11/12/2024
Electro-Harmonix/Sovtek Green Russian Big M**f π V7 - Bubble Font 1994
Magnificent vintage Sovtek Big M**f, military green, first BIG model, called TANK, with 4 screws, not the later smaller and worse ones nor the black ones from the late 90s which have nothing to do with this one.
Very powerful fuzz, full-bodied sound and volume to spare, great for both guitar and bass. A must-have for stoner. This model is universally considered superior sounding, with more power and more bass. It sounds killer. It only works with drums. Of course I use this pedal only with the Electro-Harmonix 9Volt battery is the classic Zinc-Carbon type, which has a higher internal resistance than an Alkaline battery. This reduces the circuit load, especially in vintage pedal effects, to provide better sound and dynamics. The Big M**f is one of the most iconic fuzz pedals. It has been adopted by many artists, especially from indie rock, grunge, garage and post rock. Released by Sovtek and made in Russia, it has an army green chassis, and used the same circuit as the "Red Army Overdrive" and "Civil War" models. In 1994, the Sovtek’s visuals changed radically to massive, ultra-strong boxes with a switch that looks like it came straight out of a Soviet missile launcher (this was the rumour at the time, and Matthews was quick to not deny it). The goose-poop green colour also evokes the military world, but this version is anything but disciplined: it’s a screaming garage sound, a little less bass-heavy than the other M**fs, and above all very direct and rude in its attack. It’s a bit like a small tube amp from the 50s pushed to its limits, but easier to play and without the untimely malfunction. Contrary to popular belief, these Russian BMPs were not made with spare tank parts, ammunition boxes, land mines (!), or any other junk-scrap military weapons. They were made in a former Russian military equipment factory operated by two Russian colonels. Some of the circuit board components may have been stock that was made or purchased during the Cold War era, but that is as close to military parts as it gets. It is interesting to note that there actually was a Russian tank called the BMP. No, not for Big M**f Pi, but for Bronevaya Maschina Piekhota. It was an armoured personnel carrier developed during the Cold War for transporting Infantry on the battlefield. It was heavy, reliable, but it had relatively thin armour (sound familiar?). It was first seen in public in November 1967 at the Soviet Red Square parade.
