By the mid-1960s, many rock guitarists started seeking something different than the pristine guitar tones championed by the legendary Les Paul and other jazz and pop players. Rockers wanted to unleash hellfire. They sought ragged, unique and ear-catching timbres—ferocious eruptions of frizzle, grit, grind, overdrive, unholy saturation and buzz. The sound of a new world shattering the old.
They wanted fuzz.
Fuzz was the sound of fury and rebellion that got Link Wray’s “Rumble” banned from the radio in 1958, elevated the seductive sting of Keith Richards’ riff on “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” in 1965, and still powers the creativity of artists today.
One of the celebrated sovereigns of that sullied sound is the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff. Making the scene in 1969, it wasn’t the first commercially manufactured fuzz box. But it forged a gargantuan imprint on rock music, rock guitarists and iconoclasts of all styles—thanks to the vision, marketing savvy and formidable grit of EHX founder Mike Matthews’ (whose life story could inspire a pretty exciting Netflix limited series).
Pictured: Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi
Table of Contents
Quick Chart of Basic Big Muff Features
A Guide to Big Muff Fuzz Pedals
How Does the Big Muff Compare to a Fuzz Face and Tone Bender?
Fuzz Out
Quick Chart of Basic Big Muff Features
|
Muff Model |
Circuit |
Vintage or Modern Fuzz Tones |
Controls |
Price* |
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$112.50 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$101.60 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$87.10 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$83.50 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$114.30 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$131.50 |
|
|
Op-Amp |
Vintage ’70s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$96.20 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage ’90s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
$108.90 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Blend, Tone, Sustain, Gate, Mids Level, Mids Freq, Wicker, High/Low Q |
$174.20 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Tone, Sustain, Attack, Gate, Mids Level, Mids Freq, Bass Boost, High/Low Q |
$150.60 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Sustain, Tone, Tone Off/On, Wicker |
$108.90 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Sustain, Tone, Tone Bypass, Wicker, Preset, USB Gain, Headphone Level |
$328.90 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Top Boost, Treble, Mid, Bass, Dist |
$108.90 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Gate, Dist, Treble, Mid, Bass |
$84.40 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage’70s–’90s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone, Bass Boost, Norm, Dry |
$98.00 |
|
|
Silicon |
Vintage’70s–’90s |
Volume, Sustain, Tone, Dry |
$94.30 |
|
|
Silicon |
Modern |
Volume, Blend, Tone, Sustain, Gate, Crossover, Low Pass Filter, Input (–10dB/0dB) |
$150.60 |
Pricing as of December 2025*
A Guide to Big Muff Fuzz Pedals
Once upon a time, there was only the Big Muff Pi in the Electro-Harmonix stable. But then, variations of the pedal’s fundamental silicon-transistor circuitry appeared—Triangle, Ram’s Head, Black Russian, Green Russian and so on—and each version has its own fans. Most versions are still available right now as standard production models, reissues or reimaginings. Here are the Big Muffs you can plop onto your pedalboard today.
Pictured: Electro-Harmonix SOVTEK Big Muff Pi
Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Reissued “Version 1” Big Muff featuring the pedal’s original 1969 circuit, produced to commemorate Electro-Harmonix’s 50th anniversary in 2018.
Things to Consider:
- Vintage grind at a pleasant price
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi
The EHX Triangle Big Muff Pi is an authentic recreation of the company’s O.G. that blew the minds of fuzz-obsessed players everywhere. The Triangle version of the Big Muff Pi was identified by the pyramid arrangement of its Volume, Sustain and Tone knobs, and was produced from 1969–1973. This new version is housed in a more pedalboard-friendly chassis—and the “triangle” is now an inverted pyramid—but the circuit sounds as if you just discovered the pedal at New York’s Manny’s Music in 1969.
Electro-Harmonix Classics USA Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Looks like it was magically transported from a stage in 1973 right to your pedalboard.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 3mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Classics USA Big Muff Pi
The EHX Classics USA Big Muff Pi brings back the sound of the Ram’s Head versions produced from 1973–1977. Also known as Big Muff Version 2, notable Ram’s Head users include David Gilmour (who rocked a 1974 version modified by Pete Cornish) and Ernie Isley.
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Small, pedalboard-friendly version of the ’70s classic.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 3mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff
Get the soaring, belligerent tone of the iconic ’70s Big Muff fuzz in a very tiny package with the EHX Nano Big Muff. The Nano offers an excellent way to get some Big Muff vibe on a pedalboard that’s already densely packed.
Electro-Harmonix XO Little Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Compact, die-cast box saves pedalboard space and can survive all but the most lethal onslaughts of transport and stage mistreatment.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 4mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix XO Little Big Muff Pi
While not as nano as the Nano version, the Little Big Muff Pi is still a compact, road-toughened version of the classic ’70s fuzz box. The pedal is slimmed down from the 5.5" x 3" x 6.8" dimensions of the Classics USA Big Muff Pi to a more pedalboard-friendly 3.5" x 1-1/8" x 4.5". The die-cast chassis is designed to better shrug off the abuse of multiple gigs.
Electro-Harmonix Ram's Head Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Compact version of the iconic 1973 violet Ram’s Head Big Muff.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 2mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Ram's Head Big Muff Pi
History time. There were three editions of the Big Muff Version 2. All have the Art Nouveau, Arnold Böcklin typeface (a fave of ’60s and ’70s art design) and the elfin, big-haired face in the bottom right corner of the pedal. Edition 1 has Big Muff and the Pi symbol in red. Edition 2 swaps the red for blue or purple—called the “Violet Ram’s Head.” For Edition 3, the color scheme returned to red, and the word “off” was screened at the top middle of the box. The Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi is modeled after the 1973 Violet Ram’s Head, which is considered to be the best sounding of all Version 2 models.
Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Nano-sized, recreation of vintage 1973 Version 2 violet Ram’s Head prized by fuzz disciple and Big Muff collector J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.).
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 2mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi
Packed into a space-saving, nano-sized chassis, the EHX J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi is based on the alt-rock guitarist’s #1 Big Muff from 1973. “That’s my sound—it’s always on,” says Mascis. Quite an endorsement from a player who owns more than 50 vintage Big Muffs. Mascis voiced his signature model as close to his #1 as possible, with clarity and excellent string-to-string articulation mixed with a rich, aggro growl.
Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Cult classic, non-silicon Version 4 Big Muff popularized by Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins).
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 5mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi
The Electro-Harmonix Op-Amp Big Muff Pi began its life as a strategy to match everything the silicon-transistor Big Muffs could do, but with a simpler op-amp design that would cost less to produce. Often identified as Big Muff Version 4 and deploying three gain stages, (rather than the four used by the transistor versions), the op-amp model produced a scruffier, “metallic chainsaw” tone with less gain and bottom end than V3 transistor versions. Billy Corgan was a convert, and he used the Op-Amp Big Muff on the Smashing Pumpkin’s 1993 album Siamese Dream.
Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Recreation of the post-Cold War Sovtek Big Muff, dressed up in the classic Russian-manufacturing finish of military green.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 3mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff
The original Green Russian Big Muffs were manufactured in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 1994–2000 under the Sovtek name. These pedals were beloved by some guitarists and bassists because they produced relatively low gain, a stout low end and crystalline mids when compared to vintage USA Big Muffs. Interestingly, the enhanced bottom end is usually the reason why some other players don’t appreciate Sovtek Big Muffs. There were three editions of the Sovtek Green Russians, but the sounds of each version are very similar. For an example, listen to “Your Touch” by The Black Keys.
Electro-Harmonix Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Like the Cold War arms race, the Sovtek Deluxe enhances the basic Russian-made Big Muff with near-comprehensive tonal firepower.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 22mA
- Expression pedal input
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi
The EHX Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi provides enough tonal firepower to embrace and enhance the original Sovtek sound or destroy it altogether to create your own sonic palette. The true-bypass Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff provides a parametric midrange EQ section (±10dB from 310Hz–5kHz), a Blend control for mixing dry and fuzz levels (perfect for bassists who wish to retain their instrument’s natural thump while adding a touch of gristle), and a Wicker switch for preserving the conventional Sovtek Muff sound.
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: The American version of the sonically augmented Big Muff Pi.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 22mA
- Expression pedal input
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Pi
The EHX Deluxe Big Muff Pi does about the same job for the tone of the American Big Muff as the Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff does for the Green Russian. Dig the basic sound of a traditional USA Muff, but some elements are a bit too thin and spiky for what you want to do? The true-bypass Deluxe Big Muff’s fully parametric EQ section lets you punch up the attack or cut any problematic midrange frequencies. You can also click the switchable Bass Boost to bring on more beef.
Electro-Harmonix XO Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Classic Big Muff sound that’s also tonally bulked-up with three high-frequency filters.
- Current draw is 5mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix XO Big Muff Pi With Tone Wicker
The EHX Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker is another option for players who want to switch between the classic Muff sound and, well, something else. In this case, you get a trio of something else. There’s the traditional Muff sound with the Tone switch activated. Turning the Tone switch off produces a more transparent grind that lets the natural timbre of your guitar shine through—even at dimed Sustain settings. With the Wicker switch on and the Tone off, you can evoke the high-end bite of vintage Rangemaster treble boosters—perfect for Rory Gallagher-esque snarling blues tones.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Futuristic Big Muff that works as a digital plugin for DAW deployment, as well as a conventional analog stompbox for your pedalboard.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 120mA
- Buffered bypass
- Includes EHX 9V adapter and USB 2.0 Type B jack for power
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in
When is a plug-in not a plug-in? When it’s the EHX Big Muff Pi Hardware Plugin. This is an analog hardware device that interfaces with your DAW to saturate guitar, bass, drums, vocals, sitars, cajons and anything you desire with the Big Muff’s aggressive grind. There’s more. You can use it as a traditional guitar pedal and bring the buzzy splendor of a 1973 Ram’s Head Big Muff to your live rig. In addition, home recording musicians can deploy the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plugin as a USB audio interface. Simply turn off the Big Muff effect to get a clean and robust input signal for your DAW.
Electro-Harmonix XO Metal Muff with Top Boost
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: More metal! Perhaps the most vicious Big Muff of all time.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 25mA
- Buffered bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix XO Metal Muff With Top Boost
Is it really a Big Muff if it’s a Metal Muff? Who cares? If you need a fabulously belligerent distortion for hard, in-your-face musical styles, the Metal Muff barks like a hailstorm of nails. If that’s still too tame, the Top Boost control can unleash even more savage sounds. Call it “Muff the Merciless.”
Electro-Harmonix Nano Metal Muff
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: A “weaponized” fuzz arsenal in a compact size.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 24mA
- Buffered bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Nano Metal Muff
The EHX Nano Metal Muff is similar to the larger Metal Muff with Top Boost, except the Top Boost control is absent. You can still rage with intensity—thanks to the powerful Treble, Mid and Bass controls—and a bonus is that an onboard noise gate keeps the hum and audible hiss of extreme saturation at bay.
Electro-Harmonix XO Bass Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Why should guitarists have all of the fuzzy fun?
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 7mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix XO Bass Big Muff PI
Bassists have been plugging into overdrive and distortion pedals for years, but they’ve usually been “rewarded” with a buzz that tanks the bass. The EHX Bass Big Muff Pi is based on the Sovtek version and bestows crunchy wonder without diminishing those bassist-essential low frequencies.
Electro-Harmonix Nano Bass Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: Another source of low-end buzz, but in a pedalboard-friendly chassis.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 4mA
- True bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Nano Bass Big Muff
The EHX Nano Bass Big Muff offers the same low-end crunch as the Bass Big Muff Pi, but without the larger pedal’s bass boost switch. “I use the Nano Bass Big Muff to get the crunch in there,” says New York bassist, DJ and producer Blu DeTiger. “It’s my favorite distortion. It’s so sick.”
Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi
Why It’s Fuzzy Fantastic: A wide-ranging buzz workstation for bassists who really dig crafting detailed low-end grit and grind.
Things to Consider:
- Current draw is 15mA
- Buffered bypass
- Powered by 9V battery or optional AC adapter
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi
The EHX Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi offers enhanced tonal control optimized for bass players. You can use the Deluxe Bass Big Muff with passive and active pickups, blend the dry and distorted signals to taste, and output the effected and dry signals separately via dedicated jacks (as well as an XLR direct out). When activated, a built-in crossover circuit imposes a variable low-pass filter on the dry signal (for focused and coherent bass) and a variable high-pass filter on the distorted signal (to ensure the grit can cut through the mix).
How Does the Big Muff Compare to a Fuzz Face and Tone Bender?
The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff is a badass grind pedal by any definition. But how does it compare with two other iconic fuzzes—the Dunlop Fuzz Face and 1966 Sola Sound Tone Bender? You can easily purchase a Big Muff or Fuzz Face today, but finding an original Tone Bender likely requires a trek through Guitar Center’s Used & Vintage collections. There are also some excellent “Bender clones” you can check out, such as the Behringer Fuzz Bender and Warm Audio Warm Bender.
|
Fuzz Engine |
Pedalboard Friendliness |
Transistors |
Controls |
Tonal Character |
|
EHX Big Muff |
Chunky: 7.25” x 5.75” |
Silicon |
Volume, Sustain, Tone |
Saturated, soaring, not very dynamic |
|
Dunlop Fuzz Face |
Round: 7.25” x 8” |
Germanium |
Volume, Fuzz |
Buzzy aggression yet dynamic and expressive |
|
Sola Sound Tone Bender Professional MK II (circa 1966) |
Tall: 8.5” x 3.4” |
Germanium |
Level, Attack |
Frenzied gain, punishing mids and buckets of sustain |
Fuzz Out
Shop Now: Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker
There are so many ways to summon Big Muff havoc that the specific pedal options can be a bit, um, fuzzy. We’ve tried to help you find your favorite Big Muff, but as the Electro-Harmonix grind tribe is wide-ranging, please seek one of our knowledgeable Gear Advisers if you still have any questions. You can also pop into your local Guitar Center and try a bevy of Big Muffs yourself. Our stores even have dedicated pedal tables that make it easy to test a bunch of stompboxes without moving from a comfy seat.
If, like me, you’re an unrepentant fuzz freak, be sure to peruse our other articles on blistered insanity: The History of the Fuzz Pedal, The Best Fuzz Pedals of 2025 and The Best Fuzz Pedals for Shoegaze.