One of the originators and leading innovators of guitar effects, the MXR brand is responsible for some of the most classic tones in all of recorded guitar history. Name a guitar player and chances are they have used, or still use a MXR guitar pedal in the rig to this day. MXR guitar pedals such as the Phase 90, a phase shifting pedal that transformed the sound of country music and rock guitar in the 70’s. Listen to the Distortion plus in the Blizzard of Oz album and you’ll know why it was popular. The Dyna Comp Compressor helped the revival of disco and funk guitar in the 70’s and 80’s. The Blue Box fuzz is a classic octave fuzz that was famously used on Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in the Rain” solo. Of those classic pedals, the MXR brand has built an empire of pedals, including loop and flanger pedals, that have shaped sound for the last few generations of guitar players. Adding to the classic line of pedals includes famous MXR guitar pedal designs like the Carbon Copy analog delay pedal, Six and Ten Band EQ, M300 Reverb, Flanger, Sub Machine, Carbon Copy Deluxe, Micro Amp and Micro Amp plus pedal to name a few of their legendary designs. Guitar players often choose MXR guitar pedals not only because of their sounds, but also because of their durability and reliability in use. They are made of very durable materials, which help them withstand the rugged use of being constantly stepped on and used hard.
Players such as Eddie Van Halen, Rhandy Rhoads, John Frusciante, Waylon Jennings, Zakk Wylde, Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell, Eric Gales, Billie Joe Armstrong, Billy Gibbons, Buddy Guy, Slash, Billy Corgan, and Eric Johnson are all notable users of MXR designs and many even have had their own signature pedals with the company. Using these pedals to enhance their cranked amplifier tone or to give a slight modulation to their signal, professionals and amateurs alike will use MXR guitar pedal designs over many others. With the Jim Dunlop company purchasing the rights to manufacture and distribute MXR guitar effects, it opened up many different opportunities for MXR to continue production on their famous models, but also allow them to work with artists on recreating classic sounds that have been out of production. If you look at many players, from hobbyists to professional tour level and studio aces all use MXR effects in their signal chain. Many ask, why would I choose production level pedals over higher end boutique pedals for my rig? The answer is simple, many of those boutique pedals are just recreations of these MXR pedals. The quality of sound and overall durability has stood the test of time, and although boutique pedals offer some of the highest quality in the industry, MXR guitar pedals still hold the reins on quality and durability. XR continues to be a powerhouse in the world of guitar effects pedals. Whether it be stomp boxes, rackmount or any iteration you can think of, MXR has you and your tone’s best interest in mind.