Introduction
In the world of guitar effects pedals, few names carry the weight and prestige of MXR. MXR has been synonymous with innovation and quality for over four decades, shaping the sound of countless guitarists across genres. Among their impressive lineup of pedals, one stands out as a true icon: the MXR Distortion+. Since its introduction in the 1970s, the Distortion+ has become a staple for musicians seeking raw, powerful, and versatile distortion tones. Join us on a journey through the rich history of this legendary guitar pedal.
Birth of the Distortion+
In 1973, MXR engineer and founder Keith Barr set out to create a pedal that could deliver the cranked-up, high-gain tones of a fully driven tube amplifier. The result was the MXR Distortion+, a compact stompbox that forever changed the landscape of guitar effects. With its distinctive bright orange enclosure, simple three-knob layout, and robust build quality, the Distortion+ became an instant hit among guitarists seeking heavier, more aggressive tones.
Early Adoption and Influential Users
As the MXR Distortion+ hit the market, it quickly caught the attention of many prominent guitarists, including Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, and Jerry Garcia, among others. These early adopters helped to establish the pedal’s reputation as a versatile and reliable tone-shaping tool. Rhoads, in particular, relied heavily on the Distortion+ to achieve his signature searing lead tones with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot, further solidifying the pedal’s place in rock and metal history.
Tone and Circuit Design
The Distortion+ is known for its unique tonal characteristics. Its simple control layout includes Output, Tone, and Distortion knobs, allowing musicians to dial in their desired levels of gain, brightness, and overall output. The Distortion+ operates on a single op-amp circuit design, providing a raw, dynamic response that many guitarists adore. This simplicity and transparency make it an excellent platform for boosting tube amps, driving them into glorious saturation, and delivering the coveted “amp in a box” tones.
Enduring Legacy and Variations
The MXR Distortion+ has remained a mainstay on pedalboards worldwide, captivating guitarists with its timeless sound. Recognizing its popularity, MXR has released several variations and reissues of the original pedal, including the Distortion+ ’78, the Distortion+ Script, and the Custom Shop Handwired Distortion+. These variants retain the core essence of the original while offering additional features and improved reliability.
Influence on Guitar Culture
The Distortion+ played a significant role in shaping the sound of numerous musical genres, ranging from hard rock and heavy metal to punk, alternative, and beyond. Its distinctive voice and versatility made it an indispensable tool for countless guitarists, inspiring generations of musicians to explore the boundaries of sonic expression. Even today, in the digital modeling and amp simulation age, the MXR Distortion+ remains highly sought after, a testament to its enduring impact.
Conclusion
The MXR Distortion+ has solidified its place as an iconic guitar pedal that has shaped the sound of music for over four decades. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its continued relevance in the present day, this legendary stompbox has left an indelible mark on guitar culture. Whether you seek searing lead tones, chunky rhythm guitar sounds, or an extra kick for your tube amplifier, the Distortion+ offers a rich palette of high-gain possibilities. As we celebrate the history and influence of this groundbreaking pedal, we can’t help but be grateful for the MXR. The IridiumFX D++ is an inspired evolution of the classic yellow box. If you’d like to explore the sound, check out our take on the legend!