Guitar Review Ninja

 Nano Metal Muff Instructions

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Heavy metal firepower that fits in the palm of your hand. The little brother of the Metal Muff family is nasty. Carefully selected mid frequencies are switch selectable offering powerful, musical scoops. Slag simplicity.

Electro-Harmonix Nano Pocket Metal Muff Pedal Features…

Volume knob

Distortion level knob

Mid frequency selection switch

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 Nano Metal Muff Instructions

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great tone

this pedal has amazing tone. i have your classic humbuckers and you would swear i have emg's!!! its a cheap pedal in price, but not in quality. i would recommend this to anyone out there looking for classic metal.

guitarstrings from Louisiana (Nov 7, 2008)

The sound from the Nano Metal Muff is "crisper" and higher sounding than a traditional Big Muff NYC. I was looking for another pedal to use for bass (I play in a Lightning Bolt style two piece). I still use my Big Muff NYC. One large difference is that the Russian and NYC Big Muff pedals tend to "mush" out string noise and some of the "higher" sounds… particularly legato style playing in the upper registers. The Nano Metal Muff has a sharper, more metal sound… but it still sounds vintage-ish.

With a guitar it sounds "screamy", but not at all woody or warm. It says "metal" and it is metal, and not NWOBHM style either. It's still nicer sounding than the thin/tinny overdrive sounds popular in the 80s.

Thankfully it doesn't rob the low end, when used with a bass (something the Rat pedal seems to do).

Right now I'm running a Small Clone in front of it. Oddly enough when mixed with a Big Muff, you kind of get the best of both worlds.

Considering how simple it is, versus the full size Metal Muff, there isn't really much to it (two knobs, 3 way selector). A little bit of tweaking and I found a good sound. It is very quiet (compared to other Muff pedals).

I have a few Electro-Harmonix pedals and none of them have quit working. A nice feature of the Nano line is the more conventional plug versus my vintage style EH pedals.

For the price, it really can't be beat. I love how simple and retro EH stuff usually sounds, and this seems to hit somewhere between retro and pures

ezweave (03/16/2007)

 Manual

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MXR DD11 Dime Distortion Pedal

When Dimebag Darrell of Pantera first exploded on the scene, he ushered in a new era of tone and attitude. When it comes to guitar, Dime doesn’t need a ‘warm’ or ‘pretty’ sound. He can’t be bothered with ‘vintage’ this or ’boutique’ that. He wants a heavy, aggressive, razor-sharp tone that can slice through a loud band and a louder crowd. It’s a tone that rages with distortion but remains tight and focused enough to keep up with lightening-fast rhythm lines and face-melting solos.

Finally there’s a pedal that can deliver all that: the The Dime Distortion from MXR. With its 3-band EQ, proprietary Scoop switch, and ungodly output, this stomp box from Hell has the guts and the muscle to stand up to your heaviest displays of power. Crank the gain, boost the lows and highs, and hit the Scoop switch for a rhythm tone that will annihilate. Dial the mids back in and mow down the competition with a lead sound that can penetrate steel. If it still hasn’t gotten heavy enough for you, stick the Dime in front of a distorted amp and experience sustain and sonic mayhem that’s so over the top it should come with a warning label. The Dime Distortionnot subtle, not pretty.

MXR DD11 Dime Distortion Pedal Features…

Proprietary Scoop switch notches the mids for deadly metal tones

3-band EQ

Phosphorescent ‘glow in the dark’ control stencil makes performance on dark stages nothing to be afraid of.

Bullet-proof die-cast zinc housing.

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 Manual

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I've submitted this review because I think a lot of people dont understand THAT YOU NEED A GOOD AMP to have a pedal SOUND GOOD. Running this though my Carvin MTS (all tube) 212. This pedal is what a metalzone cant be. Hell, Dimebag doesnt even have this thing cranked at all. Once you turn up the output and distortion you have shearing tones. The bypass switch is rad, gets you that Euro Metal Tone I have always wanted. Any metal tone you want this pedal is able to achieve.

How much easier do you want a pedal? This is extrememly easy to use, even for a primate at the zoo!

Go ahead and chuck this thing out the 3rd story window, probably only scratch it. It's a tank.

MXR even gave me a free t-shirt, woohoo! Overall this is probably the best distortion pedal on the market today unless you're running a very nice botique amp. For the rest of us sad saps this is a solid piece of equpiment you wont be selling in a few months because it stinks. Thats of course if you play metal, might have too much output for you classic/new age rock fellas.

Ted (03/15/2004)

Harsh. Noisy. Un-natural sounding. Can't recognise your guitar pick-up: all guitars sound the same mud. I prefer from far the Zombie or the MT-2.

Difficult to get a good sound out of it. I saw a band playing live with this and that triggered me to purchase one.

However I never could approach that thick sound I heard during the concert. The Bass knob is waaaaayyyyy too strong and has a huge influence on volume and distorsion.

You need a special MXR adapter !!

I blew my DD1 in one ms the day I used the wrong adapter with it: very fragile. You cannot open it to try to fix. Rubbish !.

Give me one and I submit it for sale the next day on eBay: 1$, no limit. If I get 10 $, that will make my day. One of the worst deal in my life.

I also think it is frankly insane to use the name & image of Dime on this machine. God bless him.

chocopopZ (02/13/2007)

 Article on Owner Mike Matthews

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 Forbes Article on Owner Mike Matthews

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 Instruction Manual

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John Jorgenson Muff-Mistress-Memory

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Dandy Warhols – Power

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John Jorgenson Muff-Mistress

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Kenny Korade BMuff with Memory

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Mudhoney Excerpt

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Mudhoney Full

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Kenny Korade

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Greta Brinkman Excerpt

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Mogwai Soundscape

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P-Funk Muff Memory Excerpt

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Like the legendary Big Muff Pi of the 70’s, the reissue has 3 controls that let the player dial in the finest harmonic distortion/sustain ever produced. The Volume control adjusts the output level. The Sustain control optimizes the long sustain with just the right amount of harmonic distortion. The Tone control provides a range of sounds, from warm bass to crisp treble. A “made in NYC original.”

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Distortion Pedal (Made in NYC) Features…

USA Big Muff Pi “made in NYC original”

Volume Control

Sustain Control

Tone Control

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 Article on Owner Mike Matthews

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 Forbes Article on Owner Mike Matthews

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 Instruction Manual

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John Jorgenson Muff-Mistress-Memory

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Dandy Warhols – Power

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John Jorgenson Muff-Mistress

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Kenny Korade BMuff with Memory

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Mudhoney Excerpt

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Mudhoney Full

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Kenny Korade

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Greta Brinkman Excerpt

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Mogwai Soundscape

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P-Funk Muff Memory Excerpt

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My set up: Marshall MG30 DFX > Ibanez CS-9 > Ibanez PT-9 > EH Big Muff > Ibanez TS-9 > Ibanez Weeping Demon > Epiphone SG G400.

The pedal on its own and while its running through other pedals makes absolutely no noise.

Im using it with my Marshall MG30 DFX and it sounds crap while its on the distortion channel. The distortion on my amp is crap anyway, So I dont know if that is why the Big Muff Sounds crap.

It does however sound great on the clean channel, With the Bass and Treble both set to 12 o'clock.

Plugged straight into the amp, This pedal gives a warm, fuzzy tone, Which isnt really that good for pinch harmonics, tapping etc.

The Big Muff works amizingly well with the Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer, The combination of the two is great for metal guitar and bass.

Very easy to use, 3 knobs, Volume, Tone and Sustain, ONly an idiot cant figure that out.

If I was ever to play a gig, Id definatly use this pedal, with no need for a back up.

The metal casing looks a little flimsy in comparison to pedals like the Ibanez 9 series, But it looks tough and durable.

I mostly play metal and this pedal is perfect for it.

If it were stolen or I lost it, Id buy another one straight away.

The only things I dont like about this pedal are the input jacks on the top instead of the sides, Whats all that about? and the input jack for the power supply, Instead of being the standard AC one on pretty much all pedals, Its the electro harmonix one, I hate it.

Other than those two things, This is a great pedal that Id recomend to anyone.

adam (04/01/2008)

I am using it with a sovtek mig 50 amp, sovtek 2×12 speaker cab, and a epiphone lp-100. I have the same problem as sombode mentioned earlier – it is too bassy and muddy, and if you adjust the tone it rapidly changes to a horrible tinny trebly sound. It takes a bit of tuning to find the 'right spot'. Having said that it sounds quite a bit bassier than my clean sound, but condsidering it is not my main overdrive pedal (my main pedal is a marshall shredmaster) i am quite happy with its unique sound.

If you are into Smasing Pumpkins (as i am) this pedal is a must for playi8ng along with. Think of tracks such as rocket, hummer, mayonaise, for a guide as to what a muff sounds like. It is not 100% the same, i think Billy and James have had their muffs modified…

Downside to the pedal is that it sounds crap when you palm-mute the strings. It is really only anygood for strumming, power chords, and riffs…

Overall I would recomend it as a pedal to add to your collection if you already have a versatile overderive pedal. The big muff is not all that versatile…. For use in the right context i give it an 8 – i have a knocked of a couple of marks due to its lack of flexibilty with the tone control…

Pretty easy really… It has only has three knobs, but it takes a little tweaking on the tone knob to atain the right sound.

many people have complained of the production quality of russian sovtek gear. Personally I have never had much problems with it, and the pedal is solid. I will not give it a raiting because i have not had it long enough to judge…

Like any pedal and sound, it is all a matter of taste and context. Thius pedal used in the right context is perfect. I would recomend this pedal for those with tube amps (sounds nice with the sovtek mig50) or with marshall JCM 800s (billy corgans choice of amp) but chances are it may sound fine with many other tube amps or even solid state amps. My bet is that it sounds better with single coil pick ups, but untill pick up my new G&L ASAT i can not say exactly what it sounds like with a tele. Billy corgan uses lace pick ups with his strat and the pedal seems to sound good, but again his is not a stock russian made model. (I'm not sure even if it is a russian model – could be american…)

Overall im giving it an 8 considering its cheap price, cool looks, and distinct tone.

Anonymous (01/22/2002)

 Brochure

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Offering an infinite number of available distortions for any guitar player, the Red Witch Famulus Distortion Pedal features parallel distortion circuits that can be used separately or together to create completely unique tones!

“Alchemy is a bridge between Earth and Heaven, matter and spirit, the solid and the fluid, the visible and the invisible, bringing the horizontal and the vertical together.”

- J. Ramsay.

The Famulus is here to aid you in your quest for Tonal Alchemy.

Parallel distortion circuits operate with independent gain controls but with a shared tone and volume. The Alchemy control allows you to use either circuit or any blend of the two.

Circuit A produces a biting, crunchy sound while Circuit B delivers a fat mid range punch. The real magic kicks in when you blend the two and adjust the gains independently – use lots of the biting circuit with low gain and add a smattering of the punchy circuit with high gain, way back in the distance. Or the reverse. Or any combination you like.

Add to all that buckets of boost in the volume control and you have an exciting, state-of-the-art distortion pedal. A multitude of tones, a myriad of flavors, a cornucopia of useable distortions!

Red Witch Famulus Distortion Pedal Features…

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 Brochure

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 Nano Muff Instructions

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Everyone knows through the annals of rock history how many great tracks have been written with a Big Muff. However, some guitarists wish they could have a more portable way to squeeze one onto their pedalboard or to slog with them on a train ride. This Nano Reissue of the 1969 classic Muff Fuzz in a die-cast aluminum box handles those issues. While adding just a touch of funky dirt for something unique.

Electro Harmonix Nano Muff Overdrive Pedal Features…

Small die-cast case saves valuable pedalboard space

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 Nano Muff Instructions

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excuse me if my muff is dirty

this pedal could be better, but i like it anyway. its very compact and punchy. i wish there were a volume and tone control mainly because its simply too loud!!!! whenever i use it wich isnt too often i have to lose some tone by turning down my volume knob a little, and if you were too try to get the full volume gain sound i think your band members will kick you out and smash all the tubes in your amp. i actually just recently turned against electro-harmonix because their pedals simply arent versitile enough they are noisy, and kill tone. the nano muff isnt too noisy in comparison to some of their other pedals, and i found it to be the only electro-harmonix pedal out the the three i own to be board worthy. i personally wouldnt use this as a main distortion, but as a boost perhaps fore some of your musical desires. it sounds really weird when you route your wah before the muff. i cant explain what it sounds like… well not too much like wah, but i kinda think its unique. i most likely have a defective pedal like i usually buy. basically for being an inexpensive muff ist 'aight. i also hope musicians friend doesnt alter this review in any way because i am a good customer and always reffer any musician to them.
bye.

harvestmars from radlands, CA (Mar 8, 2007)

Don't be fooled by the name, this isn't really what I'd define as an overdrive, nor a fuzz pedal. It's a very dirty, messy sound, but not to the intense proportions you'd expect from your average fuzz box. I use it primarily post-overdrive as a boost for lead breakss, for which it works great. A good option if you want some added fuzzy grunt without the intensity of a Muff Pi.

It's fairly simple if you know what you're doing, just bear in mind that this pedal is interactive with your guitar's volume.

Although they're cheaply produced (evident from the cosmetics), they're sturdy little things, and they can take a fair bit of flak. I've never had any issues with it not working or anything.

Overall, it's not the most versatile pedal out there, in fact it's quite the contrary, but it does the trick for me.

matt (04/30/2008)

 Owner’s Manual

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Demo 1

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Demo 2

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The Alberta has that creamy overdrive tone reminiscent of a great sounding, vintage TS-808 unit, but is voiced with slightly more bottom end. When the gain is turned up towards maximum, the pedal behaves much the same as a vintage Tube Screamer. When a more subtle setting of the gain control is dialed in, the result is the perfect “Blues Tone” — adding more bite and “goosing” the midrange (with sweet tube-like harmonics), while still keeping the tone of the player’s favorite tube amp. The Alberta delivers the goods, night after night.

T-Rex pedals are handcrafted in Denmark and offer a 2 year unconditional warranty.

T-Rex Alberta Overdrive Effects Pedal Features…

Approximate Dimensions: 4 in. wide x 4.75 in. deep x 1.5 in. high

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 Owner’s Manual

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Demo 1

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Demo 2

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from what i know the alberta is a ts808 copy made with some tlc in denmark. i was trying to get my hands on an original ts808 but had no luck (under $1000Au). i went to a shop and got every ts808 copy and the re-issue by ibanez and fell in love with the alberta. it is tru bypass which i wanted cos its good to mix things up. its warm and round like the ts808 and keeps its your end well. bieng a ts808 copy IT HAS A MID BOOST! this is a great sound but id like to have the option.

its a stomp BoX.

its made of metal, i cant afford a backup and i dont think il ever need 1 (its a risk i take)

I studied jazz and i teach and play most styles(some badly) exept clasical. this pedal obviously does roch and blues best and won`t do metal or real heavy rock

Damn i wish it had a switch that turned off the mid boost(this creates that nasal sound) dont get me rong it sounds great but sometimes i want a natrul sound without further complications to my pedal board. im reserchin the possibility of getting one put in.(please contact me if u know it can be done)

K (12/05/2005)

This unit is basically a tweaked Tube Screamer. Compared to my homebrewed TS-808, the Alberta has a more open sound. If the standard Tube Screamer midrangy-ness bugs you just a bit, then this pedal may do it for you. If it bugs you a lot, then this pedal won't cut it either.

Very easy to use: like a Tube Screamer

The enclosure is solid, and the switch seems good quality. The pots don't have much resistance, though, and they wouldn't keep their settings in a gig bag or offer much insurance against turning accidentally with the foot. They're placed a good distance from the switch, though, so moving them on stage shouldn't be a problem unless you've got a really clumsy foot. Haven't had it long enough to decide whether I'd gig without a backup.

I bought this for blues and rock, though I also cover R&B, soul, Latin, and jazz. I've been playing for 30 years and own too much gear to mention.

I tested this unit with a '52 RI Tele w/Fralins and an ES-335 dot RI w/Seth Lovers through a Fender Pro. Jr. and a tweed Bassman clone. I have not used it extensively, but a couple hours or so A/B'ing against other pedals doesn't leave too much to chance.

If you like the basic vibe of a Tube Screamer, you'll like this pedal. It has some very good sounds that meld seemlessly with a good tube amp, just like a Tube Screamer. I won't be keeping the Alberta only because I think the Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive (SD) offers more bang for the buck.

The SD offers the ability to mix in the unprocessed signal with the distorted version, which the Alberta doesn't. Comparing these two pedals' processed signals only, the Alberta sounds a bit more open (i.e., less midrangy) than the SD, but it was easy to approximate the Alberta's openness with the SD by mixing in a bit of the uprocessed signal. The SD also offers a bit more gain and snarl than the Alberta, giving the SD the ability to cover more rock-n-roll ground.

When I factor in the $50 or so I save by going with the SD, it was pretty obvious which way to go. YMMV.

Carlos Holguin (12/31/2003)