The Electro-Harmonix Ram’s Head Big Muff has found its way onto the pedalboards of influential guitarists since the early to mid-’70s. Sonically, it’s a touch more articulate than a lot of Big Muffs, with a string separation that sets it apart from others that share its lineage. The Ram’s Head Big Muff has been updated with the pedalboard-friendly additions of a 9-volt input for power and an LED status light. Vintage Ram’s Head Muffs fetch a pretty penny on the secondary market, and guitarists at Music Experience are glad to have access to the classic V2 sound at a more reasonable price.

Electro-Harmonix J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi at a Glance:

• Authentic V2 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff in a nano-sized chassis
• Special-edition artist graphics
• True bypass
• 9V battery included

The Big Muff you’ve heard on classic records

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 Music Experience 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!

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.

What Electro-Harmonix Says...

The J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal pays homage to the sonic center of the alt-rock legend’s iconic tone of equal parts thickness and clarity in a special edition white and violet finish. “That’s my sound. The Muff is always on,” J says. “All distorted sounds begin with the Muff. That’s what I grew up playing so it’s kind of amazing to have my own signature one.” Based on the highly coveted 1973 Electro-Harmonix V2 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff, J’s signature Big Muff produces the indulgent fuzz and exceptional sustain used as his sonic center for decades. The fuzz is sonically more articulate than other Big Muffs with excellent string separation and dynamics, which make it one of the most versatile Big Muffs. The pedal’s response feels smooth and aggressive making your leads scream and chords thunder. Feel the fuzz of a guitar giant: the J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal from Electro-Harmonix.