Key takeaways

What’s the same?

• The controls: Both have Volume, Tone, and Sustain knobs
• That glorious Big Muff character: While the effects certainly vary, there’s still something unmistakable about it
• Analog signal path: Both are analog circuits, of course – no digital modelling here!
• Mono input/output: Both are mono effects

What’s changed?

• Op-amp circuit: Unlike the original transistor-based design, the new version uses a dual op-amp circuit
• The footswitch: The new Big Muff Pi 2 uses true bypass to keep your signal strong; it also offers latching or momentary operation
• The size: Forget the large wedge that took up too much pedalboard space – the new one is packed into a nano chassis

A short backstory…

Back in 2021, Josh Scott of JHS Pedals was researching a book about the history of Electro Harmonix with help from Daniel Danger. As part of his research, he visited the home of Bob Myer, the Bell Labs engineer who created the original Big Muff with EHX founder Mike Matthews. While looking for interesting bits of the company’s history, they found an old, unused schematic: the Big Muff Pi 2.

Originally designed in the ‘70s, it had been buried in Bob’s notebooks ever since. Given how legendary the original is, Josh and EHX decided that the rediscovered design deserved to see the light of day. The new pedal is a design straight from the ‘70s, brought to life by two of the most respected names in pedals, EHX and JHS.

The design was significantly different from the original Big Muff, using dual op-amps rather than transistors. While EHX aficionados will know that the company made an op-amp version in the ‘70s, this was an entirely different circuit. It retains that Big Muff sound but offers a different take on it.

For anyone who loves a good fuzz effect, is a fan of Electro Harmonix or JHS, or simply likes cool pedals that offer something a bit different, this collaboration is exciting. It also leaves us wondering what else might be hidden in the archives!

Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi 2 vs. the original (the Triangle Big Muff)

While most of us won’t have an original ‘70s Big Muff we can compare to the new one, the Triangle Big Muff is a faithful recreation of the original V1 circuit.

That makes it as close as we’re likely to get, and a great basis for comparison.

So, how does the Big Muff Pi 2 measure up?

Tone

If you listen to rock, grunge, stoner, shoegaze, or pretty much any guitar-based music, you’ll have heard a Big Muff. It’s thick and saturated, with sustain that hangs around forever. The combination of saturated fuzz and distortion with a pronounced mid-scoop is instantly recognisable once you know what you’re listening for.

The Big Muff Pi 2 brings its own nuance to the sound, with slightly lower gain and a rougher, rawer edge. It feels a little more aggressive, but it’s still very much a Muff.

Switching options

The new Big Muff makes use of a silent true bypass footswitch for noiseless operation. Because it doesn’t rely on a purely mechanical switch, you don’t get the usual click or pop when you operate the pedal. It’s still true bypass, though, so your signal skips the circuit completely when the pedal is bypassed to avoid colouring the tone.

And it gets better! The team have added a momentary function to the footswitch as well as standard latching. That means you don’t just have to stomp it on and off again; you can get a burst of fuzz exactly when you need it by pressing and holding the switch.

Want a moment of that massive Big Muff tone to make a line stand out? Press and hold, then lift your foot when you’re done. Quick, simple, and genuinely useful.

Controls

The team has kept things simple when it comes to controls on the Big Muff 2 – you get volume, tone, and sustain knobs. The sustain knob controls the distortion level, tone increases the treble and drops the bass as you crank it up, and volume… well, that one does exactly what you’d expect it to.

If you’ve used a Big Muff before, this will all seem very familiar, of course! The controls are also laid out in the same pattern as other Big Muffs, making it easy for fans of the earlier versions.

FAQs

What type of pedal is the Big Muff Pi?

The Big Muff Pi is a fuzz pedal, offering a saturated distortion with huge sustain. It was designed and made by Electro Harmonix, working with the Russian company Sovtek. There are several different versions of the pedal, all offering variations of fuzz.

Is the Big Muff overdrive or distortion?

The Big Muff pedal is a fuzz effect, which is a form of distortion. Overdrive is designed to sound like an amp breaking up, offering lower gain levels and soft clipping. It’s ideal for blues and rock. Distortion is more aggressive with higher gain and is commonly used in hard rock and metal.

Where does fuzz go in the signal chain?

Fuzz pedals usually work best in front of the amp, as the first thing in the signal chain. This guarantees a strong signal straight from the guitar. However, different positions in front of the amp or even in the FX loop can lead to discovering different tones, so it’s worth experimenting. To learn more, check out our guide to guitar pedal order.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuzz pedal, we think the Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi 2 is worth considering. You get classic Big Muff character but with a more aggressive edge. It’s not intended to be a replacement for the original; it’s a new take on a classic. Whether you’re looking for your first fuzz or something new to inspire you, it’s worth checking out.