Big Russian Muff Pi (Reissue)

[Keefeology]

So I've decided to make a move from a multi effects to single pedals. The first thing I had to do was to get a great dirt pedal. Judging by what I play which is mainly Muse. I decided to follow the beast and get a Big russian muff pi reissue.

However, when I opened the beast and turned it on MAX. It didn't sound as creamy as I thought it would be. In fact, even with a battery clipper on to a 9V power supply. The pedal only sounded like it was on half gain.

Now I've watched the Bassfuzz.com Video review on this pedal and it does seem quite distorted. However, what I have sounds honestly like ****. It barely even sustains the notes when I put it to max.

That is why I've decided to implore you pros in the Effects forum for your help me get rid of this problem for me. Thank you very much.

[rratajski]

1. Sell it and go for a BBM or a muff clone/variant.

2. Search this forum and others. The consensus for a majority of the users here is the Russian versions are nice...in your bedroom, but many times aren't so great in a band context.

3. If you can solder, mod it.

[Keefeology]

Originally Posted by rratajski

1. Sell it and go for a BBM or a muff clone/variant.

2. Search this forum and others. The consensus for a majority of the users here is the Russian versions are nice...in your bedroom, but many times aren't so great in a band context.

3. If you can solder, mod it.

I can solder it with the help of my father but the thing is I have no idea what the main problem is... :/

[Rob22315]

I think my black russian BMP sounds great. I have no issues with volume or sustain. Unity gain compared to the dry output of my active bass is always at the 1/2 way point and the sustain seems to go on forever if I let it. I am interested in the possibility of modding if that might make it even better. Can anyone provide a link?

[BassMonstrum]

My black Russian Big Muff sounds better than the Bass Big Muff, IMHO. Yeah, I was actually pretty disappointed with the BBM...

[WhiteNinja]

Try the Blackout Effectors Musket. I just got one recently and thanks to it's added tweakability (Pre, Mids, Focus), it just beats the BBM fair and square. I have both the Focus and Tone at 8:00-9:00 and the mids at 2:00-3:00. It's got huge low-end and cuts through the mix VERY nicely. If you want a good russian muff sound, you just cut the focus and mids et voila.

[rratajski]

I have modded the black Russians a zillion times...
Every unit is different, seriously. They use different parts in like very unit.

Mod the tone stack, then mods the 461ish caps. Google "big muff mods". There's a great site out there with tons of mods.

The black Russian generally has lower volume, a biiiig midscoop, and low gain.

[BrandonBass]

Did you crank your volume knob to max? U might nid hotter PUs to drive the thing

[Nv_D_SlapnPop]

my black russian likes my warwick way more than my jazz bass because of the hotter pickups.
the guy from muse i believe uses 2 rigs, 1 clean and 1 effected so this is how i record now because the muff does a complete dissapearing act in the mix, i was gonna have it modded but that would cost as much as any of the other muff variants on the market.

[rratajski]

Originally Posted by Nv_D_SlapnPop

my black russian likes my warwick way more than my jazz bass because of the hotter pickups.
the guy from muse i believe uses 2 rigs, 1 clean and 1 effected so this is how i record now because the muff does a complete dissapearing act in the mix, i was gonna have it modded but that would cost as much as any of the other muff variants on the market.

A mod shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Those dudes on eBay take advantage!

[RCCollins]

Originally Posted by Nv_D_SlapnPop

my black russian likes my warwick way more than my jazz bass because of the hotter pickups.

your muff also sounds better with the mid-hump of the warwick than the relative scoop of the jazz bass.