(Image credit: Future) What is a fuzz pedal? Until recently your only option was a boutique clone, rare original, or building your own, but luckily EHX recently reissued it, so you too can bask in its fuzzy glory. Billy had just gotten lucky that he picked up that specific version from a pawn shop. Unfortunately for wannabe sound-a-likes, Billy's Big Muff was actually an unusual vintage op-amp version.ĭue to availability of parts, the design of the Big Muff shifted over time, and the op-amp version, which was a completely different circuit from the quad-transistor original Big Muff, was comparatively rare.

Of course, part of the answer was 'a lot of overdubs', but when the word got out that Billy Corgan had used a Big Muff on the record, the pedal became hugely sought after overnight. On their 1993 classic Siamese Dream, they gatecrashed the grunge party with their 'guitar army', and had legions of guitarists scratching their heads as to how to make that sound.

If you’re looking for that classic Smashing Pumpkins sound, this is truly the best fuzz pedal.Īlthough many household names have used the Big Muff over the years, perhaps the band most associated with the pedal is Smashing Pumpkins. Specifically, though, we are big fans of the op-amp reissue, which until recently was only available via boutique pedal builders, DIY kits, or trading your right arm for an original model. With its careful balance of gnarly fuzz on tap, as well as the ability to be dialed back to suit many styles of playing, the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (opens in new tab) has to be our top recommendation – and the affordable price makes it even easier to recommend. If you'd rather get to the products, then keep scrolling. We've included some in-depth buying advice at the end of this guide, so if you'd like to read more about the best fuzz pedals, then click the link.

In this guide, we've pulled together just a few of the best fuzz pedals on the market today, but don't blame us if fuzz becomes an obsession for you too! This ranges from the violin sustain of the Big Muff, to the lysergic rush of the Fuzz Factory, the blown-out speaker joy of the Fuzz Face, or the unhinged screaming of the Supersonic Fuzz Gun. What this means is, whether you consider yourself a veteran fuzz freak or you’re just getting started in the world of filth, there are many flavors of fuzz to check out. The early days of fuzz were an arms race, with some designs lasting the course and becoming present day icons, while others crashed and burned.

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