Choosing a Big Muff Pedal: Comparing 6 Varieties | Reverb Tone Report

[@tomas_nehyba]

For Smashing pumpkins Siamese dream sound, the settings on op amp big muff are: Volume - 5 (12 o'clock) Tone - 6 (1 o'clock) Sustain - 10 (5 o'clock) Tone - ON

[@seanalexander6310]

Your settings at least or maybe Billy's settings with his gear. Not everyone has the same amps, guitars, pickups, and etc.

[@tomas_nehyba]

@@seanalexander6310 Yeah i get that. I know these are his settings, I tried them on my Boss Katana amp, my op amp big muff and my Ibanez superstrat with 2 humbuckers, and it was the closest i got to their tone.

[@m.f.3347]

@@seanalexander6310 it's a good place to start. It's worth noting that no two pedals are exactly identical - manufacturing tolerances mean you might have to kajigger the knobs one way or the other to dial in the same sound

[@vicke7398]

I was searching for that, tysm!!

[@JonadanandtheFreaks]

Technically the tone is at 4 with a Op-amp (video from the singer/guitarist of Smashing Pumpkins about the reissue)

[@lknez13]

Don't mind me, writing this for myself 0:08 *_Nano_* 2:19 *_Triangle_* 3:10 *_Russian_* 4:41 *_Op Amp (tone ON)_* 5:03 *_Op Amp (tone OFF)_* 6:08 *_Tone Wicker_* 6:29 *_Tone Wicker (wicker ON)_*

[@water_sheep30]

Is it ok if I use it

[@TheAustinGuy]

Love you

[@notjaret161]

@@water_sheep30 no it’s not

[@lex3191]

Ty

[@cicada8790]

2:23 The Wretched - Nine Inch Nails

[@xmillion1704]

I see Andy - I click. Though he's a far more accomplished guitarist than me, I love how he riffs to best demonstrate the pedal's characteristics instead of showing off his chops. Well done video exhibition of the great variety of Big Muffs!

[@ironstretcher]

Although he should make an album....

[@dreamscapeheromusic1239]

the op amp one is a pure siamese dream

[@davidwile1277]

Quiet

[@matthewkennedy7283]

david willey I’m trying to sleep!

[@shannonhondo260]

Op is my favorite. Rams head is great too

[@birdman8125]

So that's what it looks like when a bad joke/pun loses its popsicle stick.

[@Limerick.]

Thats why im here

[@RCMusic718]

I have the Big Muff with tone wicker. I love the added string definition and clarity while still having that blowtorch fuzz sound!

[@leavingpriscillabrookalive]

i’m thinking of getting it, it sounds really nice with the extra clarity

[@furno325]

I am russian and when I saw a big muff with russian text on it I thought I was tripping

[@davecarpenter7266]

KiwiWRX i am not Russian. What does it say ? ElectroHarmonix?

[@furno325]

@@davecarpenter7266 below the button it says овердрайв (overdrive) which is weird considering it's a fuzz pedal🤔

[@tanguydelooz2881]

@@davecarpenter7266 Just checked in Google translate too :) ОВЕРДРАЙВ. Seems like a mix of Greek letters with the Spanish b/v pronunciation. Very educative pedal.

[@MsAmigo1990]

@@furno325 I am from Poland. We call both overdrive and distortion pedals "przestery", which in direct translation means overdrive. It kinda goes different with fuzz pedals. We just call them "fuzzy".

[@doomybaya]

OVERDRIVE!!!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Great playing!

[@JeremyBeut]

Op-Amp for the win. Much more defined and crisp, I love it !

[@JakeTerch]

Andy probably has the gnarliest right thumb callous even seen on a human, definitely has killer technique!

[@joeyjo-joshabadu9636]

at least since Wes Montgomery...

[@caveman5692]

Got the big muff w/ wicker years ago. Glad to see it’s still the most unique of the cheap muffs.

[@SaxJockey]

I also bought the BMP(TW) a few years ago. Made the right decision, a lot of the others played here are far to raspy/course sounding for my liking. I researched the original BMP (huge sheet metal box), the Mini/Small BMP, the Nano BMP and the BMP(TW). The latter seemed to get closest to the original (violin like sustain), but much more compact, standard 9V input, plus bonus of the Tone and Wicker switch options 👍.

[@jimmytgoose476]

Sounds like a winner 🙂🤘

[@mypal1990]

The op-amp muff sounds so gritty. It's like sand paper in sound form. No wonder the smashing pumpkins use them for Siamese Dream for recording.

[@markgarcia8253]

Emmanuel Alejandro : it takes a special type of guitarist to use it properly. It’s not as versatile as the Russian BM. It has a unique lead sound

[@mypal1990]

@@markgarcia8253 For sure. I have a russian big muff re-issue and I have enjoyed it since I got it. The op-amp can either work or it's hard to make an identity with that pedal. That pedal is so specific to just the Pumpkins and their tone.

[@theCrimsonCollects]

Love this description.

[@jmacc9876]

Sounds really good, but I hear a lot of Rice Crispies suddenly when the "tone" switch is off for some reason.

[@isaacwilliams9919]

Apparently they had no idea what an op amp big muff was, and just bought a big muffs that happened to have the op amp. so that guitar tone was a really happy accident

[@darren7634]

OpAmp is awesome, gives me the perfect Smashing Pumpkins tone.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I love all flavors of big muffs, but the regular old nano muff seems the most versatile to me. It's got a finger in each pi. thank you, I'll be here all night.

[@jimmytgoose476]

😃🤘

[@unrequitedmusic8004]

I sold my 90s Russian model on Reverb for a ridiculous amount and bought the current reissue. Prefer the newer one. The 90s era one was not very rugged. The input and output jacks frequently break on them.

[@notplaying2379]

This is very true. I was very lucky when I gigged mine.

[@jwmcmillenii]

It gave the impression of being super sturdy, but it wasn't the case. Then again, maybe that was just me being a dumbass teenager who took STOMP box a little too literally.

[@mudsh4rk]

I've had a few of the Russian ones over the years and the only thing that ever went wrong was the LEDs always failed in a year or two (and then the replacements failed just as quickly). TBF I didn't gig out with them too much, the pedals that got the really heavy use that way were mostly DIY stuff.

[@jeanlessage7560]

Ol' Zircon they still do fail on the new 69 big muff, my led died 2 months after buying it

[@LeeGee]

Russian-built did usually lasts forever. Maybe that was just Soviet. Basic but not built-in obelescence. In Hungary we have trains boilers, kettles that were built in the 50s and are as good (and bad) as the day they were built

[@xyzd70]

I’m just happy to have heard some Frank Black being played, made my day

[@adamstainer4637]

What song?

[@grugotube]

@@adamstainer4637 Czar

[@adamstainer4637]

@@grugotube Yes! Awesome, thanks dude!

[@buckrogez87]

The wicker muff is an underrated gem. I just recently grabbed the op amp re-issue and its a really cool kicked up almost distortion style fuzz, only downside and i mean ONLY downside is that its kinda high octane all the time haha! The wicker has more dynamics and tone on tap but i love both.

[@12south31]

I love my Big Muff Pi with Wicker. Sounds great cranked thru my Orange CR120.

[@KingsDenStudios]

Awesome video! Big props for the Frank Black tune at 4:50 😎😎

[@jrengmusic]

This video should be updated with the Ram’s head reissue

[@LeeGee]

Didn't he?

[@lt-yx1hx]

@@LeeGee no

[@starbattles1]

LOVE that invisible pick. Where can I get one?

[@roni6135]

asking the real questions here

[@maxein4890]

Andy did a video on how he picks with his hands. His technique is pretty cool

[@richd618]

You already have one.

[@starbattles1]

@@maxein4890 Yea It took me a minute to realize he wasn't using a small pick and tucking it away. Never have to worry about dropping a pick and having extra's

[@jimsy5530]

Same place you can buy new jokes.

[@iagobroxado]

The Tone Wicker sounded awesome.

[@twigy7979]

Triangle RULES!!!Great review Andy

[@matthewwilliams7735]

So glad I waited for the Rams Head reissue, Triangle would've been my next choice.

[@racman9964]

This is the most beautiful Les Paul I have seen! Gorgeous color!

[@honeygun1554]

It’s a 1959 cherry sunburst! Thanks! My dad Les Paul made this one with his feet

[@Robert.Averkios.Antonsen]

Personally i love the Deluxe Big Muff Pi, which is not mentioned here but it contains all the various Big Muff sounds in one pedal. If i had to choose between the ones that Andy presented here, then the Nano Big Muff does the trick. Great video by Andy as usual btw.

[@gusisagreatname]

It's great when Andy really gets into it

[@Beermaker2000]

I keep waiting to hear Andy say "...and I playing into a 65 Amp SoHo..."

[@hoboroadie]

I see Reverb has recognized Andy's intrinsic value in driving clicks. Pretty busy here and not currently budgeted for any new drives but the thumbnail of that smiling face, oh alright...

[@EzyoMusic]

I really want that op-amp one. It sounds brilliant!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I was a Non Muff/Fuzz guy . . . until I heard (and purchased) the Thorpy Fallout Cloud. - It's a more High-Fi Sounding Triangle Big Muff. Amazing Tone Control's. Sustain for Days. Cuts thru in a mix, less woofy and fizzy. I also Love: Skreedy P-19, JHS Muffuletta (which is the most versatile sounding) & the New Triangle Big Muff. All Sound Fantastic for ( Gilmour, Santana & Iommi)

[@notplaying2379]

Great choice, I was thinking of getting a thorpy, but went for the muffuletta, due to the size and novelty of having a choice of muffs. The triangle is my favourite setting, the civil war setting is closest to my Russian V7D muff.

[@lyric.kayden]

Michael Caz just recently purchased the ThorpyFX Fallout Cloud myself and I’ve been blown away and it’ll never leave my board. I love my EHX Big Muff Tone Wicker but the ThorpyFx Fallout Cloud is something truly beautiful and special. I’ll pick up a EHX Big Muff Op Amp soon just because I’m a Billy Corgan/Smashing Pumpkins 🎃 fan lol but again the ThorpyFx is amazing.

[@doutoralexandremansurreal5002]

Andy is one of the most talented artists of this generation... I recognize him play from miles

[@dinein1970]

AmpTweaker BluesFuzz Jr... very flexible and rugged build with some very wooly options

[@ThorneyedWT]

Once Big Muff kick in, my head leans back and lower lip jumps full inch up. Every single time.

[@PhyrexianFleshgorger]

Idk what this means. But man. I feel it.

[@jws1272]

@@PhyrexianFleshgorger His "guitar face" kicks in, I think......

[@HearthVader]

Instant stank face.

[@PageandPlant4Life]

he kum

[@jcesmj]

Probably the best BIG MUFF shootout Andy! I own a BM w/Tone Wicker and its blew my tone away!

[@ronnieo.6647]

Julio César Mendoza I sold my tone wicker. I do regret it. I think I like that one the best.

[@jcesmj]

RonnIE O. You always can get one on Reverb.com (non a paid comment) greetings

[@ericlayton8888]

To me, Op Amp is by far the worst until you bypass the tone stack. And then it’s by FAR the best

[@hugocarrilloortega4618]

I've the Wicker Tone one and i use it to put on over the Tubescreamer TS9 for the solos. The result is a big fat sound with a good sustain... i love it! In the chain of my pedal board i prefer to put first the overdrive and after the Big Muff, i mean, first the sofest. Thank's for the video.

[@chrisnagy1429]

I have the vintage Green Russian and the re-issue. I prefer the vintage, it's so much fatter sounding like an explosion in a box. I also have Chicago Stompworks Green and it's awesome maybe better than the EHX re-issue. Thanks Andy for another great demo.

[@pixelspy5791]

I think the Russian was my favorite. Its crunchy but not harsh, it almost has a "warmth" to it I really enjoy

[@jeffreyhall76]

The op amp reissue might be my favorite pedal of all time

[@adomaszowec5]

Love that jack white quote at the beginning 😁

[@MrBrodman98]

Got super excited for ball and biscuit

[@dls3939]

I've got the original big big muff and the bass big muff, and they both sound amazing, still don't stop me wanting to get the rest though. Gotta catch em all. Do I have a problem, no just a mild obsession.

[@daddyosink4413]

Its okay.... I own 6 RAT pedals😂

[@jimmytgoose476]

I love my bass muff for guitar as well ; i have a Russian one but its been broken for so long i can't remember what it's like 😃

[@mrtom5777]

I don't know, why I find this video relaxing...

[@calvinbeck797]

The song at the beginning sounds like Jesus don’t want me for a sunbeam

[@jacob_ian_decoursey_the_author]

People talk about the opamp being the best, but that Russian model sounds great!

[@emmarossignol4445]

Really missing the Deluxe Big Muff. That thing is worth the extra $100 just for the gate knob.

[@endriu55]

it has more than just an additional gate knob though.

[@bobbyboy9984]

Endriu 5 I think they are saying it is worth it for that alone

[@mattgilbert7347]

It's Kit Rae's favourite of the modern EHX Muffs. That tells you al you need to know.

[@danielvalles9554]

Shout out to stomp under foot! I love my La Scatola Nera.. First muff style pedal I got my hamds on, super rich, fantastically glitchy and just wild as can be..

[@raphaelcarpenter4685]

I’ve been watching Andy do guitar pedal demos since I was just a lad (2008)

[@goosegaskins]

"Czar", Andy, and a Big Muff? Is this my favorite KZbin video of all time? It's either this or "grape stomp lady", I guess.

[@joshuabeckwith7906]

Got three of these wonderful pedals, a fourth (tone wicker) is in need of repair, the nano is a good all rounder for sure and for little money you can't go wrong, the rest all have great characters and differences too, so much choice for what you want/need is great, I've got the Op Amp and Russian too, it's crazy how different they can be.

[@liamtahaney713]

We truely in the golden age of muff. There's like 10 options from ehx Wren and cuff makes some incredible stuff Everyone and their mom mods them Way huge has some great modern takes Then theirs my choice...the muffulatta

[@jimmytgoose476]

No such thing as too much muff, mate . They are life enhancing .

[@michaelcullen5955]

It's funny that my two favorite Big Muffs (Civil War, Rams Head) are the only ones that EHX hasn't reissued (yet)....

[@MrTacoInc]

The Green Russian Reissue is based on the Tall Font Green Russian, which was the same as the blue n white Civil War versions, so they sort of have reissued it, just without the Civil War looks. And as for the the Ram's Head, I have faith in EHX, there's no way they're not gonna RI it.

[@elonmush4793]

Isn't the Triangle sorta capable of getting you to Rams Head territory? It's also impossible to pinpoint the sound. The parts they used back then varied a lot.

[@MrTacoInc]

@@elonmush4793 Ya the Triangle and Ram's Head all had tons of small variations in circuits and sounds, while I think by the time they got to later Sovtek versions there were fewer variations from unit to unit. But for sure some old Triangle and Ram's Head pedals can sound very similar, while others do sound a bit different. And I believe the way they test the sounds for these reissues is they pick a few specific vintage units that they think sound great and try to replicate the common characteristics they think make each version stand out.

[@TheChadPad]

MrTacoInc the Civil War is different than the Tall Font, except for the first Tall Fonts which were just differently painted Civil War. I'm not sure they were different enough to merit a reissue, cause they're really close, but I'd really like to see them take an actual Civil War pedal and replicate it the same way. I think it'd be worth it, as there is a noticeable difference. If they replicated an early Tall Font, they damn well might've copied that same circuit. And I'm not sure there even was a difference in the circuit, but rather in the parts that were used. I got all this from the history of the big muff website, so anyone curious can check it out there

[@Noise_H]

Well rams head just got reissued

[@breadbowl4766]

this video makes me realize now that my wicker muff is broken and sounds nothing like what it should 😂😂

[@deadlegs187]

Love my classic big box Big Muff usa.

[@NashTurley]

wow, the cleanup on the russian is really cool. and what's great about that is the volume drops as well when you turn down. i really like the clean up on fuzz faces but it's hard to use in context because the cleaner brighter tone is just as loud as the thick fuzz tone which means when you turn up it can feel quieter because you lose the high end. turning up on the green russian keep a similar tone and actually get louder, cool, seems much more usable to me!

[@davidmochen]

"Czar" by Frank Black!

[@alexbreyer6921]

Thank you! I was trying to recall what song that was.

[@deadman7624]

Timestamp?

[@davidmochen]

@@deadman7624 4:35

[@deadman7624]

David Mochen Thanks!

[@johnprague5570]

thank you so much

[@kellylouzada6040]

my favrot was the 3rd one

[@JKM395]

The Ram's Head is hard to beat. Every fan of Floyd should have one. It does the Gilmore tone perfectly and a whole world of other things. I would never get rid of mine.

[@gdrugg2006]

Always liked those wicker muffs. Used to have one and it sounded great. I feel like people overlook them often

[@nataroonytrontime3976]

I got the tone wicker version and I am not disappointed

[@neil222222]

Thanks. Just purchased an Op-amp after watching this

[@bgayer1]

The Green Ruski works best for the type of music I do. They’re all good but I bought the green one. Fuller beefier sound it’s great!

[@ianalderman9290]

Awesome timing as I just ordered a Ram's Head reissue, and I can't wait for it to show up!

[@matthewwilliams7735]

I got the Rams Head reissue and it's a beast so in love with it, Triangle close 2nd

[@fabianernestopacheco]

It would be an excellent idea to be able to see the circuit and compare them.

[@worshipguitarjapan]

I thought I need a new big muff but think I´ll just keep my tone wicker!!

[@mattwall1090]

yes, don't even bother! its the best sounding and most versatile circuit for sure! The problem I always had with the other ones and the NYC version in particular was there's NO mids, so you'll never be heard in a band setting unless you're so loud that you will hurt the audience!!! The wicker muff has the most options for tone and is the least scooped of the tones so you know that you will always be heard when you want that Muff wall of sound and to actually make an impact, in a live band setting!

[@jacobbrown1690]

its the best

[@robroy4058]

I have the op amp and I love it. Next one I'd like is the triangle.

[@emrahu1327]

Op is beautiful as a dream.

[@waltzguy14151]

haha nice job quoting Frank Black great vid took a lot of the mystery out of this issue thanks!

[@mattl6871]

I love mine. Use it as a gritty solo boost as well as a "fuzz". Gotta keep playing though or it sounds like a jet crash when I use it over my distortion/OD. Fun though.

[@slackerVK]

I tried to play Czar using fuzz, no avail. Ended up with Diamond Fireburst distortion.

[@citoante]

Rat is best for czar. Instant satisfaction. For me anyway.

[@LesPaul-MorePaul]

Because when it comes to muff, variety is best.

[@whatsthatnoise8497]

Thanks for the demo. Got a fuzz opsesion, don't want to own 10 fuzz boxes.

[@chrisoteromusic2998]

Are there any videos where Andy talks about his picking techniques? Honestly me and my friends get just as excited to see what he's doing as seeing what he's demoing.

[@JaxonHaze]

Yeah, he did a video about that a year ago on his own channel, AndyDemos

[@PhilMoseleyMusic]

Russian Muff for me! Although they all sound absolutely fantastic. Great video Andy!

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks! I'd have to agree with you on the Russian :)

[@whitewizzardllc2348]

@@AndyDemos yeah the Russian on its own has this creamy low end that’s smooth and well defined. That said as we know, usually when it’s a pedal on its own it will always usually be the warmer pedal that seems to win, where as in a mix ymmv. I could see all these having strengths depending on the EQ and sound of the rest of the instruments you are playing against. But if your jamming by yourself-the Russian for the win.

[@tomwatso]

I have the re-issue of the triangle Big Muff Pi and the 2000s version of the NYC made Big Muff. Of the two, I prefer the triangle. One can get a bit of Gilmour's sound with that unit.

[@screaminguitar24]

Awesome demo as always!! Andy's the best at dialing in great fuzz tones. Btw anyone know the song played at 3:11 for the Russian muff?

[@ThomasPredham]

I think he is embellishing "dead leaves and the dirty ground" by the white stripes

[@screaminguitar24]

@@ThomasPredham Cool. Thanks for your reply.

[@GuitarGodgt]

I have a deluxe. It seems to nail whatever I want out of a muff. I want the sovtek deluxe as well now.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Me too. But can I justify buying Muff #8? Yes. Yes I can.

[@SamuraiBud]

Oh man that tone wicker is scooped

[@moongoon6110]

Get them all

[@coleenns3284]

I have the BFP with Wicker and it is definitely the most versatile. I can do anything from Hendrix to Smashing Pumpkins thanks to the tone wicker and tone bypass although I prefer to create my own music.

[@jimmytgoose476]

Referencing others is a lot easier for us to understand than "i make up my own shit and it's AWESOME!!" Having said that, if you have a muff- riff or two up your sleeve I'd love to hear them 🙂

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

I'll never get over hearing Frank Black's _Czar_ in a pedal demo!

[@Nekropsyy]

ive been using the russian re-issue for years now as a main on my board, the op amp also sounds amazing, just own them all. they're all good

[@jimmytgoose476]

I hope you have used them simultaneously at least once....

[@donrutter6765]

I just like to hear him say "Big Muff Pie".

[@hendrixg]

Feeling the Russian variant. I have a Muffuletta collecting dust... might have to try it again.

[@gregrogers2611]

That Frank Black sounded incredible!

[@simonasky8929]

great demo! i will definitely be getting a Big Muff soon! what was the name of the first song you played in the intro?

[@kevinharris6484]

I'm a huge fan of the Op amp fuzz

[@passenger128]

Great, now I want all of them.

[@wvo2m]

But they all sound the same.

[@cristoff30]

Way to work in some Frank Black. Awesome video.

[@alexbreyer6921]

More of a Tonebender fan for my stuff, but lots of Muff variants that are gooey goodness. I think my favorite sounding of the Russian circuits is the EQD Hoof. That one just seems to sound bigger and sit with everything well.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Sweet Suhr!

[@jackfarr3133]

Recently bought the Op-Amp muff, still madly in love with how it sounds. As much I was thinking about getting the Green Russian it sounded a little on wooly side on a guitar to me, though I may yet still get one for my bass as after hearing a couple of demos it works well with bass guitars.

[@zengroove16]

Been using one version or another of the Big Muff for decades. Is me go to Drive. Is versatile and dependable and unlike many pedals, there's versions for Bass and Guitar that work splendidly imo. Takes batteries or adapters. Doesn't kill me Amps. Can give u remarkable sustain or bring the distortion with ease. I upgraded to the Deluxe couple months ago. Dual Drive + Adjustable Distortion + Sustain + Crossover + Top Shelf Gate = 😊 When used in conjunction with the Hell Melter Burn feature... I get one of the Heaviest Tones available on Earth. #EHX makes the best pedals imo. It adds New York Flavor to me recipe. U hear Brooklyn in me Sound. EHX is a very good Teammate. They don't rip me off. They've a bunch of awesome gear, reasonably priced. The quality of the gear is superb. I would recommend EHX to all Bassists and Guitarists. Even if u no play Metal, they've sumpin for anyone. Effects for literally all genres, they're amazing. Good video, excellent choice. 👍

[@tgchan]

great playing and comparison. Thank you/

[@KrisCadwell]

I already have 3 fuzz pedals but I'm always down to watch Andy play guitar. I have a Germanium 4 Big Muff which I like the tone of but unfortunately it has significantly more noise/hiss than the other 2, so I don't use it very often. The fuzz I use most is actually the Clear Veil Overdrive Fuzz. It's not really a high gain fuzz on its own, so I put it before a distortion or high gain amp sim to give that some fuzz characteristics.

[@andrewfuentes1632]

Have 3 Muff variants for different things. Eu Claire Thunder is great for bass, Chicago Stompworks Moose Pie is what I use mostly with my Victory Kraken and the Op-Amp is what I take on my travel board for clean amps. Can’t wait to get my hands on more fuzz!

[@itofranco]

For the money I'd certainly go after the JHS. 6 muffs for the price of 2 or 2 1/2 EHX, at the most...

[@bfitz111]

I love the black Russian. I have a big box and a small box version and while the circuit is the same I guess values have drifted slightly in the older one and its just got a little more chewiness. I use em recording and use a Moose Electronics Dobsky vG out gigging, bit like a deluxe tall font russian. I recently got the new russian re-issue and its great so might take that out for a few gigs to see how it rolls!

[@leifcarney1075]

So far I’d say it’s the Triangle but I haven’t used the reissue of the Ram’s head yet.....we shall see 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@gustavoberocan]

Which muff am I going to wear tonight?