The 1974–75 Ram's Head pedals are often overlooked and rarely discussed, yet they are among the best-sounding Big Muffs ever made. They combine the strongest qualities of the earlier versions into a powerful, balanced fuzz.
There also appears to have been some circuit experimentation during this period. Certain versions feature changes in the tone section that result in flatter mids or even a slight mid hump. Whether intentional or not, these variations allow some pedals to cut through a mix more effectively while still retaining fullness and weight.
Lead tones retain the smooth, sustaining character of the 1973 versions, with rich harmonics and long, singing sustain. The low end, however, recalls the wooly growl of the 1969 and 1970 Triangles, but with smoother edges and greater refinement. The result is one of the most balanced and musical periods in Big Muff history.
As you move through late 1974 and into 1975, the circuit begins to gradually evolve toward what would become the final Ram's Head designs of 1976.
V1: Another one from my personal collection and another great example of a transition circuit. This version combines many of the capacitor values found in the 1973 pedals with the resistor layout of the early 1974 versions. The result is a warm, harmonically rich fuzz with a full low end, punchy lower notes, and sweet lead tones that have just a hint of bite underneath the fuzz.
V2: This marks the return of the larger capacitors, similar to those used in some of the 1970 Triangle circuits, giving the lower notes a slightly looser, wooly growl while retaining sweet, singing sustain on leads. The overall gain is full and warm throughout the pedal, with just the right amount of controlled growl on the low end.
V3: Similar in layout to V2, but with a change in the gain section that gives it a huge low-end push reminiscent of the 1972 Triangle versions. Despite the added fullness on the low end, the highs remain smooth with rich harmonics.
V4: Identical to V3 except for a change in the tone section that adds more mids to the overall voice of the pedal. The result is a fuller, more present sound that cuts through a mix more easily while retaining the huge low end and smooth sustain of V3.
V5: Very similar in sound to V2, but with a little more gain and saturation throughout the circuit. The added fuzz gives lead notes a sweeter, more singing quality while retaining the warm, wooly character and controlled growl of the lower notes. Also, a capacitor change in the tone section that adds just a hint of mids.
V6: This is the same circuit as the rare Carruthers Dyna-Soar and also the same layout as V5, but with the the typical tone section mid-scoop.
V7: Very similar to V5 and V6, but with slightly larger capacitor values in key areas of the circuit that allow more signal to flow through. This gives the pedal a richer, fuller, woolier tone on the lower notes and a punchier, smoother lead tone with plenty of sustain.