Both the Bass Big Muff π and the Bass Blogger feature EFFECTS OUT and DRY OUT feeds, perfect for those combining a gritty signal with an unaffected dry sound. Each is in a rugged diecast housing, a relatively new casing for EHX’s effects, and a vast improvement over the old sheet-metal chassis. Each also features surfacemounted components, which allows EHX to stuff their pedals’ guts into a smaller form factor.
BASS BIG MUFF
Even though it’s never been a purpose-built bass pedal, the original Big Muff π is legendary among bassists. Its gritty fuzz tone is archetypal, but a cranked-up Big Muff can be lowend shy. With the Bass Big Muff π, EHX revoiced the classic circuit for better low-frequency response, and tossed in a few new features like true-bypass switching and a bass-boost mode.
The Bass Big Muff π has simple controls: VOLUME (gain), TONE (from dark to bright), and SUSTAIN (strength and saturation of the distortion). It also has a toggle switch with options for BASS BOOST, NORMAL, and DRY. BASS BOOST ups the signal’s bottom end, and it’s really noticeable when the tone knob is set at or above the 12-o’clock position; NORMAL is closest to the classic Muff sound; and DRY allows the level of the distortion effect to be blended against your bass’s dry signal. The spectrum of tone is distinctly square-wavish and fuzz-oriented, well within the original’s well regarded palette, and the new features extend the pedal’s utility for bass players even further. Considering it offers all the old Big Muff did and more, adding it to your collection seems like a no-brainer.
BASS BLOGGER
The Bass Blogger mixes switchable tube-y overdrive and fizzier fuzz in one convenient box. The effects generated in both the FUZZ and DRIVE modes are relatively warm and full, with FUZZ mode adding a thick layer of rough-textured shag in the fuzz mode. Regardless of setting, the pedal has a strong midrange presence, a quality that can either be assertive and compelling or annoying and honky, depending on your taste.
In FUZZ mode, the VOLUME knob controls the post-signal gain, while the DRIVE mode disengages the control. The TONE knob controls the level of brightness in both the DRIVE and FUZZ modes, and the DRIVE knob controls the amount of saturation applied to the tone, from subtle and crunchy to fat and nasty. The Blogger has a more diverse sonic palette than the Big Muff, but its distortion is less inspiring and musical. Overall, it seemed particularly adept at adding subtle grit, like a small tube amp overdriving.
EHX BASS BIG MUFF
True bypass Yes
Controls VOLUME, TONE, SUSTAIN
Switches DRY/NORM/BASS BOOST
True bypass Yes
Street $79
Pros Classic fuzz tone with even more use for bassists
Cons None
EHX BASS BLOGGER
True bypass Yes
Controls VOLUME, TONE, DRIVE
Switches FUZZ/DRIVE
Street $74
Pros Versatile tone with both fuzz and overdrive capability
Cons A bit too focused on the mids
Contact www.ehx.com (718) 937-8300