Fuzzy Recommendations

[FormulaFourteen]

Hi folks

Looking for some "what to build next" recommendations, pedalpcb builds greatly preferred. Rough criteria below.

• I find myself wanting something fuzzy, but fuzz is something I've always liked the idea of more than the reality so definitely feeling a bit picky.
• I'm sorted for massive compressed high gain wall of sound type stuff --- have some Muffs, a Jumbo Tonebender, and a Peach Fuzz kicking around and none of them ever get used.
• Dirt-wise I like things that get a raggedy but which remain quite touch responsive --- the Red Llama is my favourite drive pedal by miles. I used to own a Function F(x) ClusterFuzz and it rode the line between overdrive and fuzz very nicely (a PedalPCB version of this would be...AWESOME).
• My amps are vox-flavoured and blackface-flavoured
• I'm not a fan of "classic rock" --- not looking for hendrix/led zeppelin/pink floyd type stuff whatsoever.
• I do like neil young / 90s alternative rock / punk rock / post punk / post rock / lofi indie type stuff
• I'm already planning to build a Simulcast (hudson broadcast)
• Pedals that are spectacularly picky about parts need not apply

Any recommendations? Really hoping to find something which is a bit versatile, turn it up and get touch sensitive fuzzy fun but turn it down and get something that approximates overdrive / low gain distortion.

One pedal I've been looking at is the Algal Bloom but very open to ideas...

 

[Flying]

Titania 2: https://www.pedalpcb.com/product/titania2/

 

[Erik S]

I built a Pestle (Eqd Zoar) recently and I like that a lot. Might fit your requirements.

You didn’t mention anything in the Rat family which would be my other thought. 1981 DRV or EQD white light have been favorites for that flavor.

 

[FormulaFourteen]

I have a 90s RAT with the hyped LM308 in it and it's... Ok?

I did build a White Light before and it didn't do much for me but before that I had an EQD Grey Channel which I did like a lot so who knows! Maybe I'll build another.

Doesn't really fit my description above but the Kazoo/Basic Audio Zippy does look fun...

 

[spi]

I'm like you in that I never get along with fuzzes although I like the idea of them. Fuzz Aldrin is the one I've like best. It's a fuzz but can do overdrive that beats most overdrives if you turn the gain down.

 

[Diynot]

Skreddy Screwdriver (MBP Cosmopolitan) or Lunar Module (PPCB Fuzz Aldrin). Prefer the Cosmopolitan, but you may not want to have to go digging for an NPN Ge transistor.

 

[giovanni]

Have you tried the Dream fuzz? I love that sound (if you like Siamese Dream…). I also really like the Fuzzy Fox, which is a bit weirder and has optional octave up which adds variety (really good for solos).

 

[Ginsly]

Trumpeter! Has the Neil Young “blowing up amp” kinda sounds, but has a LOT of great low-gain settings too. Bosstones can kinda ride that fuzz/distortion/overdrive line, and I find them pretty good for chords as well. Astrotone might fit the bill too.

 

[giovanni]

Oh there is also the fuzz factory which is very versatile especially for gated sounds.

 

[FormulaFourteen]

Have you tried the Dream fuzz? I love that sound (if you like Siamese Dream…). I also really like the Fuzzy Fox, which is a bit weirder and has optional octave up which adds variety (really good for solos).

I do like Siamese Dream but I have all the muff I'll ever need.

 

[jcpst]

Persica Fuzz
Copper Clad Fuzz
Carcass Fuzz
Pandora’s Box
CheeseMonger Fuzz

 

[Einzeln]

Beetronics Nectar

 

[benny_profane]

EQD Grey Channel which I did like a lot

This is interesting. The grey channel is a 250—which is very similar to the RAT. Do you like that the grey channel seemed tighter than the rat?

 

[FormulaFourteen]

This is interesting. The grey channel is a 250—which is very similar to the RAT. Do you like that the grey channel seemed tighter than the rat?

Honestly... I can't remember. It was quite a few years ago. I just remember liking it!

 

[kristopher]

The Carcass plays well with all other fuzzes and drives. It’s touch sensitive. And can sound like a warm fuzzy sweater, that doesn’t smother dynamics. It’s the “cleanest” fuzz I’ve tried. But it can also crush. In the good way. Since building one, 6 months ago, I haven’t taken it off my board. It sits next to a Fuzz Foundry.
And you’re gonna like the Simulcast. Most folks do. It may cover your fuzz needs. But you should probably build a whole bunch of fuzzes.
Good luck on the hunt.

 

[phi1]

Have you looked at the Dung Beetle (Basic Audio Scarab Deluxe)?

 

[iamjackslackof]

Bearfoot Pink Purple fuzz!!!