| Big Muff Pi |
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An Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Replica known as the BMP. This project covers most of the known transistorized versions of the BMP. IC version will be covered in a seperate project. The documents in this first section are shared by all versions. All versions use the same PCB and the same wiring diagram. Parts layouts and schematics for each of the versions are listed as you go down the page.
A few words about the "Versions" Each of these versions came about by someone tracing one of the factory units and creating a schematic of it. These versions are something like general "eras" in the history of the Big Muff Pi usually with a name based on the cosmetic features of the outside of the box. The original Electro-Harmonix factory had a history of using various components as availability of the components allowed, so there are likely to be some minor variations even within each of the versions. Additional traced units from some of the same versions may expose different transistor types used, or slightly different resistor or capacitor values in various locations of the circuit. We've tried to document as much as we can about versions and variations in this project, we may update as more information comes available to us.
Triangle Version
Ram's Head Version
Violet Ram's Head Version
Late 70's Version
Russian Versions
GGG Tuned Version
There have been some misunderstandings about this version. GGG is involved with building a pedal by Sandford and Sonny called the Blue Beard bass distortion. This "Tuned Version" is somewhat simialr to the Blue Beard, but it is not a Blue Beard. It sounds somewhat different and it is in a smaller box of course. This is an excellent distortion for bass or guitar or synth, but this project should not be considered a kit for a Blue Beard pedal. Here's a schematic of the early 80's version with a tone control bypass switch. This version is not necessarily covered in this project, but you may be able to work it into the project with a little ingenuity. The tone control bypass might be very useful if you wanted to follow the BMP with the EQ pedal of your choice. This is always a great way to increase the flexibility and fine tune the tone of any distortion pedal. BMP 80's Tone Control Bypass Version Schematic
Buy a BMP Complete Kit. Includes all the parts and materials you need to build one, all for about the price you would pay for a PCB and parts. The following versions can be built with the kit, all parts included for any of these versions! Would you like a Ready to Solder Circuit Board for this project? Note: If you buy the kit, the Ready-to-Solder Circuit Board (RTS PCB) is included in the kit. You do not need to purchase this RTS PCB if you buy the kit. 
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