Is the Big Muff 2 Big Box Worth It? History Reborn vs. Pedalboard Practicality
Is the Big Muff 2 Big Box worth the premium? Compare the limited JHS edition and EHX Nano versions of Bob Myer’s "lost" circuit. Discover the history and the best value.
For 50 years, a forgotten schematic sat buried in dust and time—a concept waiting to be born. In 2021, while researching the book Made On Earth For Rising Stars: The Electro-Harmonix Story, Josh Scott (JHS Pedals) and archivist Daniel Danger discovered a loose sheet of paper in the workshop of Bob Myer, the original inventor of the Big Muff. It was labeled “BIG MUFF USING (2 DUAL OP AMPS).”
This "Lost Big Muff" has now been resurrected in two distinct forms: a limited-edition "Big Box" version (housed in the classic, oversized V6-style chassis) and the standard EHX Nano production model.
But with the same circuit inside both, the question arises: Is the Big Muff 2 Big Box worth the premium, or is it just a bigger enclosure?
What Makes the Big Muff 2 Different?
Before comparing the enclosures, it is essential to understand that the Big Muff 2 is not a reissue of the famous 1978 Op-Amp Muff (the "Smashing Pumpkins" sound). Instead, it is an "alternate timeline" version.
While Michael Abrams designed the 1978 version, Bob Myer’s lost design features a different clipping arrangement and an extra gain stage. The result is a Muff that pushes into more aggressive, cutting territory. It offers more volume, a more pronounced low-end, and a sharper midrange than almost any other Muff in the EHX catalog.
The Case for the Big Box: Why the Giant Enclosure Matters
For many EHX purists, the Big Muff isn't just a sound; it’s a physical presence. Here is why the Big Box version (available via JHS Pedals) is worth the investment:
- The Historical Experience: The Big Muff 2 is a piece of "lost history." Putting a 1970s circuit in a modern Nano box can feel like putting a vintage V8 engine in a compact car. The Big Box enclosure matches the era the schematic was born in, providing the tactile experience Mike Matthews intended.
- Collector Value: The Big Box version is a collaborative celebration between JHS, EHX, and Daniel Danger. It is a limited-run piece of memorabilia tied directly to the Made On Earth For Rising Stars book.
- The "Mojo" Factor: There is a long-standing (though debated) belief among guitarists that larger components and more "air" in the enclosure affect the noise floor and interaction of the circuit. Even if the internal PCB is small, the aesthetic of a giant silver box on stage is irreplaceable.
The Case for the Nano: Why Smaller is Smarter
On the other hand, the EHX Nano Big Muff Pi 2 is the version built for the working musician.
- Pedalboard Real Estate: Let’s be honest—the classic Big Box EHX pedals are "board killers." The Nano version delivers the exact same Bob Myer circuit while leaving room for your delay and reverb.
- The Momentary Switch: The Nano version features a modern innovation: Latching/Momentary Action. You can click it for a standard fuzz tone or hold the footswitch for a "momentary burst" of fuzz mayhem. This feature is often absent on the more "vintage-accurate" Big Box builds.
- Affordability & Durability: The Nano is built for the road. It uses a die-cast chassis that is easier to replace if damaged and comes at a price point that allows you to actually use it at a gig without worrying about devaluing a collector's item.
Head-to-Head: A Comparison
| Feature | Big Box (JHS/Limited) | Nano (EHX Production) |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | Bob Myer 2-Dual Op-Amp | Bob Myer 2-Dual Op-Amp |
| Tone | Aggressive, Booming Lows | Aggressive, Booming Lows |
| Footprint | Large (Vintage Style) | Small (Nano Style) |
| Switching | Standard Latching | Latching + Momentary |
| Availability | Limited / Collector | Widely Available |
The Verdict: Is it Worth It?
The Big Box is worth it if you are a historian or a "vibe" player. If you want the pedal to feel like the artifact it is—a 50-year-old dream finally realized—the oversized enclosure is the only way to go. It is a conversation piece and a tribute to Bob Myer’s legacy.
The Nano is worth it if you are a player. If your priority is "the sound of history reborn," but you need it to fit on your board and provide modern functionality like momentary switching, the Nano version is the superior tool.
Regardless of the box size, the Big Muff 2 represents a rare moment when a "lost" piece of musical history is made available to the public. Whether in a giant silver box or a tiny nano chassis, Bob Myer’s vision of "aggressive sustain" has finally arrived.
Big Muff 2 Nano
The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff 2 Nano is available from EHX dealers worldwide and is roughly half the price of the Big Box version. However, pedal collectors will probably value the limited-run Big Box version for its faux nostalgia.
Available at Andertons, priced £125
Available at Sweetwater, priced $122
Available at Thomann, priced €119
If you are a fan of the Big Muff, check out our **History of the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi**and Top 5 Big Muff Clones/Alternatives. Plus, my admission of guilt, Might as well face it: you’re Addicted to Fuzz!
More Information
