adding fuzz

[dazzlindino]

I am wanting to know of a fuzz pedal or distortion pedal that does not alter the tone that you have, but kind of wraps your notes in fuzz.
That probably dosnt make sense , but all the pedals I have tried really change the sound too much, losing the original tonality. This dosnt mean they dont sound good, was just hoping that there is a pedal that is more transparent.
Thanks

[Brad1]

I believe I saw a pedal (or more, maybe) that claims to do that. I can't remember which one I saw that it is. It has a "mix" knob, I think. I believe it may have some kind of parallel circuitry to the output. Basically, the clean signal meets the affected signal at the output stage, and you can mix in the amount of "fuzz" that is getting blended in with it. That would be instead of running the entire signal through the path to get affected, which naturally, changes the original.
(Yes, I suspect even the original will be affected SOMEwhat by doing that).
Does this sound right? It seems like it would almost be like installing a basic splitter in/dual-channel out to mono mixer in the box. (You could probably even stick another switched output jack on for running clean amp/dirty amp?)

Anyone know what that is, or a project for that? The pedal geeks will know. Shouldn't even be hard to build for the gurus here, I suspect.

Brad1

[Mark Hammer]

Read any book on the physics of music, or on electronic music, and there will always be an introductory chapter that indicates:
1) We identify instruments and other sound sources by the amount and relationships between the harmonics accompanying the note fundamental frequency.
2) We identify instruments and other sound sources by the envelope properties they possess, such as dynamic variation and decay time.
3) When combined, the way in which harmonic content is distributed across time also is what we use to identify instruments and sound sources.

Distortions a) by definition, ADD harmonic content and shift the balance of harmonics and fundamental, and b) generally produce that harmonic content by imposing strict limits on the voltage swing of the signal, thereby changing the dynamics. So, strictly speaking, you can't have a distortion that does not change the tone and character of the original sound source unless it is extremely mild distortion.

That being said, Brad1's suggestion of circuits like Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive (http://www.voodoolab.com/sparkledrive.htm) is a good one. This provides an on-board mixer circuit that allows you to blend distortion and original signal. Barber Electronics may also have something like that (http://www.barberelectronics.com/).

Alternatively, perhaps you want something like a straightforward boost in order to produce the overdrive from your amp with the *entire* guitar signal, rather than pushing it with a highly colored version.

All in all, though, it seems to me like your opinions may well have been formed on the basis of using Tube Screamer type pedals (which severely restrict the low end) or heavy metal type pedals (which generally goose the lows and highs for a scooped sound).

Check out some of the projects over at General Guitar Gadgets, Runoffgroove.com, and Tonepad for some ideas about distortions that add more meat without altering the voice of the guitar.

[Earl Norton]

try out a compressor. Lots of sustain but no or little fuzz.

[petemoore]

I liked the 'idea of a split,
One side Compressed, mids enhanced.
Other side Fuzzed, mid scooped.
...having at least some TC on both sides, and also tweeking on the fuzz clipping side.
Then liking the idea of get the comp in the split box, use the 'other side' to whatever fuzz box makes my day complete by using jacks to rout it out of split/blend box w/comp, back in to be mixed with the comp.
ie getting a good comp sound for me has been a matter of the voicing, a simple comp setting that I don't mess with too much, just two knobs...but fuzz is something that has pre-voicing, clipping types and thresholds, compression, post voicing, boost, and something I like to do alot of diddling with separately.
Clean back w/ Fuzzy Monkey.