I'd like to gain a better appreciation about the different types of Muffs out there and see if it's possible to categorize some of them
I currently only have one Muff-type pedal, a Pharaoh, and love it. Where does this ped fall in the Muff range? I'd like to find something with the same openness and "clarity" as the Pharaoh (Iron Bell, maybe?) but different enough to warrant having both.
If you want one closer to a vintage Muff, try the Stomp Under Foot clones. I have a Violet Ram's Head that I'm unfortunately having to sell which was a rather pleasant experience soundwise.
Also, I think you're going to have a tough time finding a muff that does the openness and clarity of the Pharaoh...Musket is worth a shot, maybe try a Supercollider, but the hugeness of the Pharaoh at volume with diodes out...nothing like it. In relation to the Pharaoh, what direction are you hoping to go/what are you trying to get more or less of?
Also, I think you're going to have a tough time finding a muff that does the openness and clarity of the Pharaoh...Musket is worth a shot, maybe try a Supercollider, but the hugeness of the Pharaoh at volume with diodes out...nothing like it. In relation to the Pharaoh, what direction are you hoping to go/what are you trying to get more or less of?
Just the other day I had tried the Pharoah with diodes out (had been using mostly the GE side) and it rocked so hard! That just might become the most used setting.
I've been spinning Floyd LP's over the last few weeks and guess I got turned on to those Muff tones.....that's really my only Muff reference (other than Gish/Siamese Dream.....90's stuff). Something like the LSTR seems like it might be too compressed/scooped for me...not really sure if that qualifies as a true Muff circuit. The Blunderbuss sounds spitty/agressive in some vids, but a bit more docile in others. Can the Musket get a little of the sizzle on top?
Amps currently in use: - Carr Slant 6V 2x12 (primary amp, running into the clean channel) - JCM 800 50W into a 1960A Classic (recently added, haven't fired it up yet) - Peavey MkIII Bass amp into a Music Man cab
I prefer the Blunderbuss to the Musket but they're both a nice counterpart to the Pharaoh which is my favorite option, hands down.
The LSTR def qualifies as a muff, just a super high gain version capable of doing the normal scooped muff tones and then some. Pretty beastly pedal honestly, thick and aggressive.
I actually prefer both my Supercollider and my 'Stashe to the Musket precisely on account of it's "clarity," which is something I don't shoot for with big muffs.
D.o.S. wrote:I actually prefer both my Supercollider and my 'Stashe to the Musket precisely on account of it's "clarity," which is something I don't shoot for with big muffs.
This is on bass, of course.
Absolutely applies to guitar as well...sadly no experience with the 'Stashe. True EHX Big Muffs don't do clarity, really. Supercollider is tops for deep dark clear toanz, LSTR is the muff set to 11 and perfect if you want to turn the gain up on your Pharaoh to silly levels (and are okay with it losing most of it's versatility) and Musket is great if you want the swiss-army muff...but I think it sacrifices a bit of character for the sake of versatility. Blunderbuss' strength is being less scooped, to my ears--the midrange voice in the 'buss is incredible. If you're after Gilmour tones Kit's site will help you tremendously, especially if there's a particular era you dig, and he does reference the Corgan tones quite a bit. DIfferent ends of the muff spectrum, tho...
Re: clarity, FME Ram's Head style muffs have the most. Probably the most "open" sounding as well. About 6 months ago I thought I was a Ram's Head guy; after getting my hands on a Skreddy Mayo and SUF 1976 Ram's Head.
Right before/around the same time I received a SUF Green Russian in trade...and was really disappointed with how it didn't mesh in my rig.
Then I added a Fromel Shape EQ into my chain. Credit due to its sweepable mids; and the ability to zero in on my rig's sweetspot with or without fuzz...which was a game changer. Suddenly the v7 Sovtek "made sense" and everything just clicked. And now it (usably) stacks with all kinds of other stuff.
I highly recommend anyone try incorporating a similar parametric EQ pedal (especially the Shape, itself) or an Empress ParaEQ...for use with muffs or not. Numerous muff-derivatives now include a Mids knob, but lack the ability to sweep frequencies. Sweepable mids on the other hand...unlock a whole other realm of possibility, whether your amp is scooped or mid-hump. Adding a pedal with that ability is like finding the missing piece...
Thanks, Guys! Looks like i have alot more homework to do.....and have once again opened the entrance to the GAS universe
I'll likely look for clones/modern peds than try to hunt down vintage units. I "think" I'm looking for something closer in sound to the triangle/ram's head era (for starters).
I got a Skreddy Lunar from B/S/T this week, so might like to start with a Muff that compliments that.
Any fans of the EQD Hoof out there? I' curious about Muff's lately too. Thinking I might need to have a Pharaoh in the mix at some point, and definitely liked the Hoof side of the Hoof Reaper I used to have.
kosta wrote:Any fans of the EQD Hoof out there? I' curious about Muff's lately too. Thinking I might need to have a Pharaoh in the mix at some point, and definitely liked the Hoof side of the Hoof Reaper I used to have.
i love the hoof. i had one and sold it and kind of wish that i hadn't. such a killer pedal. so much volume and so crushingly heavy. still one of my favorite muff derivatives. pharaoh is definitely something you should have if you play loud. it's incredible and the awesome eq makes it great for stacking with other fuzzes as well. very useful tool.
ryan summit wrote:Damn these fuckin bullshit techherpes
kosta wrote:Any fans of the EQD Hoof out there? I' curious about Muff's lately too. Thinking I might need to have a Pharaoh in the mix at some point, and definitely liked the Hoof side of the Hoof Reaper I used to have.
LOVE my Hoof. They are typically a little less fuzzy than a russian muff, there's more clarity. Seriously awesome pedals, especially if you get one with the right transistors in it...I had both a 4 knob and a 3 knob for a long time, and although the 4 knob allowed for the selectable midrange, my earlier 3 knob just has far better balls and bite....guess which one I kept
