MXR Guitar Pedals
MXR is a well-known guitar pedals maker that is renowned for its premium, long-lasting, and multifunctional stompboxes. The business was started in 1972 by Keith Barr and Terry Sherwood in Rochester, New York. The two buddies initially founded the business to create unique instruments for nearby artists, but they quickly expanded to create their own line of pedals.
The Phase 90 was the first MXR pedal, a small, easy-to-use phaser effect that quickly gained popularity among guitarists. The Phase 90's variable speed control allowed musicians to select the precise amount of phase shift they desired while also producing a swirling, swooshing sound. The pedal gained popularity fast and was a mainstay of the rock scene in the 1970s.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, MXR continued to produce cutting-edge pedals, such as the Flanger, Distortion+ overdrive, and Dyna Comp compressor. The Distortion+ produced a gritty, distorted tone that could be heard on innumerable rock songs, while the Dyna Comp was a compressor that helped to balance out the loudness levels of notes and chords. Pink Floyd and Van Halen, among other musicians, have both used the Flanger effect, which mimics the sound of a jet engine accelerating.
Dunlop, a maker of musical instrument accessories, bought the company name and products after MXR went bankrupt in 1984. Dunlop kept making MXR pedals with the same level of quality and creativity that had made them so well-liked. The MXR Carbon Copy analogue delay, one of the most significant pedals launched during this time, provided warm, luscious delay tones in a portable, dependable device. Since then, the Carbon Copy has grown to be one of the most well-liked delay pedals available.
MXR has been releasing both new pedal innovations and vintage versions from its heritage in recent years. The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive, created in association with renowned guitarist Eddie Van Halen, is one of the most prominent new pedals. A versatile pedal, the 5150 Overdrive can create a variety of sounds, from subtle overdrive to overt distortion.
MXR has worked with many artists creating pedals including the instantly collectable Dookie Drive based on Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong's two vintage Marshall amplifiers used on their break through album Dookie.
Another pedal of note that was only produced for a relatively short period and has the potential to become quite collectable is the Tom Morello Power 50 Drive, which is based around Tom's amp set up.
In recent years, MXR has also released new versions of some vintage pedals, such the Phase 90 and the Dyna Comp. The pedals have been redesigned with more durable parts and the same circuitry and sound as the original ones.
MXR has a long history of creating creative, high-quality pedals that have been used by countless performers across a variety of genres. One of the most reputable brands in the guitar pedal industry, the company prides itself on quality and creativity. There is an MXR pedal that can help you get the sound you want whether you are a beginning or seasoned musician.