Difference between revisions of "Big Muff Pi"
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| − | {{Electro- | + | The '''Big Muff Pi''', in its different incarnations, is probably [[Electro-Harmonix]]'s most popular product. This four-transistor [[fuzz]]box is one of the first high-gain [[distortion]] units on the market. Its characteristic dirty, harmonically rich distortion tone, combined with its reliability and accessible price have made it greatly popular. It is also the origin of the [[Big Muff tone control]]. |
| + | |||
| + | = Versions (USA) = | ||
| + | == Triangle PNP == | ||
| + | So called for the layout of the controls, this is the original Big Muff. Released in the early-mid 70s, under model number EH-3003, it was sold for $39.95, and today is the most difficult to find and, typically, the most expensive to purchase. The Triangle Muff has a slider switch to turn it on or off in addition to the bypass stompswitch, and doesn't feature a LED indicator or a DC connector. Uses [[PNP]] transistors - positive ground. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/triangleMuff.jpg Schematic at GEOFEX] | ||
| + | * [http://aronnelson.com/gallery/album33 Aron's Site] Dragonfly's layout and parts list | ||
| + | * [http://members.fortunecity.com/uzzfay/bigmuff/bigmuff.html Uzzfay Utsgay] Original PC board artwork, layout, and gut shots. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Triangle NPN == | ||
| + | Another incarnation, uses [[NPN]] transistors, and a little less gain. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Ram's Head == | ||
| + | Total change of look, now it's housed in a bigger box, pots are now in a row, and letters are red. Uses [[PNP]] transistors. A little less gain than the first Triangle. The tone circuit gives it a pronounced mids scoop, making it tricky to use in a band context. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Third edition == | ||
| + | With the graphics currently associated with the american Big Muff. NPN transistors. Wilder and more "out of control". | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Third edition with tone bypass == | ||
| + | Same circuit except some minor changes (3 capacitors change from 1uF to 0.1) and a switch to bypass tone control, which brings more mids to the sound. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Opamp == | ||
| + | Hated by some, loved by others, changed from transistors to op-amps. | ||
| + | [http://www.diystompboxes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Electro_Harmonix_OpAmp_Big_Muff OpAmp Big Muff] | ||
| + | |||
| + | = Versions (Russia) = | ||
| + | == Civil War == | ||
| + | Less gain than Third Edition and more mids. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Green Russian == | ||
| + | Very similar to Civil War. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Black Russian == | ||
| + | Current russian reedition of the Big Muff. | ||
| + | |||
| + | = Further reading = | ||
| + | * [http://www.pisotones.com/BigMuffPi/psst/BMP_versions.htm Versions] | ||
| + | * [http://electroharmonix.ronsound.com/articles/bigmuff.html RonSound's article on Muff family history] | ||
| + | * [http://www.big-muff.net/big_muff.php Big Muff and Guitar Effects Museum] Lot's of BMP photos. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Electro-Harmonix}} | ||
[[Category:Distortion]] | [[Category:Distortion]] | ||
[[Category:Fuzz]] | [[Category:Fuzz]] | ||
Latest revision as of 08:29, 6 October 2011
The Big Muff Pi, in its different incarnations, is probably Electro-Harmonix's most popular product. This four-transistor fuzzbox is one of the first high-gain distortion units on the market. Its characteristic dirty, harmonically rich distortion tone, combined with its reliability and accessible price have made it greatly popular. It is also the origin of the Big Muff tone control.
Contents
Versions (USA)
Triangle PNP
So called for the layout of the controls, this is the original Big Muff. Released in the early-mid 70s, under model number EH-3003, it was sold for $39.95, and today is the most difficult to find and, typically, the most expensive to purchase. The Triangle Muff has a slider switch to turn it on or off in addition to the bypass stompswitch, and doesn't feature a LED indicator or a DC connector. Uses PNP transistors - positive ground.
- Schematic at GEOFEX
- Aron's Site Dragonfly's layout and parts list
- Uzzfay Utsgay Original PC board artwork, layout, and gut shots.
Triangle NPN
Another incarnation, uses NPN transistors, and a little less gain.
Ram's Head
Total change of look, now it's housed in a bigger box, pots are now in a row, and letters are red. Uses PNP transistors. A little less gain than the first Triangle. The tone circuit gives it a pronounced mids scoop, making it tricky to use in a band context.
Third edition
With the graphics currently associated with the american Big Muff. NPN transistors. Wilder and more "out of control".
Third edition with tone bypass
Same circuit except some minor changes (3 capacitors change from 1uF to 0.1) and a switch to bypass tone control, which brings more mids to the sound.
Opamp
Hated by some, loved by others, changed from transistors to op-amps. OpAmp Big Muff
Versions (Russia)
Civil War
Less gain than Third Edition and more mids.
Green Russian
Very similar to Civil War.
Black Russian
Current russian reedition of the Big Muff.
Further reading
- Versions
- RonSound's article on Muff family history
- Big Muff and Guitar Effects Museum Lot's of BMP photos.
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