Electro Harmonix Sovtek Big Muff Tall Font

The Green Russian Big Muffs Pi’s are a Sovtek model to be found from the 1990s era. Also known as the Tall Font and Bubble Font Green Russians, this being the tall font version. The tank-like military appearance made these very mean looking pedals, and very desirable. Included is the original same military style wood crate with Russian lettering.

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 Muff 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.

THE SOUND – The Tall Font Green Russians have the same sound as the previous Civil War versions (V7A, V7B). Less gain, fatter bottom end, and brighter mids than most vintage USA Big Muffs. The tone varies slightly from unit to unit, but the differences are usually minor. The Tall Fonts are a favourite among bass players due to the low gain and huge, mid range, and bass friendly bottom end they produce. That bottom end is also a reason some do not like the Russian Big Muffs. Listen to the Black Keys early live and studio recordings – like Your Touch – for some great examples of the Green Russian in use.