What would you say is the difference?

Muff Fuzz, not the Big Muff the single knob one.

Quite a bit mate distortion is far more defined and doesnt have the random harmonic overtones that a half decent fuzz pedal does. Its like the difference between satisfaction and enter sandman to my ears.

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Thanks everyone! So much shopping to do...but please keep the suggestions coming esp. if any other good ones have been missed out.

I have a vocabulary question now - what are Germanium and silicon?

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2008 MIM Strat w 3-tone sunburst
2002 LP Special Ebony Faded
2008 G-Dec
'59 Reissue Bassman 4x10 combo
TS 808
DS 1
Gretsch 6120DS (on loan)

The two different types of transistors that lend their specific tonal characteristics to the original fuzz face. Click on the link I posted above and it will explain it all. Germaniums were used on the early models in the 60's, then they switched to silicon in the 70's because they were more stable.

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'95 Custom Warmoth Soloist Solid Flame Koa Body/Neck, Duncan Classic Livewire SSH, Sperzel locking tuners, Wilkinson VS100 bridge, all black chrome.
2008 MIM Lonestar Strat Black/White Pearl
2008 Taylor 114 CE

I like the Fulltone 70 and the Demeter Fuzzulator.

Has anyone bought and used the Fender Blender?

Ellen germanium transistors are quite susceptable to heat or cold also they can pick up a fair bit of noise. They give that lovely squashy sound though and when used in a fuzz circuit help give that fat smooth fuzzy tone. A bit of a contradiction in the terms fuzzy smooth.
Heres a silicon based http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EqrQPbOhDo It always seems to have a hard edge to it.

The germainium version has that squashyness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEcPI-FaPhE&feature=related

They both sound pretty good though subtley different. Clever people can incorporate both types into a circuit and give both tones. Everything inbetween too.

Two reasons i wont recommend a fuzzface. Notice the hard time changing battery, ok you may get used to it. Not something i'd want to risk onstage though. Theres no real way to secure the battery either. Fuzz's are quite delicate in construction, i wouldnt want a loose battery clunking around inside. Their price is frankly scandalous £175 is about £125 too much for any fuzz circuit, their not rocket science, they all break especialy germainium based ones. Boutique schmootique a rip off price for something that cost about £10 to make.

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Ellen, I know I'm going to sound like a hayseed for even mentioning this, but don't discount the honest Boss Fuzz (FZ-5 or something, I think?).

A blue collar workhorse compared to some of the exotica that's been named. But at least worth demo'ing, if only to help your ears think about the differences...

Good luck - C

And the boss pedal will be in the right price range and super reliable.

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I dont use distortion at all its far too harsh sounding for anything aside from metal and even then its far surpassed by a good amps drive and a boost pedal. Which is where a good distortion can come into its own when set right.
Fuzz is hard to wield but can give some great usable tones when mastered. Extreme fuzz settings often become useless like all things a little bit of flavouring is the way to go. Fuzz tends to respond better to mild drive or clean tones, i've found. Where as distortion responds to high amp gain and low distortion settings.

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Ibanez Tube Screamer .

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

Jay trust me if you want one to last you forever check out my mates creations in the link i provided on page 1 of this thread. Forget boutique prices them things leave pretty much everything i've ever heard.

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