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Average Price: $875

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$181+

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Description

The Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1 is a classic fuzz effect pedal, revered for its iconic all-metal finish and distinct design. The easy-to-read black lettering and triangle formation knobs make it a standout in the world of guitar pedals. This model, being the earliest version, holds a special place among musicians and collectors alike, making it not just a tool, but also a valuable piece of music history.

Key Features:

  • Distinct all-metal finish casing
  • Triangular knob formation
  • A classic among fuzz effect pedals
  • Part of the first production run between 1971-1984
  • Reissued since 1996, retaining its original charm and functionality.

Product specs

Brand Electro-Harmonix
Model Big Muff Pi V1 (Triangle)
Finish Metal
Year 1969 - 1973
Made In United States
Categories Fuzz Pedals and Effects
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What tones can I expect from the Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi V1?

The Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 is known for its creamy, sustaining fuzz tones with a distinct midrange presence. It delivers a smooth, violin-like sustain that is ideal for classic rock and psychedelic music.

Is the Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 works well with both electric guitar and bass, providing a thick, saturated fuzz sound that enhances the low-end frequencies without losing definition.

How does the Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 differ from other Big Muff versions?

The Triangle Big Muff Pi V1, named for its triangular knob layout, offers a more balanced tone compared to later versions, with a smoother midrange and a unique harmonic richness that sets it apart.

What power supply does the Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 require?

The original Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 operates on a 9V battery. If using a power supply, ensure it matches the specifications of vintage pedals to avoid potential damage.

Is the Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 easy to use for beginners?

Yes, the Triangle Big Muff Pi V1 is straightforward to use, featuring simple knob controls for volume, tone, and sustain, making it accessible for beginners looking to explore classic fuzz sounds.

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Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix BIG MUFF〜V1トライアングル編【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol.05】 by digimartnet

Electro-Harmonix BIG MUFF〜V1トライアングル編【デジマート DEEPER’S VIEW 〜経験と考察〜 Vol.05】

digimartnet

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Video thumbnail for V1 "Triangle" Big Muff Comparison by Kit Rae

V1 "Triangle" Big Muff Comparison

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Kit Rae

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi Fuzz Pedal by Quimper Sound Records and Guitars

Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi Fuzz Pedal

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Video thumbnail for electro-harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi (字幕入り) by キョーリツコーポレーション公式チャンネル

electro-harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi (字幕入り)

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Video thumbnail for Guild Foxey Lady (EHX Triangle Big Muff) by devnulljp

Guild Foxey Lady (EHX Triangle Big Muff)

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Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix BIG MUFF π Triangle Knob by effeken

Electro-Harmonix BIG MUFF π Triangle Knob

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Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi V1 Triangle Model   SPT 87 103 Transistors by Pacific Drive - Vintage Guitars and Pedals

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Video thumbnail for 2N5133 muff.mov by jermsfuzz

2N5133 muff.mov

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Video thumbnail for Rare triangle Big Muff Prototype. Most expensive big Muff ever sold. by Make Believe Studios

Rare triangle Big Muff Prototype. Most expensive big Muff ever sold.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Vintage model delivers richer, creamier tone

  • Exceptional sustain, especially with bass frequencies

  • Higher gain than other Big Muff models

  • Enhanced tone when used with a Tubescreamer

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1.

Comparisons

  • The op-amp version, known for its raw tone, bypasses the tone circuit entirely, contrasting with the Russian version's strong low-end.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Running the Triangle Big Muff into a tube screamer or EQ pedal can enhance band mix clarity, preventing it from being drowned out.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners often pair the NYC Big Muff with a Green Rhino MK2 to enhance mid-range presence while maintaining smooth, sustained characteristics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Triangle Big Muff is favored for its ability to create a "wall-of-sound" effect, transforming thin guitars into powerful sonic forces.

    Source
  • Known for its versatility, it covers tones from smooth Pink Floyd styles to intense stoner metal, appealing to a wide range of musical genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Deluxe Big Muff's mids control is essential for cutting through a mix, addressing a common issue with other models lacking this feature.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Coleman uses Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1

Richard Coleman

Guitarist, Composer

Fricción

...
Verified via Photo

Foto compartida por Richard en su Instagram. Green Russian y Triangle Big Muff

See how Tetsuya uses Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1

Tetsuya

Guitarist, Bassist

L'Arc-en-Ciel

...
Verified via Photo

A vintage Triangle Big Muff Pi is listed as being used by Tetsuya during the 30th L'Anniversary Starting Live 'L'APPY BIRTHDAY!' Concerts as per FREE THE TONE's article who designed Tetsuya's rig.

A

Al Schnier

Guitarist

Phil Lesh and Friends

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Schnier shows his fuzz pedal collection. One of the pedals that can be seen in this photo is the EHX Triangle Big Muff Pi.

See how Rick Derringer uses Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1

Rick Derringer

Guitarist

Fire Inc.

...
Verified via Kitrae

Sold at the 1970 Winter's End Pop Festival, as reported secondhand on Kit Rae's Big Muff Pi Page's "Jimi Hendrix Big Muff" section.

An original Big Muff owner contacted me to verify he had acquired his V1 Big Muff from one of the members of The McCoys at the Orlando Pop Festival in May 1970. The McCoys were Randy Zehringer on drums, Randy Hobbs on bass, and Rick Derringer on guitar. The same Rick Derringer who jammed with Jimi regularly at the scene. That is just one of several accounts I have heard that indicates the Big Muff was being used by musicians in this period.

See how Phil Miller uses Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1

Phil Miller

Guitarist

National Health

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1979 performance of "The Collapso" by National Health, featured on Alex Malone's Prog Rock Essentials, guitarist Phil Miller is seen using an Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1. The pedal is visible on the floor between a wah-wah and a volume pedal at the 1:24 mark.

See how Tony Peluso uses Electro-Harmonix EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1

Tony Peluso

Guitarist, Music Producer

Insects vs Robots

...
Verified

Used for the solo on The Carpenters' "Goodbye to Love", as reported by Richard Carpenter and Peluso himself. According to Kit Rae, this is the earliest known use of a Big Muff on a record. Peluso's solo was voted among the top five solos that use fuzz in a 2019 Facebook poll by Guitar Player.

MOJO, April 1996, "Interview with Richard Carpenter" by Chris Ingham

Tell us about Tony Peluso's extraordinary guitar solo in ‘Goodbye To Love’.

I pictured this oxymoronic "power lead" solo on a ballad. No one thinks twice now but then, it was seminal. I was impressed with Tony's melodic improvisation style and he was taken aback to be asked, apparently, but he turned up to the session with his Big Muff fuzz box and little amp. He played with a broken pick to get that tweaking sound. I said "play the melody for five bars then take it" and it's mainly one take. We asked him to join our group after that. It changed some people's mind about us but we got hate mail too.

Guitar Player, August 2001, "Classic Riffs" by ???? (testified and partially transcribed by Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue user rpjones in this March 16, 2003 post)

Telemaniac was correct, Aug 2001 Guitar Player features the solo in "Classic Riffs":

Armed with a '58 Gibson ES-335, a custom Red Rhodes-designed compressor, and an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff fuzz, Peluso walked into a session that featured such studio heavyweights as guitarist Louie Shelton and drummer Hal Blaine. Peluso plugged his guitar into the compressor and the Big Muff, and then ran direct into a custom Haeco mixing console. All tracks were recorded on a Scully 2" 16-track analog tape machine. According to Peluso, "Richard told me to quote the melody and then solo. I was really laying back because I didn't want to get in the way of all those beautiful tracks. But Richard stopped the tape and said, "No, no, no-we want you to PLAY!' He rolled the tape again, and that second take is what you hear on the record". He also states that he used a Fender medium pick that he had cut serrations into, which is heard on the solo, and that he tuned his guitar FFCFAC for the solo. He says it is the only tuning he has ever used.

Peluso goes on to say that Richard Carpenter mixed the guitar solo very loud, very bold for a Carpenters tune. They got hate mail because of Goodby [sic] to Love.

www.richardandkarencarpenter.com, Song Notes, "Goodbye to Love" (2004)

I wrote most of this melody while visiting London in 1971. As it is chromatic in places, and employs lengthy phrases at times, it is quite difficult to sing correctly. Karen, as always, performs it both beautifully and effortlessly. While constructing the arrangement, I pictured a melodic fuzz guitar solo, and knew just the guitarist I wanted to employ—Tony Peluso. Karen and I had met Tony in 1971 when his band, Instant Joy, had backed Mark Lindsay, who had opened for us on our spring tour. The resulting guitar solo is, in my opinion, one of the best in recording history. “Goodbye To Love” went Top 10, but did provoke some “hate mail” from people who claimed we had sold out, and gone HARD ROCK!!!

www.richardandkarencarpenter.com, "Carpenters Fans Ask.... ....Richard Answers", Fans Ask 5 (2005), Question 32 (Archive mirror)

Fans Ask:

"I really love the solo on 'Goodbye To Love'. It sounds to me like an electric guitar played directly into the sound board and overdriven onto analog tape. I would love to know more about it. Who played it? how exactly was it recorded? .Who decided it should have such a raucous sound? It was a great call!"

Richard Answers:

"It's an electric guitar, Gibson, vintage 1957. Tony Peluso played the solo, done in the 'good old days' when all he used was a crude little fuzz unit called a 'Big Muff'. He hooked his guitar into the Big Muff and our engineer Ray Gerhardt took it into the board. It was recorded in Studio B at A&M Studios. The song and arrangement, including the 'raucous' fuzz guitar solo, are mine."

Guitar Player, "You Picked 'Em! 5 Ferocious Fuzz Solos!" by Michael Molenda (May 9, 2019)

"Goodbye to Love"

Tony Peluso

1972

I'm glad that GP's Facebook friends picked this solo, because if fuzz stands for anything, it's to shout down the bland loveliness of soft rock with a howling snarl. Tony Peluso was the lead guitarist for the Carpenters, and while his fingers did the shrieking on this Richard and Karen Carpenter smash hit, it was actually the so-not-cool Richard who kicked up the noise, shouting at an initially timid Peluso to "GO! Just BURN!" The contrast between Peluso's angry roar — which starts at 1:22 in the song — and the syrupy strings and layered vocals is pure genius. Peluso plugged his Gibson ES-335 into an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, and then right into the mixing console (no amp) to arguably help birth the dreaded power ballad.

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 EH-3003 "Triangle" Big Muff Pi V1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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