Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi

Don't let the size of this pedal fool you, it captures some great fuzzy-distorted Big Muff tones in a pocket-sized package. I highly recommend this pedal for any fuzz-fiends out there.

The Big Muff has been around since 1969 and I can see why. Its distortion is truly unique: a thick and creamy buzzsaw that has the capacity to make your instrument sound heavy. This one in particular is cheaper than the original!

Contrary to its advertising, the Nano Big Muff Pi does not have the same tone as its larger predecessor. In YouTube comments on video reviews of the Nano, people have stated that they had emailed Electro-Harmonix about the claim and were told that the Nano actually has a bit more prominent high end frequencies (this is a result of the smaller circuit, which reduces capacitance). To me, this is part of the Nano's appeal; it balances out the mid-scoop that is characteristic of the NYC Big Muff.

The fact that the Big Muff walks the line between distortion and fuzz also gives it versatility. When I play the opening riff to Radiohead's "Airbag," its buzzy tone works as a good substitute for the studio recording's Marshall Shredmaster, which is discontinued. For Guster enthusiasts, the Nano also reminds me of the distortion present in the opening riff of "Demons."

A fair warning, however: the Big Muff is a powerful pedal. Depending on what pedals you use in conjunction with the Nano, the Nano will overpower those effects that come before it in a signal chain. This comes in handy if you only want a little bit of those pedals to bubble beneath the surface of the Big Muff, but keep the distortion's strength in mind.

Perfect Fuzz every time. Pairs perfectly with a nice overdrive to push it further putting it more in front of other sounds.

I got this used for around $70. Previously, I mentioned that I had some issues. But I tried it again after messing with the EQs on the amp and the pedal, and it sounds great with my Tele. Strangely, I don't like it as much on the LP.

Devastating pedal, wide range of sounds, but a little bit tricky to use and to set: you have to spend quie a loto of time setting this pedal!

The nano pi makes a huge sound, but I find that I can't actually use it for anything. It's a wall of bass and treble with no mids.

It sounds great solo jamming, but whenever I try to use it in a song it just sounds horrible. It wants to eat the whole sonic landscape - except for the mids - which is where a guitar is supposed to live.

A fun toy, but not an actually useful fuzz for my needs.

Could see myself selling this for the Deluxe Muff with mid control but I've really enjoyed pairing this with a RAT and SD-1

This has all the tone of it's big brother, only in a much more pedalboard friendly size. This fuzz will not be leaving my board anytime soon. It has such a classic and intense sound, especially when used with other pedals. It is a staple in my set up.

I love everything on this pedal. Its good for solos, good for powerchords, and to riffs. It sounds great.

I love this little guy!