Why is Bass Muff so cheap?

[Mike19]

Apparently, the Bass Big Muff Pi is one of the most widely used bass distortion pedals. Yet, it costs only $82 new from MF.

Given its popularity (demand) and the cost of competing pedals, one would think they could sell BBMs for at least $100 new.

Anyone know why the price is relatively low?

[BruceBass3901]

I have no idea why it's price is so low, but I'm not complaining ... I love mine to pieces

[Mike19]

I have a concern that while the BBM sounds great, maybe its not built as well as the rest of the EHX lineup (which ain't cheap).

This is assuming that, in general, EHX pedals are built well. I've never owned one so I don't know.

[gnasher1993]

I think it uses SMT so that would probably make it easier/cheaper to produce.

I may be wrong though

[RCCollins]

it's cheap because the muff is a really simple circuit and the boards for the BBM, like most ehx pedals, are mass produced , so there's no real comparison to small-scale "boutique/garage" production.

the BBM is certainly of comparable quality to the rest of the EHX line. It is all analog, true bypass (for better or worse), and compares favorably to muff clones and bass distortions that cost three times its price

[Eric!]

Ever opened up an EHX? Most are fairly simple circuits (except for like, a BMS or Hazarai or something)

[Gopher Bob]

Got mine "buy it now" free ship for 75$ on ebay from a well known online pedal store.

When I bought the Boss Bass Overdrive it killed my interest in pedals for about 7 years (it sux in my opinion). The Bass Muff (got it about 2 weeks ago) has revitalized my interest in pedals and even caused me to buy the new dunlop volume pedal DVP1 today (swelling with it now as I type!).

As far as quality... I personally would like to see them increase the quality to that of a BBE pedal. It is not low quality by any means but there are a few improvements that could be made and I wouldn't mind paying $100 for a model with these improvements. Oh, and fast access battery compartment door like on my BBE Opto Stomp would be great.

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

it's cheap because the muff is a really simple circuit and the boards for the BBM, like most ehx pedals, are mass produced , so there's no real comparison to small-scale "boutique/garage" production.

the BBM is certainly of comparable quality to the rest of the EHX line. It is all analog, true bypass (for better or worse), and compares favorably to muff clones and bass distortions that cost three times its price

I'd also add that there probably wasn't a whole lot of "R & D" money thrown into adding a blend to an ancient design or costs associated with sourcing rare parts.

Realistically they've spent another dollar or two per pedal on an already established design. It's all mostly profit at this point I'd imagine.

[Swimming Bird]

Plus it uses really common components, so there's no upcharge because the builder had to go find some NOS unobtainium transistor.

[elgranluis]

is there a difference between this one and the regular (guitar) big muff?? cause it shouldnt be any more expensive for basically the same thing, right??

[Jazz Ad]

You have it backwards.
It's popular because it's cheap.

[Jazz Ad]

Originally Posted by elgranluis

is there a difference between this one and the regular (guitar) big muff?? cause it shouldnt be any more expensive for basically the same thing, right??

They're not the same pedal at all.

[Vic Winters]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

You have it backwards.
It's popular because it's cheap.

And has a very useful clean blend feature.

[TheWoodShed]

EHX has really focused on methods to decrease costs involved in mass production, such as changing boxes to more common types.

For a bang for the buck pedal, the Bass Muff is pretty good. If my resources were limited like many young players are today, I would have one on my board along with an MXR M-80 Bass DI+ to handle my fuzz and distortion needs.

[jmattbassplaya]

It costs the way it costs because that`s what the market demands. If it were $100 or more people would opt for something else that might be better and in the same price range. At that price it`s competitive and still allows them a good turnover given the simple nature and cost of its components.

[Mike19]

Among other things, I am the OP.

Great answers.

The BBM is only $82 because:

> simple circuit design (Occam's razor)
> inexpensive circuit components (who cares?)
> construction of box okay, but could be better (satisfactory)
> no easy-access battery door (I don't use batteries)
> it wouldn't sell as well at $100 (we live in a market driven universe)

[Honey, can I spend $82 on something that's really important for the house?]

[Caca de Kick]

They're not the same pedal at all.

And has a very useful clean blend feature.

Yes, this is stuff I wanted to hear!
I've tried many, but have not found a distortion pedal I like, and so far everything I hear about The Bass Muff sounds like what's needed.

I once had a regular Muff, and got fed up with it sucking the low end at a gig, so I yanked it out and threw it into the crowd...someone kept it, good riddence!

[warwick.hoy]

I've found that all the EHX Muffs where relatively inexpensive (under $100).

[38bass]

It's seriously the best 86 bucks I've ever spent!
And it takes a good s**t kicking as well.

[Step]

I love mine to death, I honestly think they could market it at 100-120 euros and still sell well

Quality! A++! *****!