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Average Price: $700

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$181+

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Description

The Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A is a legendary fuzz pedal that has etched its place in the annals of rock history. Rooted in the iconic fuzz circuitry of its predecessors, this pedal delivers a thick, creamy fuzz tone that can effortlessly cut through any mix. Its distinctive blue and white design pays homage to its origins, while the name "Civil War" nods to the era it was born in—the early 1990s. Known for its ability to produce a rich, saturated sound, it’s no wonder that this pedal has been a favorite of influential guitarists like Dan Auerbach, Thurston Moore, and David Gilmour.

The "Civil War" Big Muff's appeal lies in its versatility. Whether you're chasing the soaring solos of classic rock or the gritty undertones of alternative music, this pedal is equipped to deliver. It manages to maintain clarity even at high gain settings, ensuring your riffs remain articulate and powerful.

The pedal's robust build means it's ready to withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances, while its simple control layout makes it accessible for musicians of all skill levels. With a legacy of sound that stands the test of time, the "Civil War" Big Muff is more than just a pedal—it's a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • Classic fuzz circuitry for rich, creamy tones
  • Distinctive blue/white design
  • Renowned for clarity at high gain settings
  • Favored by artists like Dan Auerbach and David Gilmour
  • Durable build for live and studio use

Product specs

Brand Electro-Harmonix
Model Big Muff Pi V7 (Civil War)
Finish White / Blue
Year 1991 - 1994
Made In Russia
Categories Distortion Pedals, Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What makes the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A different from other Big Muff versions?

The "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A is known for its distinctive mid-scooped tone and increased bass response, making it a favorite for achieving a smooth, creamy fuzz sound. It has a unique circuit design that sets it apart from other Big Muff variants.

Is the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A is popular among both guitarists and bassists due to its rich, full-bodied fuzz tone that complements a wide range of musical styles.

What power supply is required for the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A?

The "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A typically requires a standard 9V battery for operation. Some models may also accommodate a 9V DC power adapter, but it's important to check the specific version for compatibility.

How does the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A perform in a live setting?

The "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A is renowned for its ability to cut through a mix with its powerful fuzz tone, making it an excellent choice for live performances where a distinctive and dynamic sound is desired.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A?

This pedal is known for its smooth and creamy fuzz with a pronounced low-end and slightly scooped mids, delivering a rich and vintage-inspired tone ideal for rock and alternative music styles.

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Big Muff Shootout Sovtek Green Russian vs Civil War Big Muff Pi comparison

Video thumbnail for Big Muff Shootout Sovtek Green Russian vs Civil War Big Muff Pi comparison by gearmanndude

Big Muff Shootout Sovtek Green Russian vs Civil War Big Muff Pi comparison

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff vs EHX V7 Civil War Muff (On Bass) by Rhys And Donny

Electro-Harmonix Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff vs EHX V7 Civil War Muff (On Bass)

Rhys And Donny

Rhys And Donny

Video thumbnail for Big Muff Civil War Samples by Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Big Muff Civil War Samples

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Video thumbnail for 【デジマート Vintage Effector File Vol 15】Electro-Harmonix(SOVTEK) / BIG MUFF “CivilWar” by digimartnet

【デジマート Vintage Effector File Vol 15】Electro-Harmonix(SOVTEK) / BIG MUFF “CivilWar”

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix "Civil War" Big Muff Pi Teardown by The Joy of Electronics

Electro-Harmonix "Civil War" Big Muff Pi Teardown

The Joy of Electronics

The Joy of Electronics

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers deep gritty growl to bluesy screams versatility

  • Wicker switch enables easy tone transitions

  • Capable of both doom and vintage drive sounds

  • Superior mids control compared to other Muff fuzzes

  • Thick sustain and overtones for a distinct sound

  • Versatile for both clean and edge of breakup channels

  • Solid build quality

CONS

  • Does not come with its own power adapter

  • Build quality declined in late 90s models

  • Pots can be loose; touchy volume knob

  • Not as reliable on pedalboards due to build issues

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Gilmourish

David Gilmour used the Sovtek Civil War Big Muff in the Pulse Tour in combination with the B.K. Tube Overdrive to créate a new distortion sound that still uses in recent records.

See how Thurston Moore uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

A photo of Thurston Moore's pedalboard shows he uses a Sovtek Civil War Big Muff distortion pedal (this photo's time period is undetermined).

See how Matt Pike uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Matt Pike

Guitarist

Sleep

...
Verified via Photo

In this early photo of Sleep, Matt is playing a Civil War Big Muff.

See how Gerard Way uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Gerard Way

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Instagram

Gerard Way mentions on Instagram that he recently purchased the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A, a pedal he had long desired. He notes its use during the recording of "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W" on the album "Danger Days" with producer Rob Cavallo's unit.

See how John Fogerty uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

John Fogerty

Singer, Guitarist

Creedence Clearwater Revival

...
Verified via Kitrae

"John is a Russian Big Muff collector and has used them from time to time.

'That is a Russian, Civil War era Big Muff pedal making that noise in the middle (of Mystic Highway). A lot of people don’t know what I am talking about. I have quite a collection of Russian Big Muffs. They are very unique and I wanted to use that to add to that hippie vibe.' - John Fogerty in 2013"

See how Stephen O'Malley uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Stephen O'Malley

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

A desert island backline for me would be a Travis Bean Standard koa model along with a [Sunn] model T full stack. I could even do a half stack for a small club or beach hut. I would also choose a Les Paul with P-90s and go with the model T. I would take a RAT too, but I would need to bring along an EHX Sovtek Civil War Big Muff as well.

See how cEvin Key uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 48:09 mark in the YouTube video titled "Sunday Live Chat: a look back THE PROCESS! 10/15/23" by SCAREMEISTER, a brief glimpse reveals the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A pedal in the bottom right of the frame, confirming its use in Skinny Puppy's 1996 setup by cEvin Key.

See how Greg Anderson uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Greg Anderson

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Imgur

A Sovtek Civil War Big Muff can be seen on Greg's board in this picture from a Dutch music magazine.

See how Matt Sharp uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Matt Sharp

Bassist

Weezer

...
Verified via Ratemypoop

It seems today that all we see, is violence in movies and sex on tv

See how Steve Turner uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Steve Turner

Guitarist

Mudhoney

...
Verified via YouTube

Pedal 89 in Stompbox: 100 Pedals of the World's Greatest Guitarists, as can be seen in the quick browse video at 0:37. It was sold to Blackbook Guitars in 2015, who reached out to Stomp Under Foot for a limited edition clone: the Fuzz Honey. The original seems to have been re-aqcuired by the time Stompbox was being made, however. The Fuzz Honey's product description is archived on Effects Database's page for it.

I am really happy to announce an exclusive pedal for Blackbook Guitars in Portland, Oregon.

The owner of Blackbook, Nate, contacted me about making a copy of Mudhoney’s, Steve Turner’s, original Civil War Big Muff that was used on all the early Mudhoney albums.

Being very familiar with the Civil War, as I have been making them for over six years now, and a fan of Mudhoney, I was very excited about this project.

Steve personally sold the pedal to Blackbook and has even commented on it through his Instagram page.

The pedal is called the Fuzz Honey and, as with all the Stomp Under Foot pedals, these are handmade in the USA.

The Fuzz Honey also uses original, NOS, Russian transistors and the same exact resistors and capacitors like the original.

These are limited to thirty pedals.

See how Butch Vig uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Butch Vig

Drummer, Music Producer

Garbage

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

Mentioned in this December 10, 2020 Guitar interview and deducible given Nevermind’s 1991 release year.

“And we only used a couple of pedals. Kurt had a Big Muff. And I think I had a Russian Big Muff, which is, you know, very close. And he had a RAT. And then he had a Small Clone, which is sort of the watery effect on Teen Spirit in the verses. Come As You Are as well. But that was it; a pretty simple setup, really.

See how Tim Collis uses Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A

Tim Collis

Guitarist

This Town Needs Guns

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by ttng.uk, Tim Collis highlights his use of the Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A pedal, shown in the third row to the left, as part of the gear for their latest record.

Album Usage

The Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Electro-Harmonix Sovtek "Civil War" Big Muff Pi V7/V7A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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