The Signature Muff of an Indie-rock Icon
For most players, an “always-on” pedal is a subtle boost or a pinch of reverb. However, most players are not J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr., an indie-rock guitar hero and a man who proudly proclaims “the Muff is always on.” The Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Signature Ram’s Head Big Muff is a replication of one of his favorite Muffs, the 1973 V2 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi — a renowned fuzz at Sweetwater for its ability to remain clear, present, and defined on even the most crushing settings. Dinosaur Jr.’s tonal foundation owes much to this mighty pedal, and it’s been the sonic core of J’s laid-back 6-string virtuosity across the band’s entire output. If you’re looking to capture the sound that defined the "Freak Scene" of ’80s and ’90s indie rock, string up the ol’ Jazzmaster and kick on the Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Signature Ram’s Head Big Muff!
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Based on a Big Muff classic
On Dinosaur Jr.’s first album, 1985’s Dinosaur, the Big Muff played such an integral role that J Mascis has it listed as an instrument in the album credits — not much of a surprise, considering that the indie-rock guitar icon can recount but a single show in his career played without some sort of Muff. Mascis is famous for playing all types of variations on this classic fuzzbox, but one of his favorites is the 1973 V2 Violet Ram’s Head model. It’s an exceptionally clear and cutting style of fuzz — also favored by a certain guitarist whose name ends with “Gilmour” — that provides nearly endless sustain and a thick, powerful sound that’s ideal when playing in a 3-piece like Dinosaur Jr. The J Mascis Signature Ram’s Head Big Muff is based on that very circuit, providing the iconic vintage-style sound of a Big Muff classic, but with all the benefits of modern construction.
Why is it called the “Ram’s Head”?
There have been a ton of Big Muffs over the years, and some of them have acquired nicknames among fuzz enthusiasts. For example, the Triangle Big Muff refers to the first production Big Muff and takes its name from the knob layout of the original. So why is this called the “Ram’s Head Big Muff”? Well, it comes down to that little logo in the corner. It can be debated how much like a ram it looks (or what it actually is, for that matter), but the curly headed creature in the corner is indeed the namesake for this version of the Big Muff.
Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Signature Ram’s Head Big Muff Effects Pedal Features:
- Signature fuzz tone of Big Muff connoisseur J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr.
- Based on the 1973 Electro-Harmonix V2 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi
- Provides a clear, powerful tone with incredible sustain
- Durable die-cast chassis with a graphic of J’s signature
- True bypass construction so keep your tone uncolored when the pedal is disengaged
