The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Other Equipment: Sovtek Big Muff

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Sovtek Big Muff

- Rated: 29 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 8:40 a.m. mark t:

I got one of these pedals back in the grunge days, and have found it pretty much useless since then. I know that they're regarded as decent pedals, i just have no need for it outside of noodling around with some garage fuzz stuff.

I just checked on ebay, and these models (I believe i got mine later on, around '94 or '95) are going for 150 bucks? I don't remember how much i paid for it, but I'm wondering if one of you guys out there can tell me if i'm missing something...maybe i'm looking at some auction for a sovtek that doesn't exist, or is more rare?
- Rated: 30 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 1:26 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

This might tell you a bit better what you have there.

As far as why people want it and are willing to pay....well it's VINTAGE. You know, it's a mojo thing. You can easily build a higher quality copy yourself for half the price or get a RI. The NYC RI is supposed to be pretty dead on (not sure about the Sovtek)Of course there were the different eras of BMs too, so it depends what you are looking for.

They are a classic sound that I personally love, but I can certainly see how they may not be for everyone. They are also quite a beast of a pedal and it takes a bit of figuring out how to use them without just getting a lot of gain and feedback. They also greatly prefer buckers to get the smooth and creamy fuzz they are known for.

Now I am speaking of the NYC model here b/c that's the only one I know, but eventually I'll get around to building some of the older copies.

I find the best way to use them is to turn your amp down a bit and use your guitar's volume to control how nasty you want it. Do realize that no matter what you do it's still gonna be nasty. It is a fuzz pedal not an OD.
- Rated: 29 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 1:53 p.m. mark t:

Oh for sure, i bought it because i wanted that crazy fuzz (and it's a blast cranking it up and rocking through the Gruesomes' albums). I just don't have much use for it anymore, being that i don't really "Kick out the jams" anymore.
- Rated: 29 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 1:53 p.m. mark t:

BTW, because i forgot to mention it, thanks for the link!
- Rated: 30 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 2:27 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

No problem! I go back and forth with clean and dirty tones. I have been playing clean for the past 6 months or so but a couple of days ago I broke out the Power Jet and the Big Muff and have been having a blast. I am again reminded that with a Power Jet I really have no need for a LP.
- Rated: 32 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 2:44 p.m. cyclopssam:

try one of these,he,he!
- Rated: 102 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 3:06 p.m. Setzer:

Mark, you don't have to have the distortion maxed all the time (not that you said you did). There alot of sweet spots on the Sovtek BM version. Think Pink Floyd. Maybe Hendrix would have liked one. I get great results out of mine. It is the first version Sovtek style. I think really the only differences are the housings. Yeah they can bring stupid money. Pop it on ebay and watch. Do you have a photo of yours you can share? Send it to me...I'll take good care of it for you, anytime you want it back just ask.

HERE is a old thread on the GDP where I refurbed the case on mine. All the links are bad, yahoophotos is not zip so here is the link if anyone is interested.

SOVTEK Big Muff refurb
- Rated: 30 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 3:12 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

Setzer said: you don't have to have the distortion maxed all the time

I'll second that. I don't think I could hold on to THAT kind of madness!!
- Rated: 102 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 3:13 p.m. Setzer:

Another cool link The BIG MUFF Museum
- Rated: 32 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 3:17 p.m. cyclopssam:

get the green one their "tits"
- Rated: 29 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 3:36 p.m. mark t:

I'd heard that Gilmour used one as well....maybe i'll play with it a bit longer.

Setzer, i'm going to take some pics of my tele tonight for another thread i'm going to drop on you guys, i'll take a pic of the SBM while i'm at it.
- Rated: 30 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 5:32 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

Here's the Gilmour facts
- Rated: 7 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 8:17 p.m. dutleydurite:

I swapped mine for a tube screamer. Still need to do the Keeley mod. It never was quite controllable enough for me. I have never regretted it. I have always preferred overdriven to distorted.
- Rated: 102 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 9:22 p.m. Setzer:

Stick a RAT before or after a BMPi
- Rated: 30 ↑
Apr 3, 2008 11:47 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

Setzer said: Stick a RAT before or after a BMPi

That's my next dirt pedal!!
- Rated: 102 ↑
May 7, 2008 9:24 a.m. Setzer:

My Sovtek Big Muff Pi refurb photos made it on the Big Muff Museum!

Thanks to Jan for adding those.
- Rated: 212 ↑
May 7, 2008 9:38 a.m. Proteus:

I don't get on well with Strats, and could never drive a Muff down the road without losing control. But David Gilmour, whose tone I have always loved, uses both.

Ain't that a durn.

From the article Wishfor linked, I can't help but lift this phrase for its chuckle quality:

David’s two recent Cornish pedalboards, the first used on the 2001-2002 “unplugged” concerts...

Yup. But maybe he didn't plug in it?
- Rated: 14 ↑
May 7, 2008 7:14 p.m. MarkW:

If it don't sound right to you it probably isn't!

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