Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Ram's Head Big Muff Pi Distortion/Sustainer

The Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi is a thoughtfully crafted update of the classic fuzz with input from the pedal-obsessed alt-rock icon. Mascis owns more than 50 vintage Big Muffs and numerous clones—his studio shelves are practically a Big Muff Museum—and his #1 is a 1973 "Ram’s Head" model he has used since 1985. Given Mascis' personal experience with the Big Muff sound and its variations, he chose to voice his signature model with increased articulation, improved string-to-string separation and a wide dynamic range—all while retaining the lush, aggressive roar of his favorite ’73 pedal. “My ultimate guitar sound was the first Stooges album,” he told The Stompbox Book. “That was always my go-to—the pinnacle to achieve. Just fuzz. And loud amps.”