What is the MXR Randy Rhoads Special Edition Distortion+?

It is a faithful recreation of Randy Rhoads' original 1970s MXR Distortion+ pedal. It was developed with the Rhoads family to ensure historical and tonal accuracy.

What controls are found on the pedal?

The pedal features a simple two-knob interface consisting of Output and Distortion. These controls allow the user to adjust the overall volume and the amount of clipping applied to the signal.

How was the pedal's circuit developed?

The MXR team meticulously replicated the circuit of Randy Rhoads' personal pedal. They received direct input and access to the original unit from the Rhoads family.

What makes the design of this pedal unique?

The pedal features a custom finish inspired by Randy Rhoads' famous polka-dot guitar. It also comes packaged with an exclusive collector's booklet.

What kind of sound does this pedal produce?

It produces a raw, harmonically rich distortion with a vintage character. It is designed to deliver the specific grit and sustain heard in Randy Rhoads' legendary riffs and solos.

Is this pedal suitable for modern metal styles?

While designed for early 80s hard rock and metal, its classic hard-clipping sound is versatile. It can be used for various genres, though it lacks the extreme gain of modern 'djent' or death metal pedals.

How does it compare to the standard MXR Distortion+?

While the standard model is a general-purpose distortion, this version is specifically tuned to match Randy's personal unit. It also features unique aesthetics and collector's items not found with the standard version.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

The pedal typically retails for approximately GBP 149. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

What accessories come with the pedal?

The pedal includes an exclusive collector's booklet that provides historical context and details on Randy's tone. It follows standard MXR packaging for the unit itself.

Can this pedal be used for lead and rhythm playing?

Yes, it is designed to power both heavy rhythm riffs and soaring lead solos. Its harmonic richness helps it stand out in a full band mix.

Does this pedal require a noise gate?

Like most high-gain pedals, it may introduce some noise at maximum settings. Some players may choose to use a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor to keep their signal chain quiet during pauses.

Where is the MXR Randy Rhoads pedal manufactured?

It is manufactured by MXR, which is a brand under Jim Dunlop based in the United States. They are known for producing high-quality, durable guitar effects.

Gear article

MXR Randy Rhoads Special Edition Distortion+

The MXR Randy Rhoads Special Edition Distortion+ is a faithful recreation of the original effects pedal used by the legendary guitarist to define his signature heavy metal sound. Developed in direct collaboration with the Rhoads family, the pedal aims to replicate the raw, harmonically rich drive heard on classic recordings and live performances.

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Background and History

The MXR Distortion+ was a cornerstone of Randy Rhoads' signal chain during his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, providing the clipping and sustain required for his neoclassical metal style. This Special Edition version was created to pay homage to the late guitarist's legacy. The MXR team worked closely with the Rhoads family to access and study Randy’s own vintage Distortion+ unit, ensuring that the circuit specifications and component values matched the original as closely as possible.

Key Features and Design

The pedal is housed in a chassis featuring a unique aesthetic inspired by Randy Rhoads' iconic polka-dot guitar. Beyond the visual tribute, the pedal remains a functional tool for modern guitarists, adhering to the simple two-knob layout characteristic of the series: Output and Distortion.

Each unit includes an exclusive collector's booklet that details the history and development of the pedal, making it both a piece of musical equipment and a historical artifact for fans. The build quality reflects MXR’s standard for durability, suitable for both studio use and touring.

Sonic Characteristics

This pedal delivers a specific type of 'hard-clipping' distortion known for its raw, harmonically rich character. Unlike modern high-gain pedals that can sound overly compressed or 'fizzy', the Randy Rhoads Special Edition maintains the vintage grit and midrange focus that allowed Rhoads' riffs and solos to cut through a dense mix. It transitions from a mild overdrive at lower settings to a saturated, sustaining lead tone when pushed, capturing the essence of early 1980s hard rock.

Target Audience

The Randy Rhoads Special Edition is primarily aimed at two groups: tone-seeking guitarists who want to replicate the specific sound of the 'Blizzard of Ozz' era, and collectors of rock memorabilia. Because of its historical accuracy and the inclusion of the collector's booklet, it serves as a functional tribute to one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock and metal.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to a standard MXR Distortion+, this special edition is tailored to match a specific vintage unit rather than a general production model. While the standard version offers a similar circuit, the Randy Rhoads edition provides the exact tonal nuances associated with his rig.

Players looking for a different flavour of saturation might consider the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff for thicker fuzz, or the Boss DS-1 for a more modern Japanese-style clipping. However, for those specifically seeking the '80s neoclassical crunch, this pedal occupies a unique niche that other pedals, like the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus or Fender Hammertone Flanger, do not cover as they are modulation-focused.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MXR Randy Rhoads Special Edition Distortion+?: It is a faithful recreation of Randy Rhoads' original 1970s MXR Distortion+ pedal. It was developed with the Rhoads family to ensure historical and tonal accuracy.
What controls are found on the pedal?: The pedal features a simple two-knob interface consisting of Output and Distortion. These controls allow the user to adjust the overall volume and the amount of clipping applied to the signal.
How was the pedal's circuit developed?: The MXR team meticulously replicated the circuit of Randy Rhoads' personal pedal. They received direct input and access to the original unit from the Rhoads family.
What makes the design of this pedal unique?: The pedal features a custom finish inspired by Randy Rhoads' famous polka-dot guitar. It also comes packaged with an exclusive collector's booklet.
What kind of sound does this pedal produce?: It produces a raw, harmonically rich distortion with a vintage character. It is designed to deliver the specific grit and sustain heard in Randy Rhoads' legendary riffs and solos.
Is this pedal suitable for modern metal styles?: While designed for early 80s hard rock and metal, its classic hard-clipping sound is versatile. It can be used for various genres, though it lacks the extreme gain of modern 'djent' or death metal pedals.
How does it compare to the standard MXR Distortion+?: While the standard model is a general-purpose distortion, this version is specifically tuned to match Randy's personal unit. It also features unique aesthetics and collector's items not found with the standard version.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: The pedal typically retails for approximately GBP 149. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
What accessories come with the pedal?: The pedal includes an exclusive collector's booklet that provides historical context and details on Randy's tone. It follows standard MXR packaging for the unit itself.
Can this pedal be used for lead and rhythm playing?: Yes, it is designed to power both heavy rhythm riffs and soaring lead solos. Its harmonic richness helps it stand out in a full band mix.
Does this pedal require a noise gate?: Like most high-gain pedals, it may introduce some noise at maximum settings. Some players may choose to use a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor to keep their signal chain quiet during pauses.
Where is the MXR Randy Rhoads pedal manufactured?: It is manufactured by MXR, which is a brand under Jim Dunlop based in the United States. They are known for producing high-quality, durable guitar effects.