Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (107)
$229.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (22)
$229.99
Amazon
4.8 (35)
$229.99 New
$213.89 Used (Like New)

Average Price: $230

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "MXR 5150". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the iconic power of Eddie Van Halen’s legendary tone with the MXR 5150 Overdrive pedal. Designed in partnership with the guitar virtuoso himself, this pedal is a powerhouse that delivers the quintessential EVH Blue Channel sound right at your feet. Whether you're aiming for the vintage crunch of early Van Halen or a modern, high-gain punch, the 5150 Overdrive has you covered.

The pedal features a comprehensive 3-band EQ, allowing you to sculpt your tone with precision, while the onboard +6dB Boost adds extra punch and sustain to your sound, ideal for cutting through the mix in any live or studio setting. Need to keep things tight and noise-free? The intelligent Gate function ensures clarity by eliminating unwanted noise, adjusting dynamically to your playing style. With true-bypass switching, your original tone remains pristine when the pedal is disengaged.

Built to withstand the rigors of the road, the MXR 5150 Overdrive is housed in a durable casing featuring custom EVH artwork, making it as visually striking as it is sonically powerful. Whether you're a shredder, rocker, or tone chaser, this pedal is a must-have tool for any serious guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Overdrive pedal inspired by the EVH 5150 amplifier's Blue Channel
  • Comprehensive 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping
  • Onboard +6dB Boost for enhanced gain and compression
  • Intelligent noise gate adapts to playing dynamics
  • True-bypass operation for clean signal integrity
  • Compatible with 9-volt battery or power supply

Product specs

Pedal Type Overdrive
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching True Hardwire
Power Source 9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 1.5"
Width 5"
Depth 3.75"

FAQs

What type of power supply does the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal require?

The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a 9V battery.

Is the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal suitable for playing heavy metal music?

Yes, the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal is designed to deliver the high-gain, articulate sound that is ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres.

Does the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal have true bypass switching?

Yes, the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal features true hardwire bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains unaltered when the pedal is not in use.

Can the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal be used with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal can be used with a bass guitar to achieve a unique overdriven tone, although results may vary based on personal preference.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

Video thumbnail for MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for MXR EVH 5150 Pedal Demo by Andertons Music Co

MXR EVH 5150 Pedal Demo

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive by Ola Englund

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for MXR 5150 - Review by EytschPi42

MXR 5150 - Review

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Big Hairy Guitars - MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Big Hairy Guitars - MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for MXR 5150 Overdrive Pedal (EVH In A Box?) by Elmo Karjalainen

MXR 5150 Overdrive Pedal (EVH In A Box?)

Elmo Karjalainen

Elmo Karjalainen

Video thumbnail for MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal Review - How Does It Compare?? by Mad Man Music

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Pedal Review - How Does It Compare??

Mad Man Music

Mad Man Music

Video thumbnail for TONE THURSDAY: MXR EVH 5150 Demo - The Ultimate Distortion Pedal? by Music Bliss Malaysia

TONE THURSDAY: MXR EVH 5150 Demo - The Ultimate Distortion Pedal?

Music Bliss Malaysia

Music Bliss Malaysia

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR 5150.

Features and functionality

  • The built-in noise gate and boost functions are highly praised for their convenience and effectiveness, particularly in tight, high-gain settings.

    Source
  • The pedal is described as offering a "5150 Blue channel in a box," capable of both classic and modern chugs.

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  • The boost function is subtle, functioning more as a compression toggle rather than a volume increase.

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  • The adjustable built-in noise gate is praised for maintaining a clean sound.

    Source
  • The MXR 5150's boost button is mentioned as beneficial but would be more user-friendly with an additional footswitch for ease of access during performances.

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Use cases and applications

  • Users achieve a Black Dahlia Murder death metal tone by running the pedal into a clean Marshall DSL, emphasizing its compatibility with clean channels for metal genres.

    Source
  • The pedal is favored for achieving Gojira-like tones when settings are left at noon, with gain adjusted slightly higher, highlighting its versatility across metal subgenres.

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  • The MXR 5150 can be used as a preamp when run through the effects loop return of an amp, providing a unique tonal option.

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User experience

  • Owners report the pedal excels in producing a tight, chugging sound when used in the drive channel of a clean amp.

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  • One owner regrets selling the pedal despite owning high-end amps like the 5150 and 6505+, indicating its unique value.

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  • Owners highlight the potential for the 5150 to have a "slicing tone" with more presence in the upper mids and high end, suitable for cutting through mixes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the EVH 5150 pedal is preferred for its high-gain sound, some consider alternatives like the Joyo or Mooer for different tonal qualities and price points.

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  • Some enthusiasts pair the MXR EVH 5150 with the MXR EVH Phase 90 for complementary tonal effects.

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  • The MXR 5150 is noted for its mid-control knob, which offers more tonal versatility compared to the Friedman BE-OD's fixed midrange settings.

    Source
  • The Friedman BE-OD is described as having a "smoother" sound, whereas the MXR 5150 is perceived as having more "hair" or "grit" in its tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive captures the essence of Eddie Van Halen's iconic sound while offering a versatile range of tones suitable for all rock enthusiasts. Designed with input from Van Halen himself, this pedal delivers powerful, high-gain distortion with impressive clarity and articulation. The onboard EQ and Smart Gate features further enhance its adaptability, making it a strong contender against many boutique alternatives. However, its price point may be a hurdle for some budget-conscious buyers. Overall, it's a well-crafted pedal that justifies its cost with its ability to achieve and exceed the legendary "Brown Sound."

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