Electro-Harmonix releases J Mascis signature Ram's Head Big Muff Pi
October 19, 2022 · 2 sources
Electro-Harmonix released a J Mascis signature version of its Ram's Head Big Muff Pi reissue in August 2022, according to a Big Muff version history1. Guitar.com published a review of the pedal on October 19, 20222.
The pedal is a fuzz and distortion unit with volume, tone and sustain controls, true bypass, and power from a 9-volt battery or a mains supply, Guitar.com reported2. The review listed a US price of $131.50 and dimensions of 112 x 67 x 50mm, and described the pedal as assembled in the USA2.
Guitar.com reported that the signature pedal is "identical to the standard Ram's Head Big Muff Pi in every detail except the graphics (we checked the circuit boards to make sure)"2. The review said the status LED is standard red rather than purple, and that the pedal costs more than the standard version2.
"Undeniably a fantastic Muff… but just be aware you're paying extra for the paint job and nothing more."
The review described the sound as warm rather than dark and muffled, with wide range in the tone control and a sustain knob that "covers a decent amount of ground too"2. It said rolling the guitar's volume control down makes the character "weak and farty rather than lean and gritty"2.
The Ram's Head reissue on which the signature pedal is based was released in October 2019, per the version history, which lists true bypass, a current draw of about 2.0 mA, BC547 transistors, and assembly and testing in Long Island City, New York1. That history names Gino Maisano as reissue engineer and says the circuit was based on the Violet version of the original Bob Myer circuit1. It also lists J Mascis among players of the original Ram's Head1.