5 EHX Nano Big Muff Pedals (Nano, Triangle, Green Russian, OpAmp, Nano Bass Big Muff)

A thorough comparison of the five Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Distortion/Sustainer effects currently available in 'nano' format.
Nano Big Muff Pi (NYC reissue - 2013)
www.ehx.com/pr...
Triangle Big Muff Pi (1960s V1 eissue - 2018)
www.ehx.com/pr...
Green Russian Big Muff Pi (1990s Green Russian/Civil War/Tall Font Sovtek Reissue - 2017)
www.ehx.com/pr...
Op-Amp Big Muff Pi (1970s V4/V5 reissue - 2017)
www.ehx.com/pr...
Nano Bass Big Muff Pi (2008 Bass Big Muff reissue - 2014)
www.ehx.com/pr...
Gear:
Fender Classic Player Jazzmaster (both pickups)
EHX 720 Looper
Boss Katana 50w amp (Clean channel)
mic'd with a Sennheiser e609
into a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Recorded in GarageBand, edited in Final Cut Pro X

[@etrivard]

All demos should be as useful as this one. You just raised the bar.

[@ThePedalBored]

Oh great, now I've made it harder for everyone.

[@gustavoabreu87]

This.

[@tunaXonXtoast]

maybe just a true-bypass looper to go above and beyond an already great demo

[@ThePedalBored]

tunaXonXtoast EHX say the 720 **is** true-bypass

[@skypekai]

He's using a solid state amp, how is that useful?

[@afterstars]

This. This is how you do a pedal comparison video.

[@ThePedalBored]

Now *this* is how you do a KZbin comment.

[@zionjdg8510]

for context: never touched an electric guitar or pedal, been obsessed tho. this demo was so damn good i left knowing exactly which one i wanted! a serious good job to the creator!

[@ThePedalBored]

Amazing! Thank you :)

[@romansaraiva7635]

Dude, best demo of anything ever

[@ThePedalBored]

Dude - best COMMENT on anything ever.

[@raulazurduy5407]

"Now let's put them all on at the same time" That's what I was talking about!

[@franciscooper4771]

For me it's the beef every time. The salt and vinegar have an unmistakable high-end twang and the original have bags of grunt but it's the beef that really twist the sound. The cheese and onion and chicken have always been wrong and no number of reissues will ever correct this fundamental truth. Of course running all the flavours in series, one on each finger, will get you a distortion like no other.

[@ThePedalBored]

WINNER

[@ThePedalBored]

(Cheese & Onion is my favourite.)

[@boofert.washington2499]

Wtf are you even talking about?

[@stephanematis]

@@boofert.washington2499 chips ... they are talking about chips ... not transistors ... so meta

[@boofert.washington2499]

@@stephanematis Wtf is meta?!

[@DareBear2099]

Love my OpAmp. The sparkle and white noise helps to stand out in the mix more IMO. Also, I’m a massive Pumpkins fan, so I am also a bit more bias... that triangle muff does sound good too

[@telecasper]

Derrick Lugo try the JHS version, it will give you a bit more flexibility if you can be interested in that!

[@lunchpin403]

The JHS mods aren't anything you can't find online and do yourself

[@mbw6785]

Ben Welch yes

[@boofert.washington2499]

@@mbw6785 I don't

[@BlueBarrier782]

Try the Donner Stylish Fuzz. It's a Triangle Fuzz clone, but it has a little more bass.

[@tobiasampersand]

This is the standard to which all shootouts should be done. Easy to follow, sounds amazing, just perfect. Thank you!

[@ThePedalBored]

Hey, glad you like it!

[@nickr2687]

This was ridiculously good. The production quality was through the roof.

[@mustafaguney7284]

“Follow the smoke Toward the Riff-filled land” русский Big Muff.

[@ThePedalBored]

On the circuit board inside, right?

[@mustafaguney7284]

@@ThePedalBored Yes.

[@dick-gs9tb]

@@mustafaguney7284 Seriously? Now I really have to buy it. And drop out of life with bong in hand.

[@BongHuffingCaravan]

DROP OUT OF LIFE WITH BONG IN HAND

[@user-dh8xu5di3e]

That did sell me the pedal.

[@Cam_B]

I've discovered that my favorite is running an overdrive (I use a Soul Food) before a muff and it really tightens it up and you can hear the articulation of your strings and notes a lot better. If you haven't tried this yet, I HIGHLY recommend it.

[@ThePedalBored]

COINCIDENCE - I'm about to do a video on this! Klon/TS/EQ before/after a Muff to get the mids back.

[@anxiolyt2834]

Very tasty food - fuzz with Soul Food!

[@Cam_B]

@@ThePedalBored awesome dude can't wait to see it

[@Mustelphia]

That's actually what I do! I put a sould food before my triangle and it breaks through amazing, it works even better for bass

[@davidalexandersson3121]

@@ThePedalBored did you make this video? I want to see it but cant find it =/

[@PetrisonRocha]

I have a bass Big Muff. Bought it to be my bass distortion, but signed to play guitar in a band and now I'm just in love with it on my guitar.

[@marcr-m1941]

Best pedal comparison video I've ever seen... no ego or faffing around, just a loop and action! Thank you. Subscribed.

[@BlackYetiWhite]

Triangle for the win

[@paketed88]

Best demo I've ever watched. Detailed, clear, beautiful, but at the same time not at all drawn out! Thanks for the work you've done

[@ThePedalBored]

Thanks!

[@mindfall82]

This is the way all demos should be! Also I like that you use a Katana 50 as that's what I have at the moment!

[@nathanharding5597]

Best pedal demo I've ever seen

[@ThePedalBored]

Well that comment is pretty damn good too.

[@yeahrightbear8883]

That song was freaking awesome and perfect for a fuzz demo. I wish someone would do a comparison of all the earthquaker fuzz pedals like this.

[@ThePedalBored]

Ooh. It's an idea. Except they're all so different...

[@FuriousWeasel-09]

Finally, I understand the Triangle Muff. Well done.

[@cptdoobs3691]

Easily the best pedal comparison video I have yet seen

[@KeithShelley1]

The blend knob on the Bass Muff is fascinating. Thanks for this video!

[@ThePedalBored]

Keith Shelley Glad to help!

[@javiceres]

Keith Shelley It’s something every drive pedal on earth should have !!! :•)

[@jeremychamplin1078]

Most bass drive pedals have it so you don't lose to much low end but not sure why it is not a feature in guitar dirt pedals.

[@VictorOrtizuhumassa]

The riffage was actually pretty cool

[@ThePedalBored]

Victor Ortiz Thanks!

[@dakotahrivers6640]

i could not possible imagine a better or more useful guide to choosing a big muff pedal

[@REP300]

I tried them all at the shop, and it came down to the Russian and the OpAmp. I chose the OpAmp because it sounded more aggro to me. The Russian was awesome, and had more low end for sure, but I wanted that crazy fuzz sound and the OpAmp just sounded more "in your face" to me. When I got it home it sounded even better on my gear. Very happy.

[@Zakster90]

Time to update this with the Rams head reissue :3

[@justaamateur6533]

Having got a green russian reissue now, i can confirm that its *really* great sounding

[@steelwarrior105]

That first riff had some truckfighter vibes to it, I love it.

[@raceface_m2579]

I was actually thinking of buying the triangle, but I’m digging the bass more in this comparison. Always great! And the riffs too- reminiscent of the band Silversun Pickups

[@stephane406]

Check this (if not already done): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYiyZ5mgpa-UhLs

[@Mrnuttenbutter]

I love you. Holy freaking heck. This was likely the best review I’ve ever seen. I only ask the text stays up longer. I had to pause to read some of it lol

[@steveschenker1380]

This was really a great demo. Super informative, and I love your whole production design as well, with the different colored bags along the side... really classy, man!

[@ThePedalBored]

Steve Schenker One for each pedal :)

[@Steeltoeshoegaze]

Seriously like that was a lot of Exquisite comparisons

[@Slayer821]

Great video. I've watched this at least 3 times and I think I'm going to go with the Nano Big Muff. All pedal videos should done like this.

[@jameshart9943]

Man, that op amp and the triangle. Tonal bliss. Wish the rams head had come out when you had make this. Awesome demo.

[@midtown3221]

That loop made me love fuzz. Between the Triangle and OpAmp I'm torn.

[@garfield4863]

Honestly one of the best videos i've watched

[@ThePedalBored]

Honestly one of the best comments I’ve read ;)

[@DARRYBBB1]

Just ordered the Triangle!

[@onlyusernameleft2]

Pedal shootout done right. Make the pedals front and center in the shot, use a loop that brings out their best characteristics, use snippits of on-screen text to add useful context. I like how the shot is framed by junk food wrappers. Nice touch.

[@ThePedalBored]

Thanks! They’re all flavours of the same snack, just like the pedals :)

[@jobckts682]

Fantastic Demo. Best your gonna Hear. Explained perfectly. Love my Wicker Muff.

[@ThePedalBored]

Wicker Muff owners are very loyal.

[@kareemmonzer7894]

They just released the new Ram's Head Reissue, looks like you need to redo this.

[@ThePedalBored]

Yeah. One day...

[@alessandrovucossa4823]

Amazing riff and perfect comparison! One of the greatest by far

[@ThePedalBored]

Very kind of you to say so.

[@bradernest4333]

Thank you for putting them all in at the end. That's what I came here for.

[@perebernardo3829]

Damn! That green russian machine sounds sweet and bassy... Well done and thank you. It has been a helpful video.

[@michaelabraham4263]

Thank you for shutting the hell up and jumping into actual sounds! Excellent video style, great comparisons and comments. Thank you

[@ThePedalBored]

Nobody wants to hear me talk.

[@alejandroandrespastor]

El mejor video de comparación y demos que alguien hizo alguna vez. Ojalá fueran todos así...

[@ThePedalBored]

No sé leer español, pero creo que esto es un cumplido, ¡así que te agradezco con Google Translate!

[@elonmush4793]

Superb video! I can never make up my mind which ones sound best. Usually Green Russian sounds always fine on it's own, but all that bass can sometimes be less desirable in a mix. Opamp is a decent distortion sound but less characteristically muffy. However, that tone bypass switch is very handy and makes it sound instantly better IMO. I think the Triangle is my go to muff, it beats the Nano Big Muff. Very defined sound, scooped and endless sustain: it's just classic muff tone.

[@ThePedalBored]

Yes, the Green Russian fools you into thinking it's the best when played alone, but it does not play well with others!

[@rollingon5566]

The op amp is odd, you need to find a sweet spot with the tone knob but when you find it, it sings dude

[@jamesraward]

Stellar video, exactly what I was looking for! For me it’s either Nano or triangle that’s clear favourite.

[@CatGPT_]

this is how demos should be. not mindless self indulgent solos. nice work man.

[@ZetsubouOutlow]

Agree Or just playing djent stuff LoL

[@jeremymoorer7033]

The op amp muff is just nasty! I’m glad mine will be here tomorrow.

[@srvdean3024]

took me a few minutes but im totally stealing this riff for testing distortion pedals now.

[@gloriouspeanut]

I keep coming back to this for the riff... please record this as a song & release it!

[@DrMisanthrope]

After this video I was so impressed and made replica of green russian for myself) thanks for open my eyes on this amazing sound of big muff!)

[@rogerpollack]

My favorite pedal channel.

[@ThePedalBored]

Roger Pollack My new favorite comment.

[@jaeusbeus]

I really appreciate how well this video is made, great annotations and editing, great riff, and very clear demonstration. Thank you very much.

[@JS-it3dx]

I bought the Russian a few days ago. This video helped justify my choice.

[@ThePedalBored]

If only EHX paid me every time someone wrote this.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

Nice work. Very helpful. So uhh, about that Ram's Head that just came out...

[@ThePedalBored]

Yeah. I'll wait and see if they release another one before doing this video all over again...

[@espinela]

Best comparison demo ever, thanks!

[@ThePedalBored]

This can't be true. There must be better ones!

[@carolinehaf21]

Holy CRAP can I just say I found this review recommended from someone else's (normally good)review but they did a really bad job at comparing these fuzzs and WOW this is THE BEST way to explain and compare these muffs that I've ever seen!! So SO useful especially explaining the difference in tones between them at the same knobs levels and how they would either cut through or be lost in a mix etc. INSTANT SUB and really helpful for a person trying to choose between these right now thank you 🙏🙏

[@ThePedalBored]

You're very welcome! Hopefully I'll be able to start making some new ones early in the New Year, fingers crossed...

[@andtrea.]

Thanks for including the Nano Bass Big Muff. I love this pedal (so many sounds in it) and I was curious to hear it in comparison with the others, especially with the new Green Russian. Tonally speaking they are not so different, so probably I'll stick with my NBBM. Now the only problem is that the switch is not working perfectly all the time (sometimes there is a little volume drop after the click), so probably i'll have to replace the switch. Anyway great video and epic ending ;)

[@michaelinglis8516]

Green Russian was always my least favorite. Triangle being my go to. Speaking of I picked up a super cheap "Triangle Buff" by Mooer and am actually really surprised at how great it sounds. It's a great mini pedal triangle muff copy in an all metal enclosure. The only down side which is common on small pedals, the tone an volume control seem to be mounted to the pcb so of they were to be stepped on.....But like I said I was ready to throw it on top my orange cab with all my other unused pedals but after hearing it and saving so much space with its small footprint I decided to keep it. It's got authentic components not a SIM. Highly recommend if your trying to save space or are on a budget or like me just love trying new pedals.......and are broke.....on a budget......with absolutly zero room left on your pedal board.....hmm wonder if that's why I'm broke......

[@njsteere]

As useful a demo as I've ever seen. Format is perfect and clear. Production value off the charts too. Very well done. Subbed.

[@ThePedalBored]

Thanks!

[@sergioravani8248]

Best demo ever heard! I prefer the triangle and second place for the op amp.

[@leftchicago]

In the market for a Muff styles fuzz right now and this excellent demo pops up. How timely!

[@christopherpartellow796]

Right, so I’m buying all of them now. Thx!

[@ThePedalBored]

Ha! I apologise

[@MichelLamblin]

Great video, one of the best EHX Big Muff comparisons out there! I recently got the Op-Amp after having grown up with and still heavily enjoying my Bubble Font Green Russian - it's great to play on its own because of the bottom end, so the Op-Amp seems suddenly very harsh and a bit thin to me. Taking some time to warm up to.

[@ThePedalBored]

Thanks! Yes, the OpAmp is really particular and only suits certain kinds of playing, but when it works it's great.

[@treytonjohnson1]

I will forever love my Tone Wicker muff

[@pottingsoil]

Damn, I thought I knew what pedal I wanted until watching this. Thanks so much!

[@ollonelycat]

@6:53 The blend feature of the bass nano makes it stand apart from all the rest. I'm trying to find one but they are all sold out everywhere.

[@danvankouwenberg7234]

I really appreciate the quality, format and the riffs. Subbed. Thanks.

[@blahblah034]

I was going to go for the Nano Big Muff over the Russian, but thanks to this video I can clearly see the Triangle is the one for me!! Awesome comparison! 👍🏻

[@ThePedalBored]

Glad I could help!

[@caesarsol]

I've seen a lot of videos considering buying a second Big Muff, but I keep coming back to this one since it's the most informative and funny! thanks!

[@morais99]

Great video. I love my green russian.

[@ThePedalBored]

Thanks! It's a superb pedal. Though I think the Triangle may be pushing its way to the front for me.

[@RandomTuber782]

The dry blend on the bass muff might have sold it for me.

[@ThePedalBored]

I agree - super useful!

[@markferguson3745]

The Bass models, including the Deluxe, have always been the way to go without resorting to JHS mods, or other builders that improve definition or lower gain range.The newer Sovtek Deluxe is also cool, with a dry blend, but sounds even more like a Distortion than a Fuzz.

[@karlcasey7210]

Awesome video! The Russian is definitely my fav

[@ThePedalBored]

Glad to hear it!

[@ScottFairley]

I really wasn't expecting to come away from this wanting a bass pedal, but that's 2020 for you.

[@billtube3620]

Great demo, I've just been my local guitar shop and tried them all out even the new rams head. In the end I went with the russian. In my opinion this one was the best. 👍

[@michael_caz_nyc]

You . . . and Bjorn from Gilmourish prefer the Green Russian. I went with the Thorpy Fallout Cloud. All great. Depends on what Sound you are going for.

[@Fanjeuxdemotocom]

This riff is amazing. I'll try to play it by ear but I am sure you could upload some tabs and they will be very succesful ! Oh, and I like the Russian Big Muff :)

[@arpadkovacs884]

Amazing video!

[@Maxmaxz]

This is probably the best comparison video of any guitar related... thing I have ever seen. Impeccably well demonstrated and annotated. Thank you. Have a Hula Hoop on me.

[@blooi27]

My favorite pedal comparison I’ve ever seen.

[@TheChadPad]

It's hard to do a test like this. That was pretty well done

[@ThePedalBored]

Thanks!

[@dragostego]

great video little mistake though. the topography of the Big bass muff is actually a black russian. EHX got it wrong hence why they released the russian reissue.

[@gurtana]

Thanks for this video! If nothing else, it's shown me a Big Muff isn't what I'm after. I'm wanting a creamier/violin sounding fuzz so both chords and notes ring without that fizzing/high treble clipping sound. Love the HulaHoops btw!

[@Matheus.Richard]

Maybe the DS-2 is something worth looking at

[@TheDeadStretch]

So this is my 2nd Shootout of yours I am watching (1st was the Rats) and about a minute half in a realize the "set" has changed. Did a quick glance at the others' screenshots. Seems it's a theme. This is now what I will be looking out for in all your other videos. haha Amazing videos too btw!

[@GabrielVelasco]

Great video. I recently pulled the trigger on a Triangle. My intent is to replace the Nano on my pedalboard. Based on this video, I think I made the right choice. I was thinking I might still want an OpAmp, but based on video, I don't think so. I'll be happy with the Triangle as my "Big Muff" sound. I also have a Soul Food, an Octavix, a Glove, an East River Drive, a Germanium4 Big Muff, a Hot Wax, and a Tone Tattoo with a Metal Muff in it. I wanted to pick ONE nano-sized pedal that would be the most representative of the classic Big Muff sound, and I think the Triangle is the one. Thanks again for this excellent vid.

[@ThePedalBored]

I think you chose right!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

You made the Right choice. Great Pedal. The only way you could have done Better, is much more Expensive with the Thorpy Fallout Cloud ( my muff of choice ).

[@jdjk7]

My favorite is the Russian. I always felt like the Nano had kind of a... "not quite there" lack of "presence" that turned me away from it, that the later models fixed. Maybe it's just the one I tried. I might have to try the Bass Nano (I'm a bass player.) Didn't really gravitate towards it because of the association with the regular Nano.

[@Sheltada]

I like pretty much all of them better than the nano. Op amp is my favorite because I think it cuts the best and love how chaotic it is, followed by the russian.

[@beaustraub]

I don't comment much, but this comparison vid was just too well done not to... thank you for the awesome work!

[@homelandhomemusic]

Super! Great song and great demo! Hard to decide but the Triangle and the Bass sounds the best to my ears.. Thank you!

[@flaminx0r]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@Ripzalot]

Nice demo! Strong Truckfighters vibe!

[@goobiedebber5059]

i have the nano big muff, it does get lost in band mix / live setting. what you could do is pair it with an overdrive, or put the mids on the amp at 9 o clock. love the demo!

[@the_hero7801]

This is what I've been looking for I've been debating on which muff to get and I now have my answer

[@ThePedalBored]

Glad to help!

[@ThePedalBored]

Was your answer 'ALL FIVE OF THEM'?

[@the_hero7801]

@@ThePedalBored of course it was

[@SoundMuzak]

Rare riff chosen to test pedals with such distortion

[@WizardOfCheese]

That 'bass big muff' is the most dynamic I think

[@conorpapineau2317]

I had an original green ammocan russian muff back in 2006, and didnt like the sound. Gave it away to my local guitar center rep thats always hooked me up, and turns out he still keeps it on his pedal board. Being curious about the muffs again I can faithfully say this video proves the muff isnt for me. I love your comparison videos, they are truly informative and straight to the point.

[@xgdgdjdhdhdhd3493]

great job!!! this is it how it should be! looper and then try each by each … perfect

[@al271987]

As usual, completely fantastic demo. I’ve tried all the reissues and am looking forward to the EHX Rams Head that has to be coming inside the next year or so. I’m assuming it’s inevitable at least. Any clones of Rams Heads I’ve played (Vick Audio, Stomp Under Foot and even the more budget minded Chicago Stompworks) have all been great. That version just seems so perfectly balanced. The current nanos are all fine, with my preference going to the triangle.

[@ThePedalBored]

The Triangle is really growing on me, certainly. And yes, I expect a Ram's Head soon...

[@theCrimsonCollects]

This is an insanely great video comparison of these pedals. So well done. Instant subscribe on the clever channel name, and then the content of the video was impressive. Will be re-visiting this channel and also this video helped me make my decision on which Big Muff I want.

[@defznoiz]

One of the best pedal comparison videos I've seen. Its green russian for me :)

[@Illsamustache]

That was awesome! Loved the notations! I have a Bass BMP for guitar, but it’s too muddy, even w/o the bass boost. It lacks single string definition and articulation. So I got a Green Russian BMP reissue. It’s a lot clearer and defined and still has good bass response. It’s almost like 70% fuzz, 30% gain/distortion, which is perfect for my style.

[@jesperbc]

Great comparison. The Green Russian and the Triangle are definitely my favorites. I should get those. I actually had the Green Russian and the Op Amp, but Big Muff overload made me sell them and a few other Muffs and clones. I'm down to two now and I'm managing. :D

[@ThePedalBored]

GAS is a terrible addiction...