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Average Price: $160

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$60

$181+

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Description

Unleash the raw power and soulful sustain of the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D, a pedal that's as enigmatic as its origin. Favored by the connoisseurs of tone for its remarkable bass response and the ability to deliver a nearly infinite sustain, this piece of gear is more than just an effects pedal; it's a statement. Whether you're sculpting a lead that cuts through the mix or crafting a dense, immersive fuzz, the "Black Russian" stands ready to infuse your music with its legendary sonic character. A true gem in the world of fuzz, this pedal is not just an addition to your setup, it's a gateway to new dimensions of sound.

Key Features:

  • Remarkable bass response for full-bodied tones
  • Nearly infinite sustain capabilities
  • Ideal for both lead sounds and thick fuzz textures
  • Cult status among tone aficionados, promising to be a valuable asset over time

Product specs

Brand Electro-Harmonix
Model Big Muff Pi V7 (Black Russian)
Finish Black
Year 1998 - 2009
Made In Russia
Categories Distortion Pedals, Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D?

The Black Russian Big Muff Pi V7D is known for delivering a rich, creamy fuzz with a pronounced sustain, ideal for both lead and rhythm guitar. It provides a thick, vintage-style fuzz that works well across genres like rock, grunge, and alternative.

Is the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Black Russian Big Muff Pi V7D is popular among bass players for its ability to maintain low-end clarity while adding a heavy, saturated fuzz tone that complements bass lines.

How does the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D differ from other Big Muff versions?

The Black Russian version is known for its more rugged build and darker, smoother tone compared to the American-made versions, offering a unique character that many players find preferable for certain styles and settings.

What power supply does the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D require?

The Black Russian Big Muff Pi V7D typically requires a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power adapter for operation, making it easy to integrate into most pedalboards.

Can the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D be used for live performances?

Absolutely, the Black Russian Big Muff Pi V7D is a robust pedal capable of delivering consistent, powerful fuzz tones on stage, making it a reliable choice for live performances.

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

LIVE: How To Use Pedals For Bass Guitar (w/ Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas)

Video thumbnail for LIVE: How To Use Pedals For Bass Guitar (w/ Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas) by JHS Pedals

LIVE: How To Use Pedals For Bass Guitar (w/ Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas)

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

Video thumbnail for Black Russian Big Muff -VS- North Effects 22/7 Green Muff Clone For BASS! by coronadost

Black Russian Big Muff -VS- North Effects 22/7 Green Muff Clone For BASS!

coronadost

coronadost

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix BIG MUFF Green Russian VS Black Russian by sublow326

Electro Harmonix BIG MUFF Green Russian VS Black Russian

sublow326

sublow326

Video thumbnail for Muff V Muff by Ryan Lynch

Muff V Muff

Ryan Lynch

Ryan Lynch

Video thumbnail for Black Russian Big Muff v7d First Test by NYC LP Player

Black Russian Big Muff v7d First Test

NYC LP Player

NYC LP Player

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Big Muff black russian V7D (tall box) by Wojteck Bird

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff black russian V7D (tall box)

Wojteck Bird

Video thumbnail for Black Russian Big Muff Pi with neck pickup and other pedals. by Pedals & Whatever Cables

Black Russian Big Muff Pi with neck pickup and other pedals.

Pedals & Whatever Cables

Pedals & Whatever Cables

Video thumbnail for Ehx Bubble big muff reverb by mezzane

Ehx Bubble big muff reverb

mezzane

mezzane

Video thumbnail for Big Muff Pi Black Russian 1990s Fuzz Quick Demo by Gaijean

Big Muff Pi Black Russian 1990s Fuzz Quick Demo

Gaijean

Gaijean

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique, articulate fuzz tones not found in other pedals

  • Versatile sound palette: boomy, creamy, smooth, evil

  • Enhances effect when paired with analog delay, Univibe, or phaser

  • Offers a thick low end, beneficial for both guitar and bass

  • Some units feature beneficial mods, like additional mid boost

  • Distinctive heavy sustain and tone control

CONS

  • Described by some as feeling more like distortion with poor sustain

  • Can cause tone suck despite being "true bypass"

  • May get lost in a band mix when used with bass

  • Not universally loved; specific sound may not appeal to all

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D.

Build quality

  • The pedal is noted for its substantial weight, comparable to a brick, indicating a durable build.

    Source
  • The mechanical components, like switches and jack sockets, are prone to breaking, with plastic jack nuts frequently reported as weak points.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The '6 screw' design is praised for contributing to its status as one of the best versions of the Big Muff.

    Source
  • The V7D model is known for its smooth sound, distinct from classic fuzz pedals like the FZ-2.

    Source
  • The 'd' in V7D is simply an alphabetical code for the fourth revision of the Version 7, with no special significance.

    Source
  • The Black Russian's input and output jacks are reversed compared to standard pedals, which can be a setup consideration for pedalboard integration.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the pedal for producing smooth chords and thick fuzz, making it a favorite among fuzz enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Users often describe the pedal as having more highs and high mids without being fizzy, making it closer in sound to the bubble font green Russian.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Version 8 shares the same design but features a smaller, lighter chassis than the V7D model.

    Source
  • The V8 Black Russian Muff is noted to share internal components with the V7C Green Bubble Font iteration, suggesting similar tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Sovtek Deluxe offers more features and versatility compared to the Black Russian, with options like an expression pedal for frequency sweeping.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have successfully upgraded their Black Russian Muffs by replacing transistors and capacitors with higher quality components, enhancing sound quality without significant expense.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sonnivate

Mmmmmmm

BEEF SUPREME. I love this thing. Jesus.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Einziger uses Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D

Mike Einziger

Guitarist

Incubus

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video on 3:14 and 3:19 you can clearly see the black russian Big Muff v7d in Mike's Einziger's pedal board. The profile view on 3:14 reveals the stompbox to be pretty tall, which proves it's the v7d.

The pedal's being used during the recording of "A Crow Left of the Murder" album.

See how Gruff Rhys uses Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D

Gruff Rhys

Guitarist

Super Furry Animals

...
Verified via Photo

In this still from their 2015 KEXP performance you can see Gruff Rhys using a Black Russian big muff on his board. In super furry animals 2007 Glastonbury performance you can see two of these on his pedalboard

See how Koji Nakamura uses Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D

Koji Nakamura

Singer, Guitarist

SUPERCAR

...
Verified via Photo

Koji Nakamura used the bubble font Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff pedal during the Futurama Tour. It looks alike black russian but sounds like green russian.

See how Jeremy Popoff uses Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D

Jeremy Popoff

Guitarist

Lit

...
Verified via YouTube

minute 4:48 can be seen next to phase 100

See how Clayton Anderson uses Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D

Clayton Anderson

Guitarist

Beastwars

...
Verified via Photo

Clayton Anderson is seen using the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D fuzz pedal in a photo shared by beastwarsband on Instagram.

Album Usage

The Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi V7D, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jmflais
    jmflais

    Gear IQ 291