]

Most germanium and silicon fuzzfaces will do what your describing if you roll the guitar volume down to 8 or 9. But yeah silicon is definitely going have more gain, grit, and high end sizzle. Thats probably more of what your looking for. SRV used Ceasar Diaz's Square Face fuzz housed in his old Arbiter FF shells.

Some fuzzes that come to mind that have gritty; glassy cleans are:

Lovepedal BBB
KR Gypsy Fuzz
Analogman BC-108 Sunface

The London is a great sounding fuzz as well.

 

[woude]

I tried the AM SunFace a while back

Germanium or Silicon?

 

[soldano16]

I find that with my Peppermint Fuzz, which is a very vey thick fuzz, that when I cut back on the pedal controls, I get a wicked OD tone that has amazing cut in a mix.

Lot's of nice gain in that fuzz.

 

[jamison162]

Germanium or Silicon?

NKT

But I was thinking of a fuzz that also has that treble booster kind of tone built in - aren't most TB's germanium?

 

[re-animator]

Hendrix Fuzzface!! the new silicon one. it gets very very smooth and brass-like with the gain on full. the song in my sig is done entirely with the fuzzface and a tele through a fender. The gain is manipulated entirely with the guitars volume knob. The solo is when the gain goes full-bore and glassy.

 

[Teahead]

Treble Boosters come in silicon and germanium, just like fuzz, but the original Rangemaster was indeed a germanium boost. However, if the NKT Sun Face didn't have enough juice for you, a Rangemaster is unlikely to scratch your itch either.

The BC108 Sun Face the guys are suggesting could be an option. It's very glassy and gritty when you roll back guitar volume or reduce the internal trimmer, but it's also ferocious when you need it to be, much more gain and bite than the NKT.

 

[jamison162]

Treble Boosters come in silicon and germanium, just like fuzz, but the original Rangemaster was indeed a germanium boost. However, if the NKT Sun Face didn't have enough juice for you, a Rangemaster is unlikely to scratch your itch either.

The BC108 Sun Face the guys are suggesting could be an option. It's very glassy and gritty when you roll back guitar volume or reduce the internal trimmer, but it's also ferocious when you need it to be, much more gain and bite than the NKT.

Can silicon still do classic rock crunch tones or are they too over the top - mainly for leads?

 

[re-animator]

you'll have to roll back the volume, but its do-able. Its not what i would use to play "the boys are back in town" but its something you could use for some stones, or early who songs.

 

[PlexiFuzz]

NKT

But I was thinking of a fuzz that also has that treble booster kind of tone built in - aren't most TB's germanium?

That's what a Screw Driver is:

http://www.skreddypedals.com/circuits/ScrewDriver/clips/teddyboy+smokeyscrewdriverjam.mp3

 

[jamison162]

So I got some choices lining up. By the sound clips I'm really liking both Londons and the Lola. Anyone own these two to compare?

MJM London I or II
Skreddy Screwdriver, Pinkflesh
Retroman Lola, NuFuzz

 

[JUSTJOB]

"I really like that glassy, gainy, SRV'ish fuzz tone. Do I need a germanium or silicon "
The Fulltone 70 will get you there, roll back your volume a bit and enjoy!

"Can silicon still do classic rock crunch tones or are they too over the top - mainly for leads?"
Yeah, they can do classic rock crunch, and leads as well, again, your volume knob is your friend here too.

 

[jamison162]

So the Java Boost, Fuzz Head, Beano Boost aren't gonna get me there?

I need to be looking at MJM's, Maybe Retroman Lola or Nu Fuzz, Skreddy's, etc???

What about the Psionic 3.14, totally different type fuzz right...being in the Big Muff category?

 

[JUSTJOB]

Java and Beano are treble boosters and are for pushing amp into creamy breakup. The FuzzHead is a bit tight on SRV type fuzz, but it can cop SRV ok if set right, especially if hit it with a tube screamer type, or KBD2 on low gain setting. IMHO.
The Skreddy is in Muff camp as well. MJM and Retroman have offerings that can do.

 

[orogeny]

I found that fuzz and I don't get along. . . until i change my other pedals. . . which i'm not prepared to do.

I LOVE my Keeley BD2 or a RAT for what you are describing. . .

flame away. . .

but come hear it first. . .

and YES, the volume knob on my guitar is one of my best friends. . .

 

[jamison162]

The Java is not just a treble booster, it can do full range too. Still, after some research, I think I'de be better off with something else. I had a Keeley Rat that is getting replaced with a Psionic Audio 3.14.