Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone?

wantsa58 · 10-12-2008, 12:07 AM

I was thinking about clearing out my pedal collection and grabbing an older MXR distortion +. I know Randy Rhoads used one, and that most of his "sound" came from it. Yeah i know he used a Marshall amp, but pretty much everyone I know says that his sound came from that ugly ass pedal.

I know the new Dunlop ones sound a lot different, so i was thinking about getting one from the early 80's ( without the led ) to get the sound. I know some swear by the "script" model pedals but I'm not going to spend that kind of cash.

Wow this question turned out to be long, I guess i want to know if anyone has experience with the older ones, and if anyone does, how do you like it?

screamingdaisy · 10-12-2008, 05:13 AM

I'm in a similar search myself, and currently using a modern Dist+. From what I've read, the 80's block logos are just as good as the script versions. I'm searching around trying to find someone who builds a clone, but most people seem to be cloning the DOD 250 as it's said to be a superior version of that circuit design.

You could also look for an older Ross Distortion pedal as it's along the same vein as the the Dist+/DOD 250.

rybass · 10-13-2008, 12:39 PM

BYOC has a 250 and distortion plus clone. You can pick what spec you want to build it to b/c they are very similar.

I have the reissue 250+ and love it. I sold my tubescreamer reissue after it was out classed.

Blues Power · 10-15-2008, 09:20 AM

I bought one back in 79 and used it on and off until about 99. I never really like it all too much. to me it was raspy and cold. as far as RR i think hed make anything sound good so i cant go by what he used

stonevibe · 11-05-2008, 06:38 PM

I have an old one, its a block logo though, no LED etc. I still have the original box and the old MXR sticker unused too!

Sounds pretty 70's rock to me, kind of mellow in comparison to today's distortion units.

I like it, but I don't use it very often to be honest.

madams17 · 11-05-2008, 07:36 PM

I have an older block logo pre-led version and I A/B'd it against several different pedals, and although it sounds ok, against some of the newer pedals it's a little thin sounding.

10-12-2008, 12:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
wantsa58 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 535 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone? I was thinking about clearing out my pedal collection and grabbing an older MXR distortion +. I know Randy Rhoads used one, and that most of his "sound" came from it. Yeah i know he used a Marshall amp, but pretty much everyone I know says that his sound came from that ugly ass pedal. I know the new Dunlop ones sound a lot different, so i was thinking about getting one from the early 80's ( without the led ) to get the sound. I know some swear by the "script" model pedals but I'm not going to spend that kind of cash. Wow this question turned out to be long, I guess i want to know if anyone has experience with the older ones, and if anyone does, how do you like it? __________________ Heritage Cherry Sunburst Epi Les Paul Standard Vintage Dimarzio Super Distortion pups 50's style wiring harness from Jonesy "MLP's Official Thread Pirate Plunderer" MLP Thread Pirates

10-12-2008, 05:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
screamingdaisy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 173 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone? I'm in a similar search myself, and currently using a modern Dist+. From what I've read, the 80's block logos are just as good as the script versions. I'm searching around trying to find someone who builds a clone, but most people seem to be cloning the DOD 250 as it's said to be a superior version of that circuit design. You could also look for an older Ross Distortion pedal as it's along the same vein as the the Dist+/DOD 250.

10-13-2008, 12:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
rybass Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NC Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone? BYOC has a 250 and distortion plus clone. You can pick what spec you want to build it to b/c they are very similar. I have the reissue 250+ and love it. I sold my tubescreamer reissue after it was out classed.

10-15-2008, 09:20 AM	#4 (permalink)
Blues Power V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hicksville Posts: 1,331 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone? I bought one back in 79 and used it on and off until about 99. I never really like it all too much. to me it was raspy and cold. as far as RR i think hed make anything sound good so i cant go by what he used __________________ http://www.soundclick.com/electricbluespower

11-05-2008, 06:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
stonevibe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Exeter Posts: 478 Thanks: 5 Thanked 11 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone? I have an old one, its a block logo though, no LED etc. I still have the original box and the old MXR sticker unused too! Sounds pretty 70's rock to me, kind of mellow in comparison to today's distortion units. I like it, but I don't use it very often to be honest.

Today
Les Paul	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on My Les Paul Forums

11-05-2008, 07:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
madams17 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 149 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Old MXR Distortion + for 70's rock tone? I have an older block logo pre-led version and I A/B'd it against several different pedals, and although it sounds ok, against some of the newer pedals it's a little thin sounding. __________________ Some Gibsons, Some Fenders, and some other stuff

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Help getting a good classic rock tone	jordy-77	Tonefreaks	25	07-14-2008 12:06 AM
78 Greco+70's Dimarzio distortion=Vintage heaven!	BONEDADY1068	Other Les Pauls	13	06-09-2008 11:43 PM
FS:Bonnie Blue overdrive pedal(Allman tone) nos 70's Bill Lawrence L90XL pu	porterburst	Member Classifieds	2	05-04-2008 01:37 AM
FS: Bill Lawrence vintage original 70's tone L/Q Filters	porterburst	Member Classifieds	3	04-25-2008 08:17 PM
rock 'n' roll tone	mattfeltham	Pickups	1	03-16-2008 10:18 AM