Triangle Big Muff

A Classic Effect from Electro Harmonix

The Triangle Big Muff Pi, or any Big Muff for that matter, has more than earned its spot in the history of great pedals. Famously used by guitarists such as Carlos Santana, David Gilmour, and Steve Howe – just to name a few – the Triangle was the first of its kind and helped set the bar for a what a great distortion pedal could sound like.
Taking its name from the triangular layout of its three knobs, the Triangle Big Muff Pi put Electro Harmonix on the map and is now regarded by most guitarists as a truly classic effect.

Now, it’s back in production, but the modern version bears some striking differences to its predecessor. It’s smaller and more compact, with rounded edges.
Where the old Triangle looked like it could’ve withstood a missile blast, this one has been built to fit neatly onto any effects board.

How Does The Modern Reissue Sound?

Looks aren’t everything, and when it comes to pedals, what we all really care about is the sound.
Now, there is some dispute online over whether this pedal is an ‘accurate’ recreation of the classic triangle. The confusion comes because there are small differences between the circuit boards of the original 1969 model, and the 1972 model. In fact, Electro Harmonix released countless redesigns to the triangle, but it’s the change in the circuit board that made all the difference.
The modern release is modelled on the version from ’69. As a result, the decay is notably different to the ’72, but if you compare it to the original you’ll hear it’s pretty spot on.

Does the Triangle Big Muff Pi Still Hold Up?

The Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff really is a magnificent distortion pedal, delivering heaps of sustain and tone. While plenty of modern pedals are successful at both recreating and redesigning this effect, it’s hard to beat the classics and, at the end of the day, there’s a reason why people keep going back to the Big Muff Pi.

Of course, you don’t have to believe what we say. You can try the Tringle out for yourself here on Tonepedia to see if this classic effect is right for you.