Coda
Well-known member
Go figure, I've built another BMP. This is my 7th Big Muff build (technically, its the 10th, since a few of them are modded to swtich between two different variants). I built this based on the V3 schematic on the Kit Rae site. I added a toggle that switches between stock V3 and the Zappa Mod (47k limiting resistors). In stock version, this is one of my favorite BMP sounds. Its a little chewy and chewy like a V4/5, has a nice low end that isnt too boomy like a Triangle, is clear and cuts well like a Ram's Head, and has a gritty growl that is reminiscent of a Sovtek. It even cleans up pretty good. Its interesting; at first it doesnt seem as gainy as any other muff, but this is misleading. What's interesting is the balance in the tone. The lower/bassier strings are bassy, thick, and a bit wooly...almost like a FF. The treble strings, however, are very clear, creamy, with a lot of sustain. The tone is also very harmonically rich. Its a very focused, spongy tone (adjectives, lol)...
The Zappa mod is interesting too. The toggles swaps in 47k limiting resistors. I'll explain further, for those in the back of the room: the limiting resistors limit the signal going in to each gain stage. The higher the resistors, the lower the gain. Normally, a BMP with have limiting resistor values of either 8k, 10k, or 12k, depending on whatever they had on hand that day. 47k limiting resistors are limiting a fair amount gain. With the Sustain control maxed (which is full CCW on this one, I confused myself with the wiring) the pedal is comparable to an average BMP with its control at about 10-11 o'clock. However, you still have a fair amount of sustain. So its a smoother, more mellow tone, that sustains like a BMP. It's also a bit quiet and dark, so you have to adjust volume and tone when you switch it. It really shines with a distortion/boost running into it. In fact, with Zappa mod on, a DS-1 running into it, and a little bit of chorus, you can really nail those crazier 1980's Zappa tones...you know...the ones where he would sit on a stool the whole song, drinking coffee, and then pick up his guitar, melt face, and then put it down and start reading a magazine...
TL/DR: BMP=good, V3 BMP= gooder, V3 BMP with Zappa mods= goodest. Do yourself a favor, the next time the pedal goblin (Fig) whispers in your ear "build another pedal," do yourself a favor and build a non-common BMP...
A quick word on my artwork: I don't do artwork. While I am artistically rich musically, and with creating stories and jokes and interpretive dance, my visual art skills are pretty sad...
The Zappa mod is interesting too. The toggles swaps in 47k limiting resistors. I'll explain further, for those in the back of the room: the limiting resistors limit the signal going in to each gain stage. The higher the resistors, the lower the gain. Normally, a BMP with have limiting resistor values of either 8k, 10k, or 12k, depending on whatever they had on hand that day. 47k limiting resistors are limiting a fair amount gain. With the Sustain control maxed (which is full CCW on this one, I confused myself with the wiring) the pedal is comparable to an average BMP with its control at about 10-11 o'clock. However, you still have a fair amount of sustain. So its a smoother, more mellow tone, that sustains like a BMP. It's also a bit quiet and dark, so you have to adjust volume and tone when you switch it. It really shines with a distortion/boost running into it. In fact, with Zappa mod on, a DS-1 running into it, and a little bit of chorus, you can really nail those crazier 1980's Zappa tones...you know...the ones where he would sit on a stool the whole song, drinking coffee, and then pick up his guitar, melt face, and then put it down and start reading a magazine...
TL/DR: BMP=good, V3 BMP= gooder, V3 BMP with Zappa mods= goodest. Do yourself a favor, the next time the pedal goblin (Fig) whispers in your ear "build another pedal," do yourself a favor and build a non-common BMP...
A quick word on my artwork: I don't do artwork. While I am artistically rich musically, and with creating stories and jokes and interpretive dance, my visual art skills are pretty sad...
