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Difference between Overdrive, Distortion and Fuzz

8/26/2016

6 Comments

 
Picture
The terms "distortion", "overdrive" and "fuzz" are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences in meaning. Overdrive effects are the mildest of the three, producing "warm" overtones at quieter volumes and harsher distortion as gain is increased. A "distortion" effect produces approximately the same amount of distortion at any volume, and its sound alterations are much more pronounced and intense. A fuzzbox (or "fuzz box”) alters an audio signal until it is nearly a square wave and adds complex overtones by way of a frequency multiplier.
So How do I know which is best for me?
Generally speaking Overdrives offer more subtle differences than distortion or fuzz. If you primarily want that creamy overdriven sound of a tube amp when it is just breaking up then look to an overdrive. For those of us lucky enough to have those old powerful  tube amps like say; a fender twin but have to play at low volumes, an overdrive is awesome because it can simulate how the amp would act at higher volumes. On the other hand if you are a fan of classic rock or more hard edge genres a distortion pedal will be more suited. If you want to replicate the sounds of some of the late sixties, early seventies music “Think revolution by the Beatles”, a fuzz will sometimes be the answer. If you are covering many styles of music, you may want all three.  For more in depth information we found these helpful post.
http://www.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/effects-explained-overdrive-di.aspx
http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-overdrive-and-distortion/
http://music.stackexchange.com/questions/23947/what-is-the-difference-between-overdrive-and-distortion



6 Comments
Anthony Minshue link
8/26/2016 10:42:08 am

Heres a good video that explains distortion and overdrive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceXxA4qxlSM

Reply
Phil Hobbs
8/29/2016 02:27:38 pm

In my experience if you have a fuzz, overdrive and high gain pedals you can pretty much cover about any riff. I totally require true bypass pedals so my tone doesn't get sucked out.

Reply
Fuzz Man
9/7/2016 09:31:12 am

Peach Fuzz

Reply
Average Joe
6/9/2018 11:28:57 pm

Ehx black Russian muff and Univox orange suoerfuzz are the Kings of doom and stoner.

Reply
Kendra D link
12/16/2020 06:29:34 pm

Thanks forr the post

Reply
Platonic Noir link
7/1/2023 01:16:59 am

Great bllog post

Reply



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  • ModTone Pedals
    • Acoustic Pre-Amp Pedal
    • MT-DUO Dirty Duo
    • MT-BX
    • MT-FD Flextortion
    • Bohemian Overdrive
    • Classic Distortion
    • Dallas Overdrive
    • MT-FZ The Fuzz
    • MT-SB Signal Booster
    • Compressor
    • Coliseum Reverb
    • Analog Delay
    • Classic Chorus
    • Harmonic Tremor
    • Vintage Wah
    • Xcelerator Volume
    • Power Plant 1.3
    • PB8 Pedal Board
    • MTDB Direct Box
  • Blog
  • Buy ModTone
  • About
  • Contact
  • Warranty
  • Videos