Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2: Versatile Fuzz Pedal

TL;DR: Electro-Harmonix has unleashed the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2, a fully-featured evolution of the recently rediscovered dual-op-amp fuzz circuit from the 1970s. This version adds a gate, blend control, a three-voicing Wicker switch, a footswitchable midrange EQ with sweepable frequency via expression pedal, and latching/momentary modes. At €179, it’s the most versatile and tweakable Big Muff 2 yet—perfect for guitarists who want sculpted fuzz without sacrificing clarity.

• Lost circuit revived: The dual-op-amp Big Muff Pi 2 circuit, originally designed by Mike Matthews and Bob Myer in the 1970s, was rediscovered as a handwritten schematic in Myer’s workshop by JHS’s Josh Scott and artist Daniel Danger.
• Deluxe features galore: New additions include a Gate control for noise reduction, a Blend knob for clean signal mixing, a footswitchable midrange EQ with independent Level and Frequency controls, and a Hi/Lo Q switch for mid shaping.
• Expression pedal integration: The mid-frequency control can be swept in real time via an expression pedal input, opening up faux-wah and dynamic tonal shifts.
• Wicker switch returns: Three voicings—standard, bright, and brighter—help the fuzz cut through a mix, a nod to the classic Big Muff Wicker models.
• Price and availability: Available now at Thomann for €179, positioning it as a premium, do-it-all Big Muff 2 variant.

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The Muff 2’s Lost-and-Found Saga

Let’s be honest—when we at Noxal first heard about a “Big Muff Pi 2,” we rolled our eyes. Another Muff? Really? But this isn’t just a reissue or a tweaked clone. This is a circuit that literally vanished for decades. The original dual-op-amp design from the 1970s, cooked up by Electro-Harmonix founder Mike Matthews and circuit designer Bob Myer, was lost to the annals of gear history until Josh Scott of JHS Pedals and artist Daniel Danger stumbled upon the handwritten schematic buried in Myer’s workshop. Scott painstakingly decoded the notes, and EHX brought it to life as the Big Muff Pi 2 earlier this year.

Now, we’ve seen a few iterations already—the standard Pi 2, a bass version, and some limited runs. But the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 is the one that makes us sit up and take notice. It’s not just a recreation; it’s a full-blown expansion of the original concept, packed with features that turn a classic fuzz into a Swiss Army knife of tonal sculpting. And yes, I’m saying that with a straight face, even though I’m nursing a third cup of black coffee that’s gone cold while writing this.

What Makes the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 Different?

At its core, the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 retains the soul of the original: Level, Tone, and Sustain knobs that deliver everything from smooth, vintage fuzz to that singing, aggressive sustain that’s been the backbone of rock, shoegaze, and alternative music since forever. But EHX didn’t stop there. They’ve added a dedicated Gate control to tame the hiss and noise that high-gain settings inevitably bring—a godsend for anyone who’s ever played a Muff at stage volume and heard the floor noise rival the guitar.

Then there’s the Blend knob. This lets you mix your clean guitar signal back into the fuzz, preserving string articulation and low-end clarity without sacrificing saturation. It’s a subtle but crucial feature for players who want their riffs to cut through without turning into a mudslide. And for live use, the Latching and Momentary footswitch modes are a welcome addition—tap for sustained fuzz, or hold for quick bursts of chaos. We’ve seen this on newer EHX pedals, and it’s a smart move that makes performance more intuitive.

EQ, Midrange, and Expression: A Tweaker’s Paradise

Where this pedal truly earns its “Deluxe” badge is in the EQ section. The familiar Wicker switch returns with three distinct voicings—standard, bright, and brighter—each progressively more open and cutting. It’s a simple but effective way to dial in the right high-end response for your rig and mix. But the real highlight is the footswitchable midrange circuit. With independent Mid Level and Frequency controls, you can boost or cut specific frequencies with surgical precision. A Hi/Lo Q switch further refines the shape of that midrange response, letting you go from scooped vintage vibes to a focused, modern lead tone.

And then there’s the expression pedal input. Yes, you can sweep the mid-frequency control in real time using an expression pedal. This opens up faux-wah tones, dynamic filter sweeps, and all sorts of weirdness that turns a fuzz pedal into a modulation-ish tool. If you’re the type who loves to tinker, this is the Muff 2 for you. It costs a bit more than the standard edition—€179 at Thomann—but the extra control and flexibility justify the premium. I’d trade a few cups of coffee for that kind of versatility any day.

Market Context and Who Should Buy

The Big Muff market is crowded, to put it mildly. From the nano reissues to the Sovtek Deluxe and the myriad boutique clones, there’s no shortage of Muff-adjacent options. But the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 stands apart because it’s not just a Muff—it’s a platform. The combination of gate, blend, Wicker voicings, and the expressive midrange EQ makes it a tool for guitarists who want more than just a one-trick fuzz. It’s for the player who needs to adapt from a scooped rhythm tone to a cutting lead solo without swapping pedals.

Who is this not for? If you’re a purist who wants the exact sound of a vintage Ram’s Head or Russian Muff, you might find the extra features distracting. And at €179, it’s pricier than many standard Muffs. But for the studio rat, the live performer, or the tweaker who loves dialing in specific frequencies, this is arguably the most versatile Big Muff EHX has ever made. We at Noxal appreciate when a company takes a classic and evolves it thoughtfully, not just for the sake of a new product, but because the circuit has more to give. And this one gives plenty.

I’m off to make another pot of coffee and plug a Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 into everything in sight—including my toaster. It probably won’t sound good, but that’s the joy of exploration.