From what I am hearing in clips the Russian version has more low end and generally crushing qualities, which is something I want.
I am looking for a fuzz that will bring me big, dirty grinding low end and this seems to be what I am hearing in the ProGuitarShop demo and some other demos and clips I have checked out.

However, on the contrary I have heard a lot of people claim this to be a myth and that they are basically the same circuit in different colored boxes, what do you FX educated Maplitonians (I'm looking at you, Chris) say?

The Russian Big Muff is pretty much what I have my heart set on when it comes to gear I'll be purchasing when I get home, however if there is a suggestion that any of you would like to make that you believe would suit my purpose more effectively I am all ears!

Definitely there are a bunch of different Big Muff variations in the circuit. Even Electroharmonix changed the circuit up lots throughout production. Actually, there are so many different circuits, that in some cases, two identical boxes will have different circuits in them.

Also, the Russian one definitely has its own fans. I actually think there might have been at least two main Russian circuits.

As with any musical gear, i would suggest trying some things out and buying what sounds best. Don't get too immersed in what something looks like, or what some specific pedal is supposed to sound like.

There are Big Muffs and Big Muff copies up the wazooo right now.

If you can get a Russian one for dirt cheap, sure why not, do it. But also check out the current issue NYC Big Muff, the current issue Big Muff With Tone Wicker, and pedals like the Way Huge Swollen Pickle, as well.

Just play as many as possible and buy what sounds the way you want it to. Certain ones, like the Tone Wicker, and the Swollen Pickle, will actually cover a lot of different Muff variant sounds, depending on how the extra controls are set.

Your advice is sound (LOLGETIT?).
I guess I will take the time to test stuff out, I sometimes get caught up in the idea of something and get dead set on it.
I just lack the patience to not do as such, usually.
But you're right, I will get out there and do some hands-on research.
I should probably check out this Egnater Tweaker before I commit to it, as well.

Come to think of it, you might like the Way Huge Swollen Pickup for that super fat/smooth fuzzed out toan. I am not so sure how it is with the "massive " chord sound you were going for, but IIRC Chuck Nutz (or whatever he goes by now) on HCAF got one and lub'd it. Might want to ask him.

"Massive" chord sound is indeed what I am going for.
A good example of a lot of the tones that Billy Corgan gets on Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness, but I am looking for something with even a little more lowend and crushingness.
Note that I will be tuned lower (AFAIK) so that will help.

FWIW I played one of those yellow and black ones a few years ago, and I instantly thought 'ZOMG SMASHUNG PUMKIMZ'.

So like, the yellow and black ones meng.

lol, Fender Blender, lol

This Swollen Pickle is pretty boss sounding.

It isn't shabby.

I love it for fuzzy lead tones.

That would be the Russian variety.
And yes, it am awsum.

Mellon Collie tones were all about the JMP-1.

Also, Russian Big Muffs are way overpriced at current. I second checking out a NYC Reissue.

Duly noted.


Is all of that JMP-1?
I mean, I see it being all JMP-1 on Bodies, but Jellybelly, Porcelina and many others have very fuzzy toanez going on.

It's true, they did use a bunch of different fuzzes and whatnot as per usual.

The JMP-1 was the basis of that record, though. For instance Zero was all JMP-1/Alesis 3630/Strategy 500.

What would the 3630 be doing?

It almost only slightly makes me want a rack setup.


But only a little bit.

I wish there was more bass in the Mellon Collie mix...
That is my sole complaint.
Darcy is fairly boring though, I must say.

The Alesis 3630 is a compressor.

Also.

Rack setups are stupendous.

Ah.


I would sink way too much money into a rack setup.
I just need to buy an AC30 and another guitar and some pedals and shut my mouth.

Better yet, get a Matchless GRP preamp.

You son of a whore...

You know it is your destiny.