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So I've decided that the Black Russian is no longer the muff for me, and after a lot of listening and a little experimenting I think I'm in love with the '73 Violet Ram's Head. I've been borrowing an Arc Effects Shepherd and absolutely love it, and absolutely can't afford one. I've watched a few demos of the Vick Audio '73, and it sounds good to me. However, I'm extremely wary when I can't actually sit down and test stuff for myself. So I guess I have two questions:

1. How would you compare the sound of the VA vs the Shepherd?
2. Any other favorite comparable (three knob plus switch) clones at more or less the same price point as the VA?
2a. for example Chicago Stompworks?

Thank you in advance!

Hmmm. You could look for a used Tomkat Violet Muffer or the W&C/ Stomp Under Foot versions. Or a used Arc, obviously. BYOC has one, if you do the kits thing.

There are a bunch of different sounding "Ram's Heads", though, and different builders use difference reference points. Gotta be aware of that.

Ram's heads are rad muffs, for sure. Also Black Russians are/were selling for a really good price a little while ago, so maybe you can finance your new Muff with that if you're trying to flip it.

D.o.S. wrote:Hmmm. You could look for a used Tomkat Violet Muffer or the W&C/ Stomp Under Foot versions. Or a used Arc, obviously. BYOC has one, if you do the kits thing.

The used Shepherds - at least on Reverb - are crazy expensive. I don't do kits, but I'll look into those others.

There are a bunch of different sounding "Ram's Heads", though, and different builders use difference reference points. Gotta be aware of that.

Totally. I'm pretty muff-illterate, too, hence the question!

Ram's heads are rad muffs, for sure. Also Black Russians are/were selling for a really good price a little while ago, so maybe you can finance your new Muff with that if you're trying to flip it.

I do intend to get rid of the Russian, eventually. Once the new muff - whatever it is - is in my grasp.

Thank you!

check this dude, https://reverb.com/shop/enchanterfx im on a fuzz quest me self, good luck...
these days I might as well get an idea then inquire apon a unique build that suits exatly me needs. https://www.facebook.com/Make-Sounds-Lo ... 465767789/

I’m not sure if he’s still building, but Nick at Turnipfarmfx could build you a suuuuuper rad ram’s head with any/all options you want for a really reasonable price. Nothing but good things to say about working with that guy.

spacelordmother wrote:I’m not sure if he’s still building, but Nick at Turnipfarmfx could build you a suuuuuper rad ram’s head with any/all options you want for a really reasonable price. Nothing but good things to say about working with that guy.

He is definitely still building... I think he's finishing up a MASSIVE order my buddy put in. Something like 2 dozen pedals he wanted built/cloned.

Nick is a good dude with reasonable prices.

Vick stuff, from what I can gather, is pretty good quality and sounds great. But like D.o.S. mentioned... Everyone has their own take, uses different components, etc... While one or two components may not make a huge difference in a muff, the sum of the parts changes can definitely make a huge difference.

https://mmguitarbar.com/ <----- these guys are the new US dealer for Tym effects. I think the Fuzzerator, which is a muff derivative of vague origins, is only like $160 new. Tym has his own recipe for his builds, but I like the outcome.

SUF can be found pretty cheap on the used market, especially at Guitar Center. My buddy just picked up a Pumpkin Pi for $85 out the door.

Anyways, tons of options out there. Take a look into Skreddy while you're at it.

I will look into Nick - I think I found his gmail on another forum. Unless he's on ILF...? I'll check all the others, too. Hooray for having the day off!

Thank you all so much! I had thought once I settled on a muff-style, things would get easier - but the rabbit hole just deepens and deepens, which is pretty awesome. This is great.

If you do a Google image search for "sabro muff layout" like the third image is a layout showing the differences in values for each of the common transistor based muff variants. I'm sure someone would build you a 1:1 rams head.. my next project is a violet.

BetterOffShred wrote:If you do a Google image search for "sabro muff layout" like the third image is a layout showing the differences in values for each of the common transistor based muff variants. I'm sure someone would build you a 1:1 rams head.. my next project is a violet.

I actually think the violet is my preferred flavor! I wish I had any knowledge/experience/aptitude with any aspect of building...

D.o.S. wrote:Hmmm. You could look for a used Tomkat Violet Muffer or the W&C/ Stomp Under Foot versions.

Just checked out a demo of the Tomkat - it sounds wicked but honestly, the graphics turn me off.

Errant Tiger wrote:I will look into Nick - I think I found his gmail on another forum. Unless he's on ILF...? I'll check all the others, too. Hooray for having the day off!

Thank you all so much! I had thought once I settled on a muff-style, things would get easier - but the rabbit hole just deepens and deepens, which is pretty awesome. This is great.

He's "ianmarks" memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=7675

Turnipfarmfx@gmail.com

spacelordmother wrote:

Errant Tiger wrote:I will look into Nick - I think I found his gmail on another forum. Unless he's on ILF...? I'll check all the others, too. Hooray for having the day off!

Thank you all so much! I had thought once I settled on a muff-style, things would get easier - but the rabbit hole just deepens and deepens, which is pretty awesome. This is great.

He's "ianmarks" memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=7675

Turnipfarmfx@gmail.com

Thanks!

Errant Tiger wrote:

D.o.S. wrote:Hmmm. You could look for a used Tomkat Violet Muffer or the W&C/ Stomp Under Foot versions.

Just checked out a demo of the Tomkat - it sounds wicked but honestly, the graphics turn me off.

Theres also a swimsuit non nudity version.

Or ask if Tom to custom laser something. Can't remember the name of the artist he used, but I dig her style.

DRodriguez wrote:

Errant Tiger wrote:

D.o.S. wrote:Hmmm. You could look for a used Tomkat Violet Muffer or the W&C/ Stomp Under Foot versions.

Just checked out a demo of the Tomkat - it sounds wicked but honestly, the graphics turn me off.

Theres also a swimsuit non nudity version.

Or ask if Tom to custom laser something. Can't remember the name of the artist he used, but I dig her style.

Well, whaddaya know! Aesthetically I actually prefer the naked version.

As much as I see these ultra variety enclosures beetronics puts out I have yet to see anyone with one...idk we talking bout any fuzz or straight muff? Idk what those beetronics people put out, just sayin...