What began in 1973 with the Ram's Head era concludes in 1976 with a final version that sounds quite different from the earlier models. It is also the version I have documented the most, and I continue to uncover new variations each year.
This final circuit revision produced a more open, mid-forward sound with plenty of gain, pushing the pedal closer to distortion than traditional fuzz. While there are minor variations throughout this period, with some versions offering slightly more low end or a touch more brightness, the overall character remains remarkably consistent.
There were also numerous transistor substitutions during this time. However, because of the circuit design and supporting component values, these changes had relatively little effect on the core tone.
Many players will recognize the sound of the 1976 Big Muff because one of the most influential guitarists of the 1990s built his tone around it: J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr.
The 1976 circuits would eventually evolve into the first Black & Red Big Muffs, a design that would carry through to 1979.