Big Muff

Everyone seems to offer their version of the Big Muff these days. Some close to the original models. Others with new features and variations. It can be a real challenge to choose the right model for your setup. In this feature, I’ll share my experience and thoughts on the models I’ve played over the years, with David Gilmourâ€™s tones in mind.

At the time when David Gilmour joined Pink Floyd, in early 1968, guitarists had only a few pedals to choose from. Like Hendrix, David would also employ the Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face. A germanium transistor model between 1968-1970 and later, from early 1971, the silicon transistor model.

David got his first Big Muff around 1975. The pedal was used on the recording of Animals and subsequently on evey Pink Floyd and solo album since then. Read more about David Gilmour and the Big Muff.

Fuzz or Big Muff?

Big Muffs are often referred to as fuzz and although that describes the tone, a traditional fuzz and Big Muff are soundwise and technically two different effects. While fuzz pedals are based on a very basic two-transistor circuit, producing an uncompressed and raw tone, the Big Muff has a more complex cuircuit and a much more balanced tone with rich harmonics and sustain. It is perhaps more accurate to place the Big Muff in a category between fuzz and the more modern distortion.

In terms of recreating Davidâ€™s tones, youâ€™ll be able to cover all the fuzz tones with a Big Muff â€“ at least the bright and aggressive silicon tones from Obscured by Clouds, Live at Pompeii and Dark Side of the Moon. However, a Big Muff will be hard to tame properly for those warm overdrive tones of the germanium fuzz David used for the early post Syd era up to Meddle.

I donâ€™t recommend using fuzz to replicate the Big Muff tones. Although a silicon Muff can do a fairly good Animals tone, neither the germanium nor the silicon works that well for Wall and later tones. A good tip is to feature at least one fuzz and one Big Muff on your pedal board for a versatile setup.

Big Muff on the pedal board

I recommend placing Big Muffs first in the line of gain pedals (after wah and compression). This will allow the pedal to dominate the chain and tone when you stack it with boosters or overdrives.

Although Big Muffs doesn’t react to buffers as severly as fuzz pedals, they do prefer to be placed as far away from them as possible, to maintain the character and harmonics of the pedal.

Big Muffs also needs an amp with enough compression and a bit of mid range, to sound smooth and warm. Fender Twins and other scooped and uncompressed amps, will make a Muff sound like a very agry bee. Read more about choosing the right pedals for your amp here.

Vintage Big Muffs VS modern clones

Before you start searching Ebay for a vintage Big Muff you should keep in mind that unless you are very aware of what you are about do to, you can end up getting very disappointed. In most cases, youâ€™re better off with a clone. Back in the early 70s Electro Harmonix were quite inconsistent with their designs and components. Add forty years and heavy abuse from former owners and itâ€™s quite obvious that these pedals wonâ€™t sound as they once did.

Itâ€™s also a well known fact among collectors that thereâ€™s very little difference between the so called â€œtriangleâ€ and â€œramâ€™s headâ€ models other than the chassis (and placement of the knobs). Aged parts and the inconsistency between circuits, means that two seemingly identical pedals will sound quite different to each other and you might very well end up with a â€œramâ€™s headâ€ that sounds like a â€œtriangleâ€ or vice versa.

Visit The Big Muff Pi Page for all there is to know about the classic Big Muff models.

All pedals listed below were tested on typical Gilmour inspired setups, including Stratocasters and Hiwatt and Fender amps. Pleae note that the pedals may sound and behave differently on your setup. All scores are purely subjective.

Triangle, Ram’s Head, US reissues and clones

The triangle and ram’s head era stretches from the late 60s to mid 70s. These are known by their bright and aggressive tone, very little mid range, fat lower end and singing sustain. Ideal for combining with boosters and overdrives but some pedals might be a bit of a challenge on smaller amps and setups. The mid era OP-amps and current US reissues has a slightly darker tone, more gain and are perhaps not that suited for Gilmour’s tones, although some of the new EHX variations and spin-offs sports new features for a more versatile tone.

Electro Harmonix â€œtriangleâ€ Big Muff 1970

The first Big Muff model is considered by many to be the most musical of all. The pedal has a smooth and warm tone with rich sustain, fat lower end and a crisp attack. Its mild gain makes it easy to tame and ideal in a combination with a booster/overdrive. The â€œtriangleâ€ covers all of Davidâ€™s Muff tones but you might want to add a hint of mid range for authentic PULSE tones.

Noise level: N/A

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Electro Harmonix â€œramâ€™s headâ€ Big Muff 1973

Compared to the average â€œtriangleâ€ the â€œramâ€™s headâ€ has an overall more aggressive tone with more gain and brighter top and that classic mids scoop. The pedal stands well on its own but a transparent booster/overdrive adds to its already monstrous tone. The â€œramâ€™s headâ€ is ideal for Animals and Wall but a hint of mid range boost makes it incredibly versatile for any era. Personally I prefer the later â€œviolet ramâ€™s headâ€ for a bit more gain.

Noise level: N/A

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Electro Harmonix Big Muff (transistor and op-amp) 1976

This late 70s model was produced both as a transistor and op-amp version. The transistor version is very similar to the â€œramâ€™s headâ€ with a bit more gain while the op-amp pedals has a distinctly bigger character typical of the early 90s grunge bands. In essence both are perhaps best described as a mix between the â€œramâ€™s headâ€ and the early 90s Sovtek models with an aggressive, almost boomy tone thatâ€™s a bit hard to tame.

Noise level: N/A

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 4/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 5/10

Gilmour tones: Wall/Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 5/10

Electro Harmonix Pi US 2000 reissue

The current US model is somewhat similar to the late 70s red/black Muff although it has little resemblance of the classic Big Muff tones. It sounds boomy, with a saturated gain character and a rather choked sustain. Not the best choice for replicating David’s tones but rather for more modern sounding idie and stoner. It does stand well on its own but can be hard to tame with a booster.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 2/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 2/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 2/10

Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi

The current XO version is not to be mistaken for the 70s model with the same name. The Little Big Muff Nano is more or less identical to the US reissue although with a bit more presence and sustain, which makes the whole difference. A bonus is the small pedal board friendly foot print. It stands well on its own but works nicely in combo with a booster/overdrive as well.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 5/10

Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker

This one is very similar to the Little Big Muff featuring an additional tone toggle switch based on the more popular mods on the boutique market. The â€œwickerâ€ mode adds more presence sustain and the tone switch allows the tone stage to be bypassed for an even more scooped mids tone and fatter gain. Doesnâ€™t quite stand up to similar boutique models but definitely worth a try.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 6/10

Pete Cornish P-1

The P1 is based on a â€œramâ€™s headâ€ circuit with the characteristic bright crisp top, fat lows and tons of sustain. It stands perhaps best on its own but a transparent booster adds a bit more warmth and an overall smother tone. Personally, I find the pedal a bit too pristine and lacking some of that classic vintage Muff mojo. However, the P1 is preferred by Gilmour and obviously nails those classic Animals and Wall tones. A hint of mid range boost takes care of the Delicate and PULSE tones as well.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Skreddy Pedals Rust Rod

Skreddy has a well earned reputation of making some of the best sounding Big Muffs on the market. Most of the previous models has either been based on a specific tone or different variations of stacking a Muff with a booster. The Rust Rod is based on that mid 70s Big Muff, with lots of gain, low end and a bit of mid range, allowing it to cut through more compared to most other Muffs from that era. Itâ€™s loud and uncompromised but it nails Davidâ€™s Animals and Wall tones particularly well and even without a booster behind it. Despite the huge amount of gain, the Rust Rod is very silent and it goes very well on lower wattage bedroom amps. See my full review of the Skreddy Pedals Rust Rod here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut

Gilmourish.com score: 9/10

BYOC Large Beaver

The Large Beaver is in my opinion one the better sounding clone of the classic Big Muffs. The current kit feature setups for both the â€œtriangleâ€ and â€œramâ€™s headâ€ models as well as an additional 3-way tone switch allowing classic scooped mids, tone bypass and mid boost. Both models are very close to the originals with the same musical qualities and tone. A bonus is the true bypass switching and dead silent circuit. The â€œramâ€™s headâ€ is perhaps preferred for Davidâ€™s tones but the â€œtriangleâ€ easily nails most of his leads from all eras. Add a hint of mid range (or use the mid boost feature) for a Delicate/PULSE tone.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Thorpy FX Muffroom Cloud

The Muffroom has already become legendary. Probably because Thorpy are known for making extremely high quality pedals but also because the Muffroom takes the Muff circuit to a new level and modernising it, which has never been done before. It sounds like a mix between a Triangle and Sovtek, with a moderate amount of gain and lots of low end and mid range. The details and clarity of this thing is impressive and it easily doubles as a dark overdrive and even a fuzz. My minor issue is that it sounds a tad too nice and clean compared to most Big Muffs but itâ€™s perfect for a tidy setup or if you wish your Muff sounded more like a distortion. The Muffroom sounds best on its own and fits most bedroom setups nicely. See my full review of the Thorpy FX Muffroom Cloud here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Delicate/Pulse

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Electronic Orange Pig Hoof

The Pig Hoof is a clone of the mid 70s â€œramâ€™s headâ€ with smooth, warm gain and a typically deep mids scoop. The Hoof has an incredibly tight lower end and clear presence that makes it equally suited for both a stand-alone pedal (especially with hotter pickups) and in combo with a booster. Of all the â€œramâ€™s headâ€ models Iâ€™ve tried this is by far the loudest but also one of the quietest. The Pig Hoof covers all of Davidâ€™s tones, Animals, Wall and Island in particular and it also works incredibly well on bedroom setups. See my full review of the Pig Hoof here.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/Wall/DG78/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Electronic Orange Pig Hoof MkII

The Pig Hoof MkII is a milder version of the standard red label. The MkII is tweaked and adjusted for studio recording, with less gain and low end than most ramâ€™s head models. The idea is to be able to get the classic tones without all the low frequencie rumble and nasty, uncontrollable feedback. The pedal also goes extremely well with boosters, either you want a clean volume boost or a bit more dirt for a bit of both worlds. An internal trim pot allows you to fine tune the gain stage and match it with your amp and pickups. A unique and versatile Big Muff tailored for all situations and setups. See my full review of the Pig Hoof MkII here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Vick Audio 73 Ramâ€™s Head

Itâ€™s always great fun to try out pedals with a different twist on an original design and sometimes thatâ€™s even what you need, but with Big Muffs I always tend to be coming back to the basics. As the name implies, Vick Audioâ€™s Ramâ€™s Head is based on the early 70s Ramâ€™s Head model. Known for its crispy top, saturated gain and fat lows, this model made its mark on some of David Gilmourâ€™s most beloved recordings. The Vick captures the essence of those tones, with an incredibly well balanced tone and character. Itâ€™s also got an onboard switch for three different mid range modes, which comes handy when you need your guitar to cut through. Well made and a price tag that should suit most budgets. See my full review of the â€™73 Ramâ€™s Head here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

MJM Foxey Fuzz

The Foxey Fuzz is one of the few clones of the Guild and early â€œtriangleâ€ era Big Muffs. Although similar to a triangle, the Foxey Fuzz is perhaps an even more aggressive violet ram’s head kind of Muff with tons of gain and lower end. You will have a hard time taming it for a bedroom setup but pair it up with a loud tube amp and you have one of the heaviest sounding Muffs on the market. Perhaps not the typical Gilmour Muff but it easily nails all those late 70s tones.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 5/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

North Effects 22/7 Violet Ram

North Effects offers a wide range of clones similar to BYOC based on simplicity and classic designs. The Violet Ram is a clone of the mid 70â€™s â€œramâ€™s headâ€ that had a bit more gain and bite. This is definitely not a smooth sounding Muff but it nails those Animals tones in particular. Tonewise itâ€™s similar to the Jam Pedals Foxey Fuzz although a bit easier to tame. A great option for a budget setup. See my full review of the 22/7 Violet Ram here.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 5/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut

Gilmourish.com score: 7/10

Skreddy P19

The idea behind the P19 is to capture David Gilmour’s lead tones from The Wall as you hear them on the album. The tone is unmistakably ram’s head with a saturated musical distortion but the P19 has more mids and an overall darker tone compared to most other ram’s heads. Imagine a Stratocaster into a loud Hiwatt stack and an old rusty Muff recorded with an SM57 and a bit of studio compression and limiting and you have the P19. An additional mids hump switch allows even a bit more mid range for brighter amps and bedroom setups. The pedal stands best on its own but a transparent booster or EQ will give it a bit more top end and sparkle. See my full review of the P19 here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom levels: 10/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut

Gilmourish.Com score: 9/10

Buffalo FX Ram’s Head NOS BC239c

Finally a take on the classic ram’s head circuit that mananages to deal with some of the issues. The Buffalo RH is no doubt a ram’s head with an aggressive and saturated tone and that raspy top but this one’s also got a hint of mids and a perfectly balanced low end. It’s slightly darker than most ram’s heads but the sustain sings for ages and there are no choked or dead tones. Pair it up with a transparent booster like the Buffalo Power Booster for opening it up further and adding a bit more bite. Nails all of David’s Muff tones and fits even the most demanding bedroom setup. See my full review of the Ram’s Head NOS BC239c here.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom levels: 10/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut

Gilmourish.Com score: 8/10

JMB Experience Classic 70s

As the name implies, this one’s based on the original Big Muff designs, with an emphasis on the ram’s head model. It’s fairly dark and with a hint of mid range, which perhaps takes it towards the typical triangle flavours, but like the ram’s head, the Classic 70s has lots of gain and a growling low end. This is an excellent all-round Muff, capable of covering both David’s 70s tones and the Sovtek era and it’s darker character makes it a great choice for bedroom setups and recording. Se my YouTube review of the Classic 70s here.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.Com score: 8/10

Behringer VD1 Vintage Distortion

The VD1 is very similar to the current EHX US reissue with a boomy saturated character and sometimes a choked sustain. This one is more suited for modern tones and indie rock and nothing I’d recommend for David’s tones. Adding a booster smooths out some of the harsh overtones but of all Big Muffs Iâ€™ve tried the VD1 really needs a loud tube amp to really open up.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 5/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 2/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 2/10

Mooer Triangle Buff

As the name implies, this is a clone of the first generation Big Muff, the so called triangle model. Like the original, the Buff has a dark and warm tone, with just a hint of mids and a fat lower end. Itâ€™s not as smooth and dynamic sounding as some of the other clones, like the BYOC Large Beaver or Red Muck but itâ€™s fully capable of producing all the classic tone and, IOM, much better than most of the current EHX models. An excellent choice for tight budgets and cramped pedal boards.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 9/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 6/10

Sovtek Russian tone models

The Sovtek Big Muffs are recognised by their huge tone. Fat low end, a nice mid range hump and the sweetest sustain imaginable. Compared to the triangle and ram’s head, the Sovteks often works best alone, without a booster. Some of the new clones are modelled after the early Civil War and tall font green Russians, which are considered superior to the later Sovtek models. Other clones offer new features and variations on the classic circuit.

Sovtek â€œCivil Warâ€ Big Muff Pi 1990

The â€œcivil warâ€ model is recognized by its familiar exterior and larger than life tone. Although very similar to the late 70s red/black version the â€œcivil warâ€ has a boosted mid range, crisp attack and thunderous lows as well as an incredible sustain. Its mild gain makes it easy to tame in combo with a booster, although it operates very well on its own. The pedal is ideal for Davidâ€™s Delicate and PULSE tones but nails pretty much everything from Animals to Gdansk.

Noise level: N/A

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Sovtek â€œGreen Russianâ€ Big Muff Pi 1994

The early so called â€œtall fontâ€ versions of the green russian is identical to the â€œcivil warâ€ while the later more common â€œbubble fontâ€ has a bit more gain and an overall nastier sound. The pedal is easy to tame in combo with a booster although it operates very well on its own. Itâ€™s ideal for Davidâ€™s Delicate and PULSE tones but nails pretty much everything from Animals to Gdansk.

Noise level: N/A

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Sovtek â€œBlack Russianâ€ Big Muff Pi 1998

Due to inconsistent circuits and vague transition periods the early big box Black Russian is essentially identical to the â€œbubble fontâ€ Green Russian with same mid rangy growling gain. The later slightly smaller box version however is closer to the US reissue and not that suited for replicating David’s tones.

Noise level: N/A

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 7/10

Note: As the early triangle and ramâ€™s head Big Muff the Civil War, Green Russian and early Black Russian are hard to tell apart due to inconsistencies in the production and often overlapping designs and component values. See The Big Muff Pi Page for more details on each version.

Electroc Harmonix Green Russian

The Green Russian is a faithful reissue of the early 90s Sovtek Big Muffs and the Civil War and green models in particular. Like the originals, the Green Russian has a fat low end, a hint of mid range and fairly moderate gain. Of all the Big Muffs, this is probably the most versatile for most amps and Electro Harmonix has done an impressive job recreating the tone in a smaller footprint. Regardless of the budget or price, this is easily one of the best Muffs on the market today. See my full review of the Green Russian here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Electro Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi

This Big Muff from the current EHX line is surprisingly close to the old Sovtek models and the green in particular. Tons of gain, massive lows and a pronounced mid range makes it a great option for Davidâ€™s Delicate and PULSE tones. A featured toggle switch allows you to switch between bass boost, classic Muff tones and an effect mix control.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 7/10

Pete Cornish P-2

Presented by Cornish as an upgrade of the P1 the P2 has perhaps more similarities with the late 70s red/black models and the Sovteks with a boosted mid range, thunderous lower end and tons of gain. Of all the Big Muff models this one sound best alone. A bit hard to tame perhaps and personally, I find it a bit too boomy and dark.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 3/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 7/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 5/10

Buffalo FX Patriot

Based on the Civil War Sovtek Big Muff, the Patriot has a well balanced low end, rounded top and creamy mid range. Compared to similar clones, like the Box of War, the Patriot has a more open sounding character, with a focus on the higher mids, which adds to the sweet singing sustain. The pedal is loud and has a lot of gain but the noise level is surprisingly low. This is probably as close as youâ€™ll get to Davidâ€™s PULSE lead tones. The pedal sounds huge â€“ both on large tube stacks and bedroom setups. Highly recommended! See my full review of the Patriot here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/ Pulse

Gilmourish.com score: 10/10

Vick Audio 1861

The 1861 is based on the early 90â€™s Civil War Sovtek Big Muff. Like the original, this oneâ€™s got a smooth and slightly darker character, compared to the 70s models, with a hint of mid range. Like the other Vick Audio Muffs, the 1861 has a 3-way toggle for adding more mid range that allows the pedal to cut through more. Compared to some of the other Sovtek clones out there, including the Green Russian, the 1861 has slightly less low end and more mids. Recommended for mids scooped amps in particular. See my full review of the 1861 here.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Custom Pedal Boards Muff War

The Muff War is based on the first generation Sovtek Big Muffs, the so-called Civil War model, from the early 90s. This was David Gilmourâ€™s main Big Muff unit during the 1994 Division Bell/Pulse era and again during the recent Rattle That Lock tour. Like the EHX Green Russian, the Muff War goes a long way in replicating those huge tones, with a fat low end and a hint of mid range. Looking for mini pedals? This is possibly the best mini Muff out there!

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

MojoHand Colossus

Based on the early Sovtek models, the Colossus lives up to its name with a huge tone, thunderous lows and endless sustain. Like the Civil War, the Colossus has a boosted mid range that can be further sculpted with additional controls. The pedal stands well on its own but a mild, transparent booster will bring out the attack and top frequencies. An excellent choice for David’s Delicate and PULSE tones. See my full review of the Colossus here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

EarthQuaker Hoof Fuzz

The Hoof Fuzz is based on the early Sovteks and the green in particular. It has that familiar fat mid range, saturated gain and rich sustain but the Hoof also got a bit more presence, which makes it a great deal more versatile. An additional mid range control also allow you to sculpt the tone even further. The pedal stands well on its own but handles boosters equally well. Ideal for David’s Delicate and PULSE setups, but doubles nicely as a fuzz for the earlier tones as well – especially for those bedroom setups. See my full review of the Hoof Fuzz here.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Pompeii/Dark Side/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

CostaLab Custom Muff

The Custom Muff is perhaps best described as a mix between the triangle and early Sovtek models. This no frills Muff features the classic three knob configuration and a tone that ranges from vintage overdrive to full blast fuzz. The Custom Fuzz works equally well as a stand alone unit or in combo with a transparent booster for a bit more presence and bite. This is one of the more versatile Big Muff models that tackles everything from Dark Side of the Moon to PULSE. See my full review of the Custom Muff here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: Pompeii/Dark Side/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Wren and Cuff Box of War

The Box of War is, as the name implies, a faithful recreation of the legendary Sovtek Civil War. The tone is huge, yet fairly mild with fat lower end and rich sustain. Although very close to the original, the BoW is not as open sounding and dynamic as the Patriot (Buffalo FX). The Box of War stands well on its own but you can also combine it with a mild, transparent booster for a bit more presence. Highly recommended for Gilmour’s PULSE Comfortably Numb tones and a bonus for a cool looking box!

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 9/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 9/10

Jam Pedals Red Muck

This is an unusual combination of the warm mild character of the â€œtriangleâ€ and the fat lower end and creamy sustain of the Sovteks. The Red Muck may appear a bit thin and flat on its own but opens up for a wide range of tones in combination with a booster. Ideal for Davidâ€™s Delicate and PULSE tones and highly recommended for bedroom setups. See my full review of the Red Muck here.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Blackout Effectors Musket

The Musket isnâ€™t really a clone of any particular model although is has strong similarities with the late 70s red/black Muff and the early Sovteks. The additional pre, mids and focus controls makes the pedal incredibly versatile and suitable for more genres and styles than any other Big Muff. The focus control adds more presence and sustain allowing the pedal to cut effortlessly through the mix. Its also probably the best Muff model for bedroom setups and it manages to maintain its character on even the lowest levels. The Musket covers all of Davidâ€™s lead tones from all eras and stands equally well on its own and with boosters. See my full review of the Musket here.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/Wall/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 9/10

Top Tone Drive Gate DG-1

The DG-1 is perhaps best described as a mix between the Cornish P1 and P2. Like the P1, there is an unmistakable ram’s head flavour, with moderate gain and a nicely balanced low end. Add a hint of mids and you got the DG-1. Although perhaps best suited for the 80s and 90s Gilmour tones, the DG-1 easily cover all eras from the late 70s Animals to present. It also stacks nicely with boosters and other mild overdrives, for more saturation and sustain. The closest you get to the real Conish pedals? Possibly. See my full review of the DG1 here.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/Wall/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 9/10

VFE Fiery Red Horse

The Fiery Red Horse is similar to the Royal Beaver and Musket, packed with features for different tones. The pedal is based on the early â€œtriangleâ€ era circuit with additional controls for choosing between different clipping stages, mid range modes and voltage for adjusting the overall gain. This is an incredibly silent pedal with a classic warm and mild tone but perhaps just a bit too mild. It really needs a booster behind it to open up and to get enough gain. Still, itâ€™s a great sounding option for a wide range of Gilmour tones.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 5/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 6/10

MojoHand BMP-1

Part of Mojo Hand’s limited edition vintage series, the BMP-1 is a clone of the so-called tall font green Sovtek. It’s on the brighter side compared to the WnC Box of War and Buffalo FX Patriot but it has a bit more gain and a nicely balanced low end. The pedal stands best on its own but the low noise level allows a transparent booster to beef it up a bit. The BMP-1 sounds great for David’s later Floyd tones and PULSE in particular. If you’re a Sovtek fan then don’t miss out on this little gem!

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom levels: 8/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Delicate/PULSE

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Miscellaneous

Technically, these aren’t Big Muffs but rather based on or variations of a similar circuit. Lots of new pedals in this category is popping up allowing some of that classic Big Muff flavour to shine through in a more modern and versatile package and tone.

JHS Muffuletta

Thereâ€™s been a few attempts at making the â€œultimate Muffâ€ and you can argue whether or not they succeeded. The Muffuletta is the latest addition and rather than using one circuit and allowing the user to dial in different Muff tones from that, the Muffuletta feature circuits for each model. It not only sounds authentic but theyâ€™ve also managed to recreate much of the characteristics and mojo of each model – good and bad. The Ramâ€™s Head and Triangle in particular, sounds very nice but the Sovtek can do a pretty good job replicating Davidâ€™s Pulse tones as well. This is probably the most versatile Muff on the market. See my full review of the JHS Muffuletta here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

MojoHand Iron Bell

MojoHand designed the pedal not to be a Gilmour-in-a-box but rather to capture the overall tone and being a tool for getting the tones you want from each period. You might have a hard time getting the early fuzz tones but the Iron Bell nails most of the stuff from Dark Side to present and especially the 80s and 90s tones. It has lots of gain, a fat lower end and an overall midrangy character. Tonally, it fits somewhere between a RAT and early Sovtek. Perhaps not the pedal for Muff purists but definitely one of the more versatile Muffs on the market. See my full review of the Iron Bell here.

Noise level: 8/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 5/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Wampler Pedals Velvet Fuzz

No doubt aimed at the Gilmour fans the Velvet Fuzz is kind of a fuzz meets Muff meets Rat. It’s designed to capture the tone of a fuzz or Muff into a Marshall, which is very much what you get with a Rat or Cornish G2 but the pedal seems to fall between two chairs and doesn’t quite make it up there with other “stacked” pedals like the P19 and Iron Bell. A mini toggle switch allows two differnet modes – “tight” sounds like a very smooth Big Muff with lots of mid range and comression. Lovely sustain and nice attack for your Gdansk tones. The second mode “big” sounds too compressed and chokes up even on the cleanest amp and pickups. The Velvet Fuzz stands best alone and works best on brighter amps and smaller bedroom setups.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 6/10

With smaller amps/bedroom levels: 8/10

Gilmour authentic tones: PULSE/Gdansk

Gilmourish.com score: 6/10

BTMB Royal Beaver

The Royal Beaver looks overwhelming but it’s easy to operate and extremely versatile. In addition to the standard volume, gain and tone controls the pedal feature controls for three separate gain stages allowing setups for several models including â€œtriangleâ€ and â€œramâ€™s headâ€. Last a 3-way tone mode switch allows for classic mid scooped tones, tone bypass or mid boost as featured on the Large Beaver. The Royal stands well on its own but a booster brings out its full potential. It should be mentioned that although the RB allows a wide range of tones youâ€™re basically tweaking around a typical â€œtriangleâ€ circuit with perhaps some limitations for the purists. See my full review of the Royal Beaver here.

Noise level: 10/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 10/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour authentic tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Electro Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Pi

The Big Muff has always been EHXâ€™s most successful pedals but the company has failed to keep up with the explosion of boutique and clone models, that often offer a greatly improvement on the original circuit. Apparently, EHX decided to do something about this and designed a Muff packed with all kinds of features. The result is one of the most versatile Big Muff models on the market, with the capability to reproduce almost any Big Muff model from the late 60s to present, with impressive accuracy. If size and simplicity is your concern, then look elsewhere but the Deluxe is worth checking out if you want one Muff that can pretty much do it all. See Kit Raeâ€™s extensive review here.

Noise level: the pedal feature an onboard noise gate

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 7/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 8/10

Gilmour tones: Animals/DG78/Wall/Final Cut/Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Electro Harmonix Germanium 4 Big Muff

Contrary to what its name implies this is not a Big Muff but rather a germanium fuzz with a overall much milder and warmer tone. Its two separate channels allows for either a classic germanium overdrive or a typical late 60s Fuzz Face-ish tone and you can combine the two for a result much similar to combining a fuzz with a Colorsound Powerboost. A great option for Davidâ€™s 1968-71 tones but not a recommended option for classic Big Muff tones.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: N/A

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 5/10

Gilmour tones: Saucerful/More/Atom Heart/Meddle/Pompeii

Gilmourish.com score: 6/10

Note: Electro Harmonix has a wide range of spin-off models like Metal Muff, Micro Metal Muff, Pocket Metal Muff, Muff Overdrive, English Muffâ€™n, Double Muff and Deluxe Big Muffâ€¦ did I forget someone? I wouldn’t recommend any of these for David Gilmour’s tones. In stead, check out the Tone Wicker or Bass Big Muff from the EHX catalog.

Pete Cornish G-2

The G2 isnâ€™t really a Big Muff but rather one of Pete Cornishâ€™s more unique designs. It has a strong reference to the germanium Fuzz Face and LM308 RAT with a creamy fat distortion, lots of sustain and mid range. The pedal is perhaps more versatile than a Big Muff, suitable for a wider range of musical genres and playing styles. The G2 stands well on its own and maintains its tone and character on even the lowest levels, making it ideal for bedroom setups.

Noise level: 7/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Dark Side/Live 8/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 8/10

Buffalo Evolution

Although David Gilmour is perhaps mostly associated with the Big Muff, he also use distortions like the RAT and Pete Cornish G2. These have more mid range and an overall more saturated character. The Evolution is based on the G2, with much of the same character but Buffalo FX has addressed some of the issues as well, like designing a more linear gain stage and an overall warmer sounding character. The result is an incredibly versatile distortion, with a tube amp like tone, sweet singing sustain and a very low noise level. See my full review of the Evolution here.

Bedroom setups: 10/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.Com score: 10/10

TopTone Drive Gate DG-2

The DG-2 is loosely based on the Pete Cornish G2. Not really a Big Muff but closer to the classic RAT with a warm, creamy germanium tone and tons of sustain. Compared to the Cornish, the DG2 is actually noticeably quieter and even a bit smoother. An excellent choice for a versatile setup and for bedroom setups. See my full review of the DG2 here.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.com score: 9/10

Vick Audio V-2

The V-2 taps into the Cornish G2 territory but unlike the TopTone G2 and Buffalo FX Evolution, the V-2 sounds closer to a Muff, rather than a Muffish Marshall. Thereâ€™s lots of gain, mids and low end here but what sets it apart, is less compression and more harmonics. The V-2 can easily cover Davidâ€™s more current lead tones, produced by the Cornish G2 but also double as a Muff and even a fuzz, with some tweaking. The V-2 sounds best alone, without a booster, and works equally well on smaller bedroom amps and bigger stage rigs. See my full review of the Vick Audio V-2 here.

Noise level: 9/10

In combo with boosters/overdrives: 8/10

With smaller amps/bedroom level: 9/10

Gilmour tones: Delicate/PULSE/Gdansk/Rattle

Gilmourish.Com score: 8/10

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