The Tall Font Russian has been a mainstay in the Wren and Cuff line of Muff recreations since the late 2000s. It has toured the world on countless pedalboards, appearing on stages everywhere from tiny clubs to some of the biggest arenas in the world.

One of Matt’s first true replication-based pedal designs, the Tall Font Russian was created using actual measured component values rather than relying solely on a schematic. It is a part-for-part recreation of one of his favorite Big Muff® pedals: a transitional-model “Tall Font” Sovtek®-era Muffs known for its comparatively low-gain grind, throaty growl, and greatly reduced output compared with its American ancestors and even other generations of the Sovtek era.

Matt discovered that what was once considered one of the worst versions of the Sovtek circuit was actually one of the best choices for players looking for something between a Muff and an overdrive. It retains excellent definition, has a milder mid-scoop, and responds with a more controlled, articulate character.

And on bass? Its tone and response mesh beautifully with the instrument’s low frequencies without becoming flabby and smeared.

The Tall Font Russian retained all of these traits while delivering them in a compact, high-quality enclosure. It quickly became an instant classic during the early years of the boutique pedal boom.

The XTS version of the Tall Font keeps all of that tone while shrinking the circuit into an even smaller footprint. It is perfect for crowded pedalboards, or for anyone who simply loves the look and feel of a pedal that can easily fit in the palm of your hand.

Did we follow the route some have taken and reduce the quality and reliability along with the size when creating a micro-pedal? Hell no.

This pedal is built to the same high standards of quality and reliability as every other pedal in the Wren and Cuff line, and it is every bit as ready for the road.

Big Muff® and Sovtek® are registered trademarks of New Sensor Corporation. Electro-Harmonix, New Sensor Corporation, and Sovtek are not affiliated with or endorsed by Wren and Cuff.

Specs:

Power: 9VDC neg tip adapter, 2.1 mm barrel (Typical effects pedal power supply)

Current draw: 8mA

Dims: 3.7” x 1.6” x 2” (L x W x H)

Weight: 6.9 oz

(Videos below are for the original Tall Font Russian)