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Electro-Harmonix: Little Big Muff Pi
List: $120
Since its inception in 1969, the major grievance with the Big Muff was its oversized nature. Along the way, EHX did a shrunken derivative of the pedal but its inadequate features; a volume knob & 2-way tone switch only, translated to a loss of its original voicing, much to the dismay of purists & ardent fans alike. We welcome the sophomore manifestation of the Little Big Muff Pi…
As with all other EHX wares, the merits of its housing & other external attributes are well beyond shoddy. What you get for $120 is a tank-grade stomp box that’ll last you a lifetime. Critics would welcome the retention of the obligatory trio of Big Muff knobs: Sustain/ Tone/ Volume, as these very much dictate the original sonic qualities of the pedal.
If you don’t already know by now, the LBMP is a fuzz unit. Upon plugging in, do not expect either warm drive or hard-edge distortion. The reason for its strong following is undoubtedly its wide tone/ sustain sweep. The tone control offers a wide frequency manipulation from very buzz-laden to a nasal bass honk. The sustain control, albeit the deceptive label, manipulates the pedal’s fuzz depth, adding on to the tonal differentiation, not its level of intensity. If you are expecting some prudent drive-type output, look elsewhere, please.
The LBMP has peculiar reaction towards the guitar pickups it’s employed with. In use, single coils tend to give off a grittier midrange but appropriate tone sculpturing will reveal some super smooth Eric Johnson-type legato notes. In conjunction with a humbucker, the LBMP displays useful fatness in its bottom end across the tone sweep. The player should turn the pedal up to playing level, adjust the sustain/ tone incrementally & note marked differences produced.
The LBMP has successfully replicated its full-sized sibling’s tonal subtlety despite its reduced physique. If you are a fuzz fan, do audition this pedal & hear why it’s a benchmark in its turf. The LBMF will have limited fans with metal proponents but this camp would do well to check out the Metal Muff offered by the manufacturer.
Rating: 8.5/ 10
Likes:
• Wide tone sweep
• Does well with battery
• Top grade durability
Dislikes:
• Battery access (complete base plate removal required)
Worthy competitor:
• Seymour Duncan: Tweak Fuzz
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