MGMusic MgMuffFeliz

The MGMuffFeliz is very easy to use. There are 3 knobs: 1 for Volume, 1 for Gain, and 1 for Tone. I have the newer version loaded with a toggle switch. When this switch is in the up position it increases the bass frequencies. When in the down position the bass frequencies are not accentuated. I gave the pedal a 9 in this category because the extra bass seemingly kicks in only when the pedal is near the top of its gain range. So, if people are flicking the switch when the gain is set in the low or middle ranges, they may be disappointed with the lack of response. Since this is not immediately apparent, I did not score it a 10. Still very easy to use overall, however.

MG's pedals don't come with manuals. There is a slip of paper that discusses what the pedal is or is supposed to sound like, but it does not cover functionality. Sometimes they will discuss component choices, as well. I'm not sure why this is. I guess he assumes those who buy his stuff have some familiarity with stompboxes and their terminology. Thankfully, his current line of pedals are very easy to use.

However, there are some newer pedals he is getting ready to release....If these don't come with manuals, well....good luck:-)

I like to write my reviews like I'm writing to newbies. We were all there once...

The MGMuffFeliz is MG's take on the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff fuzz pedal. It is silicon transistor based. If you're wondering what the Muff sounds like, go listen to the Smashing Pumpkins "Siamese Dream" album, particularly tracks 1 and 3. There's your Muff. It is a Fuzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......smooth and singing, but with mucho balls. Some have said it sounds like a 1000lb. violin.

I am using a Fender Mustang Re-issue with Seymour Duncan Antiquity for Mustang pickups. These pickups, in my opinion, are way better than the stock ones. I have used MG's pedals on a Roland MicroCube amp and on a 85-watt Fender Twin Reverb Re-issue. I think the pedals sound best through the tube Twin (duhhhhh), but the MicroCube is a great little beginner practice amp. I have heard the pedals with other guitars, but mostly with the Mustang.

Noise level - Like almost any fuzz pedal as you turn up your volume and fuzz knobs (while not playing) you'll notice an increase in white noise output. It is not noticeable while playing. A previous reviewer said the noise level was way too high. I have no idea what they are talking about. Maybe they were using a 9V power supply (typically adds noise). Maybe they had the older version and there were some noise problems with it. I don't know. Mine has noise, but it is not obnoxious at all. It's typical and not obtrusive. Who out there has a Frantone Sweet (another Muff like pedal)?? That pedal has crazy noise in certain settings.

Overall sound - Awesome, if you're looking for a big hairy fuzz sound. I don't mean to say it is an unruly fuzz. If you know the Muff, you know that a good one has a somewhat tight, focused tone. You hear your original chord or note in the center, but what appears around it is a sea of harmonically rich buzz with a touch of white noise. I love it, but some will not.

The output level is lower than some fuzzes, but not horrible. Might be nice to have a decent clean boost after it, if you're planning on sending the signal from the Muff directly into your amp.

The tone knob has a very wide range. It goes from murky bass to freaking piercing treble.

The gain range is also wide. As you turn the knob clockwise you add more distortion and harmonics. Turn it counter-clockwise and you get less. The notes or chords will sustain for a good long time as the gain control is turned up.

The pedal responds well to the volume and tone knobs on the guitar. Lower the volume on the guitar and the pedal will clean up. Turn down your tone knob to tame some of the harmonics coming out of the pedal.

I think the note and chord clarity, even when the pedal is set for darker tones, is retained nicely. Yes, as it get darker the clarity does decrease, but I would never describe the tone as "muddy". String articulation also stays in tact. Very important for me!!

Artists - Like I said, it reminds me most of the Siamese Dream sound. Perhaps one of the greatest tutorials on guitar fuzz. Whatever you may think of Billy Corgan he sure knows how to distort a guitar. Think My Bloody Valentine, Mudhoney, Mogwai, 90's alternative rock, SHOEGAZE....

Many of MG's pedals are made with NOS (new old stock) components and paper-in-oil capacitors. They are all made with top notch circuitry. You can trust you are getting a good product.

Seems reliable.

I have had no problem with any of the other MG pedals I own.

I would gig with it without a backup.

One thing to mention here...I read a review that expressed concern about the insides of some MG pedals. There is some sort of gluey substance that (I guess) acts as an adhesive on some of the parts in his pedals. I'm not sure what it's there for and I have not asked MG about it. Suffice it to say I have had no problem with it.

Some manufacturers put goopy stuff all over their circuits to hide the components they are using because they are afraid someone will copy them. MG does not do that. He is very open about what he puts in his pedals. It almost seems like something he is proud of.

To this point, MG (Marcelo Giangrande) has been the friendliest, most helpful and quick to respond person I have ever dealt with. He has responded quickly to every single e-mail I have sent. He has answered every question I have asked with grace and enthusiasm. Guys, he is super passionate about his work. It is VERY important to him that you are happy with his products and service.

If you are not happy with a product of his, he can modify it for you. He has twice asked if he could do that for me because he thought that I might not be happy with something. In both cases I was completely satisfied, but somehow the way I worded something made it seem like I wasn't satisfied. Talk about concern!

I love mentioning these next few things...

MG's pedals are so fun and artistic. This was the initial draw for me. They are meant create an emotional experience or mood just by looking at them. They incorporate humor. For example, this particular pedal has a McDonald's theme. It is yellow and red. It has the McDonald's logo on it with the name "MGMuffFeliz" through the center. On the back it reads: "100% Analog Burger...DEA informs Digital Sucks". I couldn't agree more!!

Obviously, this is not to say that you should buy a pedal because of its looks! No way! Go check out the sound samples of his pedals on his website: www dot mgmusic dot net backslash ingles. He is based out of Brazil.

AWESOME!!!

Contact me with any questions at my e-mail address:-)

Is very Hard to Dial up the needed sound.

Very Noisy !!! No low-end and high-end founded in the Original. When used w/ Power supplie the Noise is awful !

Not dealt'em

I play Hendrix and Santana.
This Muff is the Worst version than i ever seen before in my entire life. Test it so much before to buy one. Beware !

True Bypass Pedal.
3 knobs: Volume, tone , gain.

My setup is:
Guitars:
1- GRS (www.grscustom.com.br) Telecaster (Brazilian Mahogany Body, one piece Maple set neck, SD Little '59 on Bridge (inverted like hendrix) and RioGrande PunchBox on Neck
2- Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 1980 with VanZandt truebucker pickups
3- GRS Telecaster Thinline (Brazilian Mahogany Body and neck, Gibson 490T/R pickups


My amps is a Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122 (and sometimes I play through a Fender Hot Rod Deville 4x10 combo)


Cables: Georgel's .225


My setup:


Guitar >> MonoVibe >> The Drive >> MgMuffFeliz >> Fuzzyland >> RMC Wizard Wah >> Alien Booster >> Amp


I also use a VisualSound H2O and Guyatone MD-3 in fx loop

well well well.... It is a Fuzz pedal, based on Big Muff. But with this pedal, even on high gain you can clearly identify each note you play, what is not possible with the Big Muff. Awesome pedal. Very nice distortion/Fuzz box.

You can hear it on this music: http://www.boombeck.com.br/1.wma

The solo was: Fender American Tele > MgMusic The Drive > MgMusic MgMuffFeliz > MgMusic Alien Booster > Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122 (clean) and a little of delay mixed on fx loop (Guyatone MD-3, very short settings).

Build as a tank, with high quality components (new and NOS), what can you expect? :))

Marcelo is a great guy. My MOnoVibe pedal had some wrong sound when bypassed. I emailed him and I got an answer (solution) in a few hours (I do live far away from him... I live in Cuiaba and he lives in Sao Paulo (1500 miles away).

Great Pedal. Nice finish/paint... I'd kill someone if it were stolen.
If anybody wants, I can send pics of this pedal.... Just email me (boombeck@boombeck.com.br)