The legendary stompbox builder supercharges its recently unearthed 1970s dual op-amp circuit with a footswitchable mids section, 3-way Wicker switch, and expression control.
Electro-Harmonix has expanded its 2026 fuzz lineup (again) with the release of the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2. Priced at $188.20 / £189.00, this feature-packed fuzz pedal takes the recently resurrected “lost” dual op-amp circuit and pushes it into entirely new sonic territory.
Designed for tone sculptors and modern gigging musicians, the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 retains the thick, singing sustain of a classic Muff while introducing powerful tone-shaping tools that ensure your guitar will sit perfectly in any mix.
A Modern Take on a “Lost” Classic
At the core of the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 is a distinctive dual op-amp analog circuit. Originally designed in the late 1970s but lost to the archives for nearly 50 years, this circuitry delivers a bold, harmonically rich fuzz character with an aggressive attack and tightened response.
The result is a uniquely mids-forward voice that cuts through dense arrangements without sacrificing the saturated sustain Big Muffs are famous for.
Powerful, Footswitchable Mids Control
Getting lost in the mix is a common complaint among fuzz enthusiasts, but the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 tackles this head-on.
The pedal features a dedicated MIDS section with independent Mids Level and Mids Frequency controls. Because this section is tied to a secondary footswitch, players can instantly toggle between a classic scooped rhythm tone and a mid-heavy lead sound on the fly—perfect for solos that need to leap out of the speakers.
Wicker Switch & Expression Input
Taking the versatility even further, EHX has included a three-way Wicker switch. Engaging this switch opens up the pedal’s top-end bandwidth, adding presence, sparkle, and bite to keep chords defined even at the most extreme gain settings.
If that isn’t enough, players can connect an external expression pedal to sweep the mid-frequencies in real-time. This unlocks dynamic, filter-style effects and wah-like sweeps, transforming a traditional “set-and-forget” stompbox into a highly expressive performance tool.
Built-in Noise Gate for Modern High-Gain Rigs
High gain often breeds unwanted hiss and hum. To combat this, the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 includes a responsive, built-in Gate control.
Dialing in the noise gate clamps down on extraneous noise between phrases and staccato riffs, tightening up your sound and making this pedal incredibly well-suited for modern metal and stacked-drive rigs.
The 2026 Big Muff 2 Family: All Recent Variations
The Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 isn’t the only dual op-amp pedal EHX dropped this year. 2026 has officially been the year of the “Big Muff 2,” following the rediscovery of this lost circuit. If you are exploring the lineup, here are the other recent variations released this year:
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Big Muff Pi 2 (Nano): The standard version that kicked off the hype. Housed in a compact nano chassis, it gives you the raw, Valkyrie-like sputter of the dual op-amp circuit with a simplified 3-knob layout and a latching/momentary footswitch.
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Bass Big Muff Pi 2: Tailored for the low-end, this pedal brings the same aggressive, lost ’70s circuit to bassists, ensuring massive fuzz that retains sub-frequencies.
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Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi 2: The bass equivalent of the Deluxe model. It adds a crossover footswitch (splitting the signal into high-pass fuzz and low-pass dry), a built-in gate, a -10dB pad for active pickups, and a balanced XLR DI output for studio tracking.
Verdict & Score
Score: 8.5/10
The Verdict: The Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 is an absolute triumph for tone chasers. By pairing the aggressive, highly dynamic dual op-amp Big Muff 2 circuit with a footswitchable parametric mids section, a noise gate, and expression routing, EHX has created a true “desert island” fuzz.
While plug-and-play purists might prefer the standard Nano Big Muff Pi 2, guitarists who need surgical control over their gain and EQ will find the Deluxe to be an indispensable addition to their pedalboard.
Where To Buy
Preorders are available now at authorized dealers, and the new pedal is priced at $188.20 / £189.00
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 True Bypass?
Yes, the pedal features a true bypass circuit, ensuring your clean tone remains completely uncolored when the fuzz is disengaged. (Note: The expression and mids routing are fully bypassed when the pedal is off).
Does it run on batteries?
No. To accommodate the complex circuitry, the Deluxe Big Muff Pi 2 does not support battery power. It requires a standard 9V DC center-negative power supply.
What does the Expression pedal actually control?
When plugged in, an external expression pedal assumes control over the Mids Frequency. By rocking the pedal back and forth while playing, you can manually sweep the EQ peak, creating a dramatic, throaty wah-fuzz effect.
How does the dual op-amp circuit differ from a standard Big Muff?
Traditional Big Muffs utilize a four-transistor circuit, which is famous for its smooth, scooped, and compressed sound. The Big Muff 2 uses a dual op-amp design (based on a lost 1970s prototype) which delivers a tighter, faster attack, more midrange presence, and enhanced note articulation.
#Electro-Harmonix #EHX
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