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A better Big Muff?

RJ

RJ

Aug 17, 2000
3,462
2,991
41
San Francisco
rjrabe.com
#1
With all the fuzz threads as of late and my GAS attacks nearing dangerous levels I have a few questions to ask...But first I want to say why Im looking to replace my Little Big Muff.

I really dig the sound of it on its own. I have my tone control a little past noon, the sustain at 0 and the volume to taste. It sounds great. Really thick,heavy, rich, but still bitting and aggressive. In a band setting however it nearly disappears. There is still plenty of low end to be felt but upper register passages vanish thanks to the mid scoop and the frequency shift. To compensate for the shift I can boost the volume but only to a certain extent before it becomes overbearing.
Not to mention the annoying click when its turned on, which isnt a huge deal but can be a bit of a problem from time to time.

So, What Im looking for is a Fuzz without that mid scoop. The popular Muff clones as of late seem to be the Sanford and Sonny Bluebeard and the FX3X Fatman. Im also really interested in the Depth Charge and other Brassmaster clones. Something that can do fuzz or a very heavy distortion that wont vanish in the mix. A blend knob is also a plus. Im pretty open to any ideas on a new fuzz/heavy OD pedal. Im just listing the ones that appear to be a good fix.
 
#3
Also, I don't think the Fatman is a Muff Clone TBH.

I would suggest looking into the Skreddy Mayo. It might be right up your alley.

Also look into the clips in grygrx's Fuzz Match Game. Lots of samples to be had there.
 
#6
Okay, re: Big Muff Clones.

The mid cut on the muff is a major factor that defines the "muff tone". So I don't know if a muff is what you are seeking. If you are however, it is pretty much the consensus that one of the best "updated" versions is the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. But be forewarned: the aren't cheap.

Personally nothing beats a modded SBM, if you find the right one. The tone is by far more agressive than a standard Muff.
 
#7
Frankly, the best-sounding alternative to me so far has been the Tonefactor Fuzzsaw. TaySte did some clips.

It does the big, over the top fuzz that the Muff does for not much more money. It's smaller, but the only control is volume, which is fine because it already sounds good.
 
#8
Tedintheshed said:
Okay, re: Big Muff Clones.

The mid cut on the muff is a major factor that defines the "muff tone". So I don't know if a muff is what you are seeking. If you are however, it is pretty much the consensus that one of the best "updated" versions is the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. But be forewarned: the aren't cheap.
Click to expand...

Or easy to find at all.
 
#9
I was also thinking of a couple of alternatives.

You may want to look into for an "over the top" Sanamp GT-2. You do lose bottom end, but the tone in unreal.

A Colorsound Tonebender seems to be a very popular choice. I've not experienced one personally, but the sound samples i've heard have been high quality.

Lastly, a modded Rat may also be your cup o'tea.
 
#11
Tedintheshed said:
Ya just need to know where to look. :smug:
Click to expand...

Do share, wise one. I'd love to get an Ezekiel... if anyone ever hires me.

Tedintheshed said:
I was also thinking of a couple of alternatives.

You may want to look into for an "over the top" Sanamp GT-2. You do lose bottom end, but the tone in unreal.

A Colorsound Tonebender seems to be a very popular choice. I've not experienced one personally, but the sound samples i've heard have been high quality.

Lastly, a modded Rat may also be your cup o'tea.
Click to expand...

The RAT is similar to the GT 2 in that it also sounds great but loses low end.
 
#17
DbNBassist said:
How bout the EHX Graphic Fuzz?
Click to expand...

That's an option, but I've heard little about it. The bass sample on the EHX website isn't a very good one.

I've seen it in a local shop, but I haven't been motivated to try one out. Maybe I should, the next time I go in... :)

As for suggestions... Yeah, the scoop is part of the tone. Take out the scoop, and it's not so Muff-like anymore.

Possible alternatives:

- Prescription Electronics Depth Charge
- Malekko B:Assmaster
- MXR Blowtorch (when cranked)
 
#19
Sounds like a bixonic expandora might be up your alley. Have a listen:

http://bixonic.com/

Then click "sonic testing"

They have guitar samples, but you'll get the idea. Works for both.
When I think fuzz overdrive, this is it.
Review for ya:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

And from bassplayer.com:
"...wide range of intensity is available, and each sound has a pleasant midrange quality that is occasionally absent in other fuzz tones..."
 
#20
old_skool said:
The graphic fuzz is extremely unbass friendly IME!

The Blowtorch is a good option. I really dug it for the little bit of time I had to play with It.

Do you guys know if the BlueBeard has that scooped tone? I would assume so due to its Muff circuitry.
Click to expand...

I haven't had personal experience with the pedal, but if its widely said that its a Sovtek Muff clone with mods, then it's likely to be less scooped than the Big Muff Pi and its lil' bro.
 

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