JHS Pedals pay tribute to classic dirt pedal circuits with the new Muffuletta, a six-in-one distortion/fuzz effect unit.
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This pedal lets you conveniently switch between five modes that are based on classic Big Muff circuits, a sixth mode is also available featuring an original JHS fuzz voicing which further expands the tonal capabilities of this pedal.
The Big Muff has definitely etched its mark in guitar history, and as such even competing manufacturers can’t help but to try to clone its sound. The latest of which is the Muffuletta, although this one brings with it an interesting twist where it packs multiple classic Big Muff tones.
Instead of merely providing digital representations of the original tones that it is emulating, the Muffuletta utilizes all-analog circuitry that does not undergo any digital signal processing or emulation. This means that choosing a mode actually re-routes your signal to real components with actual settings and parameters based on the original units. According to the company, this non-digital approach results to more authentic sounding representations of the five classic Muff pedals that are simulated in this pedal.
JHS chose five of the most sought after Big Muff circuits, featuring rare and expensive variations that would otherwise cost quite a lot more money to collect together. By offering multiple fuzz circuits, the company aims to provide versatility and authentic tone at a more modest price point, and do so without hogging up too much pedalboard space.
Below are the five classic Big Muff modes found in Muffuletta, and quick descriptions from JHS:
- 73 Rams Head – Scooped midrange, less gain, and overall darker tone. Famous users include David Gilmour (main Pink Floyd recordings), Ernie Isley (Eisly Brothers), and J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.)
- The Triangle – More low end and more articulate. Famous users include Santana, John Lennon, Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine), and possibly Jimi Hendrix.
- The Pi – Best known for more aggressive fuzz sound. Famous users include Frank Zappa, Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Jack White, The Edge (U2), Beck, and Pete Townsend (The Who).
- The Russian – Less clarity, less low end. Famous users include Dan Auerbach (Black Keys), Chris Wolstenholme (Muse), and Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails).
- The Civil War – More midrange, brighter overall tone, and less gain. Famous users include Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), John Fogerty, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Mike Mills and Peter Buck (REM).
The sixth mode, which is the JHS “2015” is the company’s original take on the classic circuit. They describe it as having more power with less compression, they also added more emphasis on the lower midrange and said that this mode is ideal for bass guitar.
In addition to the rotary Mode control switch, The pedal comes with three other knobs that provide basic control. Volume lets you adjust the overall output of the pedal, Tone works as basic EQ that lets you brighten or darken your overall tone. And finally, the awkwardly named Sustain lets you add more gain or distortion to the signal.
Check out one of the video demo below which details the many voicings that this pedal carries:
JHS Pedals had this to say, “The Big Muff has an amazing history and has been used by some of the most influential guitarists ever. Never before has there been a single pedal that gives you all these different eras of it’s tone. We are convinced that the Muffuletta can fit in anyone’s rig who loves dirt, distortion and fuzz, and we think it will be hard for you to disagree once you plug it in and play.“
The new Muffuletta pedal is currently retailing for $229, head over to JHS Pedals for more information.
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