"First Series Big Muff Pi"?

So your here because you are wondering what exactly a Big Muff Pi is or you just want to learn a bit more on one of the greatest distortion/fuzz pedals ever built, well lets get started!

The Big Muff Pi is a guitar distortion box. Its very versatile, from deep creamy fuzz to smooth high tones the Big Muff Pi is proven to recreate many different sounds and create new ones in this progressive music industry. The smooth sustaining character is the muff's flagship. Instead of fuzzing out a chord it surrounds each note with a violin-like sustaining sound.

"My Big Muff Pi doesn't seem to have those qualities you are talking about Jeff..."

This question is why I am here today. Unfortunately all to often I hear this from people, actually I'm happy I hear this from people cause it makes me a bit of cash! but really, its not great on their end. To explain...

Throughout the years Electro-Hamronix changed the design of the circuits, thus having a great impact on the sound quailities. Over the years Electro-Harmonix made several different versions of the Big Muff Pi, they changed boxes, paint jobs and components. While, you may have a EH-3003 your buddy could have the same one but it sounds quite different!

Here are the differences...

1) Early 70's triangle knob. Transistors: 2 SPT3607, 2 SPT 87103. Very sweet, smooth and warm. Lots of variation by twiddlng the tone and sustain knobs. With sustain turned way down, you get overdrive, w/ sustain full blast, you get overkill. Best of the bunch (and one I used to have w/ 36999's sounded even better.)

2) Early 70's triangle knob. Transistors: 4 2N5133. Very close to the above but slightly bassier, sustain not as smooth.

3) Mid 70's small red logo. Transistors: 4 BC239. Less gain than any of the other Muff's tested; accordingly, better note definition. Kind of brittle sounding.

4) 1977 early large logo. Transistors: 4 BC239. More distortion than the above despite using the same transistors. Least appealing of the bunch.

5) 1981 large logo. Transistors: 4 ITT 2N5088. Very useable and cool, but doesn't have the warmth or definition of the triangle knob models.

6) 1983/84 large logo. Transistors: 4 2N5088. This one isn't quite as good-sounding as #5. Transistors aren't ITT's, don't know if that's why. The difference is minor, though.

There are other differences too, circuit wise. The transistor model number's were used to remind me of what circuit was which year and don't really matter that much.

With all these circuit variations I have ONE mod that will convert a later version Big Muff Pi to the spec's of the original "Triangle-Knob" version. I now can mod any Sovtek pedal too.

"I hear Billy Corigan and James Iha of the Smashing Pumpkins uses this pedal to achieve their sound, is this true man?"

Yes. Billy and James have used this pedal in the past for their albums along with a number of processors, preamps and racks. This pedal is a must for anyone wanted to cover any of their songs.

"I heard that the amp and guitar setting have an impact on the muff's sound..."

Definately. Please refer to the Distortion 101.

"Ok, I want one of these mods. How long does it take? I have a Sovtek already, how do I send it and pay you?"

When you box the unit up to be shipped, enclose a payment of $40.00US that covers the parts, labour and shipping. I accept a cashiers check, Money Order or Cash. Put the cash in the battery holder. It the Mod takes a day after I recieve it. It will be sent back out the following day.

"I want a pre-modded Sovtek pedal, how much is it? How do I pay you?"

I charge $100.00US. That covers the cost of a brand new Sovtek BMP, the mod and shipping.

Please go back to the mainpage for more info...

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.