The Fuzz is a significant player when it comes to guitar effects. Moreover, this “distortion beyond distortion” effect can be heard on countless records, and the best fuzz pedal for bass can be found worldwide on pedalboards.
Moreover, Bass guitar across genres uses Fuzz pedals. A signal modified with Fuzz will sound slightly brighter and give off that iconic fuzzy sound. Fuzz was initially produced with broken guitar equipment but has been targeted explicitly with effect emulators to recreate the fantastic “broken” sound since its conception.
However, most bassists use fewer effects on their bass compared to guitarists. But the fuzz pedal has proven itself as a cornerstone for modulating the sound of the bass guitar.
Nevertheless, there are various fuzz pedals designed for the guitar as well. Using a guitar fuzz pedal for a bass guitar is fine, but the guitar versions of fuzz pedals will usually filter out more low-end frequencies leaving you with a thinner sounding bass. Conversely, the bass versions of fuzz pedals are designed to leave in more low-end, producing a low-end Fuzz effect.
Best Fuzz Pedal for Bass
JHS Ruby Red Overdrive Fuzz Boost Guitar Effects Pedal
The JHS features a vintage Supro-style overdrive and a clean boost for a great range of tones. However, the volume has tons of power for lots of headroom to boost any amp into a natural breakup when the Drive is set low.
More so, the tone gives you a natural tonal spectrum that is usable across the whole sweep. The natural breakup increases as you turn up the Drive knob, from light grit to a saggy distortion.
On its own, the boost will offer users a tremendous clean volume boost or break up your amp when cranked. In addition, beneath the Boost knob, an order toggle allows users to select the order of effects.
Pros
- Independent control that allows users to use it with or without the SuperBolt effect
- Order toggle allows users to boost their amplifier or the onboard SuperBolt circuit.
- Simple single-knob control
Cons
- Some customers reviewed that the fuzz pedal doe not worth the price
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Walrus Audio Kangra Filter Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal
The Walrus features a true bypass, two-in-one pedal—two different fuzz styles with the Modern and Vintage switch. Moreover, in the modern position (M), you notice a more forgiving fuzz with longer and tighter sustain. In contrast, the Vintage position (V) feels starved with spatty breakup and grittier, shorter sustain.
Furthermore, the fuzz pedal for bass features a versatile filter with a resonance that controls the resonance of the 2-pole low-pass filter circuit. In addition, it features sensitivity, frequency and envelope filter controls. So just dig in and play dirty with aggressive fuzz lead lines that’ll rip time and spaced apart at the seams.
Pros
- M/V toggle switch allows users to choose between a more modern feel (left) and a more vintage feeling fuzz (right)
- It adjusts the sensitivity of the envelope applied to the filter cutoff
- The Mid switch changes the midrange contour of the fuzz circuit from heavily scooped (left) to a flatter mid response (right)
Cons
- The fuzz sound is not versatile enough compared to other brands and models.
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Fuzz Pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff fuzz pedal for bass delivers all the classic sounds of the original NYC Big Muff Pi, plus extra features. Moreover, the fuzz pedal comes with a foot-switchable MIDS section that helps users cut through when recording or playing live.
In addition, the MIDS section features four controls so users can fine-tune their midrange boost or cut. The noise gate with adjustable Gate control eliminates noise and hum while preserving your attack and original tone.
Furthermore, the fuzz pedal for bass features an adjustable Attack control that adds punch to single notes and chords. However, the volume knob works as a master volume control for the entire pedal.
An attack knob is a volume control for the Attack effect. As you turn the Attack knob clockwise, the Attack volume increases. On the other hand, turn the Attack knob down (fully counter-clockwise) to off the attack.
Pros
- Adjustable Attack control
- Volume knob control for the entire pedal
- Bass boost and MIDS q switches
Cons
- The battery does not last for long.
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 Germanium/Silicon Hybrid Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal
This volume pedal for bass features a hybrid Germanium/Silicon design, pairing maximum tone with maximum temperature stability. And a wide gain range that provides everything from amp-like overdrive to monstrous fuzz madness.
Moreover, the fuzz pedal for bass also features a smooth, natural and harmonically rich sustain. In addition, the pedal generates absolute clarity that provides a tight and controlled signal that will be heard through the mix.
In addition, lots of tonal shaping options are on tap. The shift control changes the frequency response of the tone control primarily on the treble side, but it diminishes any unnecessary muddiness on the bass side.
- Pros
- Scoop the MIDS or boost them
- Natural and harmonically rich sustain
- Hybrid Germanium/Silicon design
Cons
- Some customers reviewed that the LED light is too bright.
SONICAKE Bass Effects Pedals Multi effect Preamp Compressor Boost Fuzz Octave Multi Effects Pedal Boom Ave With FX Loop
The SONICAKE Bass Effects Pedals is a one-stop gig solution for bass players with the main effects needed for the bass pedal. However, the bass pedal has an analog preamp with 3-Band EQ.
Moreover, the fuzz pedal for bass features a Compressor, Boost, Fuzz Modules effects ready for Most Common Use in Bass Playing Scenes on the bass multi-effects pedal.
More so, the bass multi-effects pedal contains an Octave Module that produces notes one and two octaves lower along with the direct signal for the massive thickness.
Pros
- Convenient To Use
- Compact size and lightweight that you can put it to your bag easily
- Dynamic clean to a classic rock bass sound
- Suitable for all bass playing scenes
Cons
- The octave and sub-octave functions are on the muddy side, and there’s a little latency as well.
JHS Pedals Cheese Ball Fuzz Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal (CZ)
The JHS fuzz pedal features standard volume, gain, and tone knobs found on most distortion fuzz boxes. However, it comes with an extra mode selector knob that offers four different tones and gains selections.
The tones are disjoined in the “off” position, offering players bright and trashy fuzz/distortion sound. While the “1” position produces a mid-scooped sound that gives players a big Muff style buzz for a rounded sound reminiscent of delicate mozzarella that sits on your pizza but doesn’t get in the way.
On the other hand, the “2” position produces a mid-boost sound that cuts through a mix like a hot knife through Velveeta. Finally, the “3” position offers users a biting, gated fuzz tone that, when cranked, spits, spats, and bites like Gorgonzola natural.
Pros
- The pedal features an extra mode selector knob that offers users four different overall tones and gains selections.
- Bright and trashy fuzz/distortion sound
ZVEX Effects Fat Fuzz Factory Germanium Fuzz Guitar/Bass Pedal
This ZVEX fuzz pedal features a three-position mini-toggle switch. However, setting 1 is a standard fuzz factory. While settings 2 and 3 introduce “low” and “lower” frequencies to manipulate, oscillate, and mutate just the way you want it.
Moreover, the ZVEX Vexter fat fuzz factory takes the original company flagship pedal, the fuzz factory. The fat fuzz factory features a sub-switch that opens the pedal up to an excellent bottom end. That is, the pedal can oscillate at much lower registers, giving it some fascinating thunder broom synth qualities. The other low end makes the Fat Fuzz Factory as useful for bass guitar as it is on guitar.
The Comp adds attack characteristics when turned to left, which gets softer to the right, and immediately pinches tone when all the way right. In addition, it is used to tune in fat feedback fuzz, if you’re that kind. Finally, lower the Stability and see what happens to this control.
Pros
- Three-position mini toggle switch
- Fantastic sound on both guitar and bass
Cons
- Some customers reviewed that the output volume is low.
Warm Audio Foxy Tone Box Fuzz Pedal
This fuzz pedal is a fantastic recreation of the original “foxy” fuzz circuit with a 100% analog, fully discrete signal path. However, it features premium components throughout, including the NOS 2N3565 Fairchild transistors found in the original circuit.
Moreover, the fuzz pedal for bass uses carbon resistors, germanium 1N34A diodes, and premium film capacitors. It features true bypass operation, Groovy vintage enclosure covered in orange velvet.
However, the various components used in a pedal circuit are crucial to how it sounds and reacts when, so each Foxy Tone Box is well assembled by hand using premium parts.
Furthermore, just like the original, the fuzz pedal for bass features controls for Sustain, Volume, and Fuzz and a switch to engage the pronounced octave effect. Nevertheless, from mellow and subdued crunch to all-out searing Fuzz and everything in between, this fuzz pedal for bass is a virtual library of dirt encased in orange velvet!
Pros
- Great sound
- NOS Fairchild transistors
- True bypass operation
Cons
- The problem with this pedal is that the effect is so extreme.
Catalinbread Giygas Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal
The Giygas is a super aggressive yet buttery and violin-like pedal. However, the fuzz pedal is the most potent fuzz weapon in the known universe. The core of the fuzz circuit is hardy and fierce, yet with plenty of violin-like sustain and articulation on tap, and the entire thing is wrapped in a clean blend circuit.
Moreover, from there, the Fuzz gets catapulted into a gyrator-based mids boost and then into a tilt EQ circuit. Besides, you can use just the powerful high-headroom EQ with the blend rolled back to sculpt your clean tone.
Furthermore, the trimmer is another gyrator circuit that sits in the same space as the mids circuit, cutting some mud when recording or providing a kick in the lows when cranked.
Finally, for our bass playing friends, the slide switch shifts the centre frequency of both mids gyrator and tilts EQ from 900Hz to 250Hz!. It is so loud that it can and will slam the front end of your amp if you let it!
Pros
- The slide switch shifts the centre frequency.
- The clean blend circuit terminates after the Fuzz but before the EQ
- Trimmer used to cut some mud when recording
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a guitar fuzz pedal for bass?
As much as any guitar fuzz pedal works perfectly for bass, users can choose from any of the options discussed in the above guide.
What does a bass fuzz pedal do?
A bass fuzz offers that evoking classic vintage dirt without compromising the low end of your bass guitar. This pedal is mainly designed for the bass guitar. Moreover, it can tighten up your low frequencies without lopping or choking them off totally versus standard pedals on the market do.
Can you use a fuzz face on bass?
As we know, pedals come in a wide variety of flavours, many of which offer various EQ tweaks along with their effects. However, running a bass through a guitar fuzz pedal works just as fine as circuits and signals go. What this means is that the pedal is cutting off the bass frequencies.
What pedals do bass players use?
The essential effects pedals for bass are the compressor, looper, overdrive, volume, octave, and chorus.
Conclusion
Finally, in the article above, we have carefully listed some of the best fuzz pedals for bass. As you can see, each of the fuzz pedals has unique features. However, the perfect fuzz pedal for your bass guitar depends on your bass rig as well as your preferences.
As a beginner in playing the bass guitar, you can purchase simple and easy pedals. However, purchasing a pedal with complex features does not make the pedal better than the simple pedals. Instead, it is just complex and versatile.
Moreover, when choosing the best fuzz pedal for bass, there are some factors to consider, e.g. the quality of the pedal, its varieties, ease of use, the different sound modulation options, the functionality etc. However, the price range is also a factor to consider.
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