David Gilmour and the ’73 Rams Head Muff: Crafting the Legendary Pink Floyd Guitar Tone

The legendary 1973 Ram’s Head Big Muff by Elctro-Harmonix and Darkside Fuzz by UDV Pedals *vintage inspired replica

David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist of Pink Floyd, is known for his soaring leads, expressive bends, and rich, sustaining guitar tones. A significant part of his sonic signature comes from his use of the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, particularly the 1973 “Rams Head” version (the weird face logo on the bottom right of the pedal looked like a sheep or ram, hence the nickname). This pedal played a crucial role in shaping the tones on albums like The Wall and Animals, helping to define the lush, atmospheric, and powerful soundscapes that Pink Floyd is famous for.

The ’73 Rams Head Muff: Gilmour’s Secret Weapon

The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, first introduced in the late 1960s, has gone through several iterations, each with its own unique tonal characteristics. The ‘73 Rams Head version is particularly revered for its smooth sustain, rich midrange, and slightly scooped EQ compared to other Big Muff variants. It offers:

• Singing Sustain: Gilmour’s signature lead tones often relied on the Rams Head’s ability to sustain notes for extended periods without sacrificing clarity.

• Smooth, Yet Aggressive Character: Unlike later Big Muffs, which can be harsh or overly compressed, the ‘73 Rams Head provides a slightly softer attack, which works well for expressive soloing.

• Tonal Versatility: While heavily distorted, the pedal retains articulation, making it perfect for layering delays and modulations, as Gilmour often did.

Gilmour used this pedal extensively during The Wall tour, where it was integral to solos on tracks like “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.”

A Look at Other Big Muff Variants

There are several versions of the Big Muff, each with its distinct sonic properties:

• Triangle Big Muff (1969-1972): The earliest version, known for its bright, articulate, and slightly less compressed sound. It has more clarity than the Rams Head but can be aggressive in high-gain settings.

• Rams Head Big Muff (1973-1977): Favored by Gilmour, this version offers a smoother, darker, and more mid-scooped tone, making it ideal for soaring leads.

• Op-Amp Big Muff (Late ’70s): Used by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins, this version is much more aggressive and less dynamic than the Rams Head.

• Russian Big Muff (1990s): Known for its bass-heavy, woolly, and slightly less refined distortion, popular in grunge and stoner rock.

Darkside Fuzz (UDV Pedals) Vs 73 Rams Head Big Muff

Darkside Fuzz by UDV Pedals

The Darkside Fuzz by UDV Pedals is a modern boutique take on the Big Muff circuit, inspired by Gilmour’s tones but offering additional features. Here’s how they compare:

Tone Character

• Rams Head has smooth, slightly scooped mids with singing sustain

• Darkside Fuzz has same tonal character, but options for more midrange presence options with tweakable EQ switch for scooped, flat, and boosted mids.

• Both are medium to high gain with classic Muff saturation

Modern Enhancements by UDV Pedals

• Authentic vintage circuit with modern components, increased reliability, and the same basic controls as the 73 Rams Head Muff.

• Mid switch with additional tone-shaping options for improved clarity.

• Best used for classic Gilmour tones, warm lead sustain, or scooped fuzz/distortion reminiscent of 90s grunge.

• Flexible for various fuzz tones, not just Gilmour-inspired sounds

• Enhanced presence in band mix. Classic Muffs can sometimes get lost playing with a band. This is because the scooped mids and saturated distortion make the guitar sound less prominent in the mix. The EQ mid boost on the Darkside Fuzzy gives the Muff a big boost and more presence in a live band setting.

While the Darkside Fuzz offers more tonal control and flexibility, the original ‘73 Rams Head still holds vintage appeal for those chasing the Gilmour mystique. However, players looking for a pedal with modern reliability, great value, boutique quality, and more range and usability across different styles may prefer the Darkside Fuzz.

Conclusion

David Gilmour’s use of the 1973 Rams Head Big Muff helped craft some of the most iconic guitar tones in rock history. Its smooth, sustaining, and harmonically rich fuzz remains a staple for those seeking a Pink Floyd-inspired sound. The Darkside Fuzz offers new tonal possibilities and stays true to the vintage Rams Head’s magic, and is hard to beat for pure Gilmour-esque tone. Whether you’re a die-hard Pink Floyd fan or just love a great fuzz sound, exploring these pedals is a journey well worth taking.