Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Distortion/Sustainer Reissue

Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Distortion/Sustainer Reissue

The Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Distortion is a popular reissue of the classic Russian Big Muff Pi. This pedal has been well received by guitarists looking for a heavy Stoner/Doom sound. Here is what people had to say about this pedal:

Sound:

The Green Russian has an ungodly amount of bass, without going all out muddy when dialed in properly. It’s great for heavy Stoner/Doom music, but if you want a more “sweet” or richer sound, maybe the Ram’s Head or Op Amp is what you want. Some reviewers found it to be more mid-heavy and less crunchy than other versions. However, it can still play everything from bluesy crunch to full-on fuzz while still letting some guitar tone through. The settings are dead simple, and it is highly recommended.

Quality

Some reviewers have found the quality control to be lacking. There have been reports of PCB issues that should have been caught by QC. However, the pedal enclosure feels bomb-proof, and the pedal itself sounds great. It’s essential to check the pedal before “relic-ing” the enclosure.

Versatility:

The Green Russian is a versatile pedal, great for anything from indie rock like Sonic Youth tones to Smashing Pumpkins harder rock to metal and noise. Some reviewers found that it kills your chugs if you crank the gain, but it’s all about loose low-end. It can get some lovely overdriven tones as well.

Compatibility:

The Green Russian works best with more mid-heavy amps, and it has been noted to work less well with some amps than others. It’s essential to use it with a clean or nearly clean amp setting, as it can get muddy if the gain is too high.

Overall, the Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Pi is a good pedal with a lot of versatility. It may not be for everyone, but it can be a great addition to any guitar rig.

Pros ConsGreen Russian Big Muff

Pros:

  • Excellent for stoner/doom and heavy music, with a huge low end response and a fat, fuzzy sound.
  • Sturdy enclosure that is built to last, takes up less space on your pedalboard, and comes at a fantastic price.
  • Versatile, with the ability to play everything from bluesy crunch to full-on fuzz.
  • Simple settings that are easy to use, making it a great option for beginners.
  • Can produce a variety of tones, from smooth and singing lead to growling and snarling distortion.

Cons:

  • Can be muddy if used with an amp setting that is not clean or nearly clean.
  • May have too much bass for some players, who may prefer the op amp or triangle muff instead.
  • Quality control issues, as some units have been reported to arrive with cracked PCBs or other problems.
  • Footswitch may not last as long as expected, which can lead to repairs or replacements.
  • Not ideal for players looking for crunchy grunge or over-clippy sounds, as it is more suited to smooth Gilmour tones and a scooped sound.

Bass Big Muff vs Green Russian: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to fuzz pedals for bass guitar, two of the most popular options are the Bass Big Muff and the Green Russian. Both pedals are made by Electro-Harmonix and offer a unique and distinctive fuzz tone. In this article, we will compare the two pedals to help you decide which one is the best fit for your bass playing needs.

The Bass Big Muff

The Bass Big Muff is a modern version of the classic Big Muff Pi, designed specifically for bass guitar. It features a dry/wet blend control that allows you to blend your dry bass signal with the fuzz effect, giving you a more defined and articulate tone. The pedal also has a built-in noise gate that helps to reduce unwanted noise and hum.

The Bass Big Muff has a thick and powerful fuzz sound that can be dialed in to fit any style of music. Its low-end response is especially impressive, with a deep and punchy bass that is perfect for heavy rock and metal. The pedal’s sustain is also noteworthy, providing long and smooth sustain that can add a lot of texture and depth to your bass sound.

The Green Russian

The Green Russian is a reissue of the classic Russian Big Muff, which was originally produced in the 1990s. It has a distinct and raw fuzz sound that is favored by many bass players. The pedal has a simple control layout with only three knobs: volume, tone, and sustain.

The Green Russian has a gritty and aggressive tone that is perfect for punk and garage rock. Its tone control can be used to shape the sound to fit different playing styles, from a biting mid-range to a dark and murky bass-heavy tone. The pedal’s sustain is also impressive, providing a smooth and musical feedback that can be used to create complex soundscapes.

Comparison

Both the Bass Big Muff and Green Russian offer unique and distinctive fuzz tones that can be used to create a wide range of sounds. The Bass Big Muff is more versatile, with its dry/wet blend control and noise gate making it a good fit for a wide range of playing styles. The Green Russian, on the other hand, is more focused on a specific type of fuzz sound that is favored by many bass players.

If you are looking for a more refined and polished fuzz tone with a lot of versatility, the Bass Big Muff is the better choice. However, if you want a raw and aggressive fuzz sound that can cut through a mix, the Green Russian is the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two pedals comes down to personal preference and the style of music you play.

Conclusion

The Bass Big Muff and Green Russian are both excellent fuzz pedals that offer unique and distinctive tones. Whether you prefer the refined and versatile sound of the Bass Big Muff or the raw and aggressive tone of the Green Russian, both pedals are a great choice for bass players looking to add some fuzz to their sound.

FAQ:

What is the star on the big muff green russian reissue?

The star on the Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Pi reissue is simply a cosmetic design element on the pedal. It is located on the top center of the pedal’s casing, and is meant to emulate the look of the original Green Russian Big Muff Pi pedals that were produced in the 1990s. The star does not serve any functional purpose in the operation or sound of the pedal.

What transistors for russian green big muff?

The original Electro-Harmonix Green Russian Big Muff Pi used Soviet-era transistors, particularly the 2N5133 and 2N5138 models. However, the current reissue models may use different transistors or equivalents, so it’s best to check the manufacturer’s specifications or contact them directly for more information.

What is the dry setting on big muff pi bass?

The “Dry” setting on the Big Muff Pi Bass pedal refers to the amount of unprocessed, clean signal that is allowed to pass through the pedal. When the “Dry” knob is turned all the way to the left, there is no clean signal mixed in with the distorted signal, resulting in a fully processed sound. As the knob is turned to the right, more and more clean signal is added to the mix, resulting in a blend of clean and distorted sounds. This can be useful for creating a more balanced sound or for retaining some of the natural tone of the bass while still using the distortion effect.

What sounds better on bass the big muff or the big muff bass?

Choosing between the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff and Big Muff Bass ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific tone you are looking for.
The Big Muff is known for its classic, thick distortion and has been used by guitarists for decades. However, it can also work well on bass, particularly if you’re looking for a heavily distorted, fuzzed-out sound. It can add sustain and warmth to your bass tone, but may also add some high-end sizzle that can cut through a mix.
On the other hand, the Big Muff Bass is specifically designed for bass guitar and has a slightly different tone than the standard Big Muff. It offers a more focused low-end, which can help your bass cut through the mix without getting lost in the other instruments. It can also add some grit and sustain to your tone, but with less high-end presence than the standard Big Muff.
Ultimately, the choice between the Big Muff and Big Muff Bass depends on the specific tone you’re looking for and the type of music you’re playing. If you’re looking for a classic distortion/fuzz sound that works well on both guitar and bass, the standard Big Muff might be a good choice. But if you’re specifically looking for a bass-focused distortion pedal, the Big Muff Bass may be a better fit.Sample content

Bass players who use big muff

The Big Muff has been a popular choice for bass players across a wide range of genres since its introduction in the 1960s. Some well-known bassists who have used the Big Muff include:

  • liff Burton (Metallica)
  • Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
  • Chris Squire (Yes)
  • Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine)
  • Juan Alderete (Mars Volta, Racer X)
  • Justin Chancellor (Tool)
  • Troy Sanders (Mastodon)
  • Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE)
  • These are just a few examples, as many other bass players have used the Big Muff at some point in their careers. The pedal’s versatility and ability to create massive, distortion-heavy sounds have made it a go-to choice for many bassists looking to add some extra grit and character to their tone.

Bass Big Muff what does pi mean?

The “Pi” in the Bass Big Muff Pi refers to the design of the original Big Muff Pi circuit, which was invented by Electro-Harmonix founder, David Cockerell, in the mid-1960s. The Pi circuit is a particular type of transistor-based tone circuit that uses a series of resistors, capacitors, and diodes to shape the signal from the guitar or bass and produce a specific distortion sound. The Bass Big Muff Pi was designed specifically for bass players and includes a blend knob that allows the player to mix their dry signal with the distorted signal, providing a more subtle or pronounced effect depending on the desired sound.
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