In this article, weāre going to be discussing the 6 best bass fuzz pedals that you can purchase in 2023.
Fuzz, and distortion in general, have been present in the world of bass guitars since the early 1960s and these days, itās hard to imagine a powerful bass tone without some of these pedals. In the past, bass players have been using pedals that were originally designed for guitars.
These days, things are completely different and the offer of fuzz pedals designed especially for bass guitars is impressive. There are also many pedals that work equally well on both instruments, so we included both types on our list.
Ā What Is A Bass Fuzz Pedal?
Bass fuzz pedals produce the fuzz effect. This effect has been present in the guitar world for so many decades and it is the most extreme type of distortion. Unlike classic distortion, which distorts the original signal in waveforms, the fuzz does this in a more extreme way. If you look at diagrams, these waveforms look squarish, which is the reason why this effect produces such fuzzy tones.
If we want to make some gradation, fuzz pedals are at the top. Where classic distortion pedals stop, fuzz pedals continue and go way beyond. Thanks to the unique sound, fuzz pedals have become an essential piece of equipment for both guitarists and bassists. In both cases, theye are often used in combination with other effects. Many like to mix it with the ampās overdrive sound, while those who want to get an extremely powerful tone like to combine it with the octave pedal.
Todayās market is full of amazing fuzz pedals and whether youāre looking for a vintage or modern types, the choice is huge, so weāve picked some of our favorites, to make your choice easier. Therefore, the following list includes some of the best fuzz pedals for bass you can find on the market.
Best Bass Fuzz Pedals
MXR M287 Sub Octave Bass Fuzz
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The MXR M287 Sub Octave Bass Fuzz packs two essential pieces of gear in a single housing, as it offers not just impressive fuzz tones, but a sub-octave effect as well. The catch with this pedal is in the fact that it comes with a built-in Growl section from another famous pedal, MXRās Bass Octave Deluxe.
Therefore, itās no wonder that the pedal comes with seven knobs in total. Two of them are reserved for fuzz tones, and you may also count on a small switch that lets you pick one of the two fuzz voicing options in the offer. Also, the pedal features separate knobs for Octave and Dry level control. Finally, the pedal comes packed with a three-band EQ section, for super-fine tone shaping. Among these three knobs, there is also Mid+ pot, which plays a significant role in cutting through a mix.
The pedal is quite compact, considering that we are talking about a 2-in-1 unit. It is designed to be functional and flexible, so itās no wonder it comes with two footswitches for a convenient engage of sub-octave effect. Speaking of onboard functionality, you may also count on true bypass. Like any other MXR product, it runs either on batteries or on a 9V adapter
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This pedal is designed for bass players who highly appreciate on-stage functionality, as it packs two effects into a single stompbox. With excellent sound quality and lots of tone-shaping options, it is the first pick of many professionals, but the relatively affordable price makes it approachable to other players as well.
Aguilar Fuzzistor
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The Fuzzistor features a typical Aguilar layout, which means it looks very retro. The thing with this pedal is that it also sounds very retro. This pedal is designed to deliver a genuine silicon transistor distortion, which was hugely popular in the ā70s, the tone that shaped the sound of so many generations and it is the first choice of many musicians even today.
Still, the Fuzzistor makes a big difference Ā as besides amazing vintage tone, it also brings functionality and versatility of modern pedals. For example, there is a Dry knob, so you can easily mix the amounts of dry signal and effect tone. The fuzz tone is extremely rich in terms of harmonics, while the tilt EQ is not just easy to use, but also offers an impressive color diversity.
The pedal by itself is designed in a typical Aguilar manner. It features typical size and look, which means it is compact enough to fit most pedalboards. When it comes to pedalboard practicality, you may count on true bypass, while the pedal passes signal even when the battery is dead. Of course, you can always get a power supply, which is sold separately.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Things are pretty clear here, as the Aguilar Fuzzistor delivers a genuine silicon transistor tone. So, lovers of vintage tones will definitely like this pedal. On the other side, tone purists will appreciate loads of options for tone shaping, but itās also important to mention that the pedal is very easy to use at the same time.Ā Ā
MXR M84 Bass Fuzz Deluxe
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When you want to get a great sound, you need a good basis. Thatās the reason why designers of this pedal didnāt start from a scratch, but rather used proven design solutions and added a superstructure. Therefore, the MXR M84 is based on the companyās vintage circuit, but comes with significant tweaks on the EQ section, in order to provide bold, super-massive modern fuzz tone.
The thing we particularly like about this pedal is that it offers an impressive range of tone-shaping options, without compromising the natural bass tone. It features separate Dry and Wet tones, so you can dial in pretty much everything, from just a bit of crunch to fully fuzzed tones.
Of course, the pedal features common Tone and Fuzz knobs for additional tone-shaping options, while the overall layout comes in the companyās typical manner. This means a super-compact package, with pedalboard-friendly dimensions. Also, the pedal features true bypass, which keeps your tone intact. The pedal runs either on batteries or on a 9V adapter.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The MXR M84 Bass Fuzz Deluxe is designed for a wide range of bass players. It is a modern pedal, which besides massive tone also offers exceptional functionality and tone-shaping potential. Many see this pedal as a perfect unit for live performances, but the pedal is as good in the studio environment. The best thing is that the price seems more than fair.
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2
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Inspired by the legendary Russian muff, the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 is primarily designed for guitarists. However, it became instantly popular among bass players as well. There are several reasons for that, such as great tonal characteristics, excellent build quality, compact dimension and lots of versatility.
The secret of this pedal is in the hybrid design, which combines germanium and silicon circuitry, along with germanium transistors. This results in a tone that takes the best from both worlds ā fuzz and overdrive, so the pedal actually sounds like you combine fuzz with an overdriven amp. Besides common knobs like Level and Fuzz, there are also Shift and Tone pots, for additional tone shaping, which makes this pedal pretty versatile, soundwise.
Besides the sound, build quality is another thing that impresses. The pedal is handmade in Ohio and seems rock solid. We particularly like the footswitch, which is smooth as butter. Of course, the pedal features a hardwired bypass which keeps the tone intact, while another important thing to mention is that the manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty on this product.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Those who look for a hi-end quality at reasonable price should definitely put EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2 on their shortlist. This pedal seems like a perfect opportunity to get a top-tier product without paying insane amounts of cash. The pedal works great on guitars but keeps to impress bass players as well.Ā If you play both instruments, search no more.
ZVEX Effects Fuzzolo
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There are so many things to like about this little fellow. Behind the funny name, you will find a great-looking tiny housing, which packs some pretty serious tones. Just one look at the styling and it becomes obvious which pedal was the inspiration for designers of this product. Still, a big difference is that this unit comes with a little bit tweaked EQ section, which is calibrated in such an impressive way that it sounds equally amazing whether you plug guitar or bass.
The ZVEX Effects Fuzzolo is a super-compact unit, which packs just a couple of knobs. However, that doesnāt mean you will be limited in any way when it comes to tone diversity. The pedal offers a wide range of tones, which go from mild crunch to the world of raging-beast fuzz. One of the knobs is a typical Volume knob, while the PW (Pulse Width) knob lets you engage the amount of fuzz you want.
The pedal features super-compact dimensions and it is one of the tiniest units you can find around, so you definitely wonāt have any problems in finding the place on pedalboard for it. Another thing we like about it is that it features an internal jumper, which makes it work great with both active and passive pickups. Of course, you may count on true bypass as well.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Every player who looks for a killer fuzz pedal that comes in a small package should seriously consider this product. It may be small, but it features impressive sound quality. It is a perfect on-stage unit, which saves a lot of space on the pedalboard. Still, donāt be fooled by the layout and just a couple of knobs, the pedal offers a quite decent tonal diversity.Ā
Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff
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The iconic fuzz pedal is available in the bass version as well. It this particular case, the Big Muff combines two legendary versions of the pedal ā battle-tank green Sovtek Big Muff Pi and the legendary Big Muff Pi from the ā70s. With additional EQ tweaks, this combination provides cutting fuzz tones, which work impressively on bass guitars.
When it comes to the base design, you may count on a classic layout. There are three familiar knobs ā Tone, Volume and Sustain, which offer a pretty decent tonal diversity. For additional flexibility and on-stage functionality, the pedal comes with dual outputs, Dry and Effect, which is highly convenient in the world of bass guitars. Also, there is a small toggle switch that lets you accentuate different frequency ranges.
The pedal by itself is rock-solid like we used from Electro-Harmonix. It features a hardwired bypass, which preserves your tone when the pedal isnāt in use. When it comes to the power supply, you can use either battery or 9V adapter (not included).
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is a quintessential fuzz pedal, which comes in the bass iteration for great bass playing experience. It is also very affordable, which makes it a pretty popular choice among a wide range of players. Despite there are many more advanced units in the market these days, which are more functional and more versatile, the Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff definitely has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to the authentic sound quality. No matter how high your fuzz demands are, you wonāt be disappointed with this one.Ā
Our Number One Choice
The MXR M84 Bass Fuzz Deluxe stands out for many reasons, but the first thing that comes to mind is exceptional flexibility. This is a modern fuzz bass pedal, which offers much more than hi-quality sound characteristics. It offers tons of tone shaping options, while its on-stage practicality and usability are at an impressive level as well.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
The Aguilar Fuzzistor may be expensive, but you may count on the premium quality in return. This is one of the best fuzz pedals on the market. First of all, it delivers a genuine vintage fuzz tone, which features exceptional quality. At the same time, it brings the functionality of modern units to the table, so the amount of options for tone shaping is equally impressive. The last but not least, this pedal is amazing when it comes to live performances. It is smooth, noiseless, features true bypass and will continue to work even when the battery is dead.
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
When you look at the price tag, it seems impossible not to give this title to the Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff. Simply, you get a genuine tone of the iconic fuzz pedal for bass, at a pretty affordable price. To make things even better, this version is designed for bass guitars on purpose and not only that the EQ section has been re-calibrated, but the pedal actually combines two legendary designs, features bass boost and offers impressive overall functionality.
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That concludes this full buyers guide on the best bass preamp pedals. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other bass buyer guides such as the best Bass Synth Pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you canĀ learn guitar with our Guitar Tricks Review
FAQ: Best Bass Fuzz Pedals
What are the best bass fuzz pedals in 2023?
The world of bass fuzz pedals offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences and playing styles. While itās subjective, some popular choices for the best bass fuzz pedals in 2023 include:
- MXR M287
- Aguilar Fuzzistor
- MXR M84
- EarthQuaker Devices Hoof V2
- ZVEX Effects Fuzzolo
- Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff
How does a bass fuzz pedal differ from a regular fuzz pedal?
Bass fuzz pedals are specifically designed to handle the lower frequencies produced by bass guitars. They often have specialized circuits that retain the low-end while providing a rich fuzz tone. Regular fuzz pedals may not be optimized to handle the bass frequencies and can result in a loss of low-end clarity.
What are the key features to consider when choosing a bass fuzz pedal?
When selecting a bass fuzz pedal, several features are worth considering:
- Fuzz Controls: Look for pedals with versatile fuzz controls, such as gain, sustain, and tone knobs, allowing you to shape your desired fuzz sound.
- Blend Control: A blend control enables you to mix the dry and wet signals, maintaining clarity and preserving the original tone of your instrument.
- Durable Build: Opt for pedals with sturdy metal chassis, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Octave Effect: Some bass fuzz pedals offer an octave effect, which adds a little extra depth and harmonics to your bass sounds.
- Power Supply: Check if the pedal requires a 9V DC power supply or if it can be battery-powered for convenience.
How does a bass fuzz pedal differ from an overdrive or distortion pedal?
While all three types of pedalsāfuzz, overdrive, and distortionāalter your guitar or bassās tone, they have distinct characteristics. A bass fuzz pedal produces a thick, saturated, and sometimes aggressive fuzz tone, often associated with artists like Jimi Hendrix. On the other hand, overdrive pedals add a mild to moderate crunch and saturation, while distortion pedals provide more aggressive and high-gain tones.
Can a bass fuzz pedal be used with other instruments, such as electric guitars or acoustic guitars?
Yes, bass fuzz pedals can be used with other instruments like electric guitars or acoustic guitars to achieve unique and creative tones. However, keep in mind that the pedalās voicing and frequency response may be optimized for bass frequencies, so the results may vary.
How can a bass fuzz pedal enhance my bass playing?
A bass fuzz pedal can add a distinct character and texture to your bass sound. It can provide a tube-like saturation, sustain, and a warm, fuzzy tone that cuts through the mix. By experimenting with different settings and blending the wet and dry signals, you can create a wide range of tones that suit various musical genres and playing styles.
What are some popular bass fuzz pedals for achieving a classic fuzz sound?
To achieve a classic fuzz sound on your bass, you might consider pedals like the Fuzz Face, Big Muff, or the Maestro Fuzz Tone. These pedals have been favored by many legendary bass players and offer iconic fuzz tones that have shaped the world of bass guitar.
Can a bass fuzz pedal be used in combination with other effects pedals?
Absolutely! A bass fuzz pedal can be used in combination with various other effects pedals to explore different sonic possibilities. Popular combinations include using a bass fuzz pedal in conjunction with an octave pedal, distortion pedal, or even a multi-effects pedal to create unique and layered bass tones.
What is the advantage of having a dedicated fuzz pedal instead of a multi-effects pedal?
While multi-effects pedals offer versatility by combining various effects in one unit, a dedicated fuzz pedal often provides a more focused and specialized tone. By focusing solely on fuzz, these pedals can offer more nuanced control and a specific fuzz sound that may not be achievable with a multi-effects pedal.
How can I integrate a bass fuzz pedal into my signal chain?
The placement of your bass fuzz pedal in the signal chain can influence your overall sound. Typically, it is recommended to place the fuzz pedal early in the chain, before time-based effects like delay or reverb. Experiment with different pedal orders to find the placement that suits your preferences and desired tone.
Remember, the key to finding the best bass fuzz pedal for you is personal experimentation and considering your unique playing style and sonic preferences.
Last update on 2023-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API