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Description

Revive the classic, untamed sounds of the '70s with the MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue—a fuzz effects pedal that brings a unique blend of octave-down and distortion magic to your fingertips. Known for its distinctive unpredictability, this pedal is a favorite among experimental guitarists who crave a sonic adventure. The Script Reissue faithfully recreates the vintage circuitry, offering a raw, analog fuzz that's perfect for crafting those wild, chaotic tones.

Housed in a compact, sturdy enclosure, the Blue Box is ready for the rigors of the road. Featuring just two simple controls—Output and Blend—this pedal lets you effortlessly dial in everything from subtle grit to full-blown sonic chaos. The Blend control allows you to mix the fuzz with the octave-down signal, giving you versatile tonal possibilities that range from thick, rich textures to otherworldly sonic landscapes.

Whether you're looking to add depth to your solos or give your rhythm playing a quirky twist, the MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue delivers a timeless fuzz experience that refuses to play by the rules. Plug it in, crank it up, and let the unpredictable journey begin.

Key Features:

  • Classic octave-down and fuzz combination
  • Faithful reissue of the original '70s script logo design
  • Sturdy, compact construction for durability
  • Simple two-control interface for easy tone shaping

Product specs

Brand MXR
Model M103 Script Blue Box Reissue
Finish Blue
Year 2000s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue?

The MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue delivers a unique blend of fuzz and octave-down effects, producing a thick and chaotic sound ideal for experimental and psychedelic music styles.

Is the MXR Blue Box M103 suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the MXR Blue Box M103 can be used with both guitar and bass, offering a distinctive octave-fuzz effect that adds depth and character to either instrument.

What power supply does the MXR Blue Box M103 require?

The MXR Blue Box M103 operates on a standard 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power supply, making it compatible with most pedalboard power solutions.

How does the MXR Blue Box M103 differ from other fuzz pedals?

Unlike typical fuzz pedals, the MXR Blue Box M103 includes an octave-down effect, which adds a sub-octave layer to the fuzz, resulting in a more complex and textured sound.

Does the MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue have true bypass?

Yes, the MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue features true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not in use.

Pablo Olivera

Pablo Olivera

MXR Blue Box Fuzz Octavador Script Logo 70's Reissue Venta Instrumentos Vintage Olimusic

Video thumbnail for MXR Blue Box Fuzz Octavador Script Logo 70's Reissue Venta Instrumentos Vintage Olimusic by Pablo Olivera

MXR Blue Box Fuzz Octavador Script Logo 70's Reissue Venta Instrumentos Vintage Olimusic

Pablo Olivera

Pablo Olivera

Video thumbnail for MXR Blue Box Script Re Issue by Guitar Bazaar

MXR Blue Box Script Re Issue

Guitar Bazaar

Guitar Bazaar

Reviews

PROS

  • Reproduces the 1970's MXR circuit for a vintage sound experience

  • Produces unique "8bit blip bloops" and warm fuzz tones

  • Offers a -2 octave blend for diverse soundscapes

  • Best results with single coils or soft neck humbuckers

  • Enhances "crunchiness" when paired with DS-1 or Plume pedals

  • Warm tones more organic than a whammy with fuzz

CONS

  • Less abrasive fuzz compared to block letter version

  • Modded version doesn't significantly enhance playability or versatility

  • Doesn't pair well with high gain humbuckers

  • Requires positioning before other pedals for optimal sound

  • Output level is mild, may need volume adjustment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue.

Use cases and applications

  • Works well when run into other overdrive or fuzz pedals, such as a Turbo Rat, for an expanded tonal palette.

    Source
  • Owners report the pedal excels with heavy reverb and delay, creating orchestral swells and glitchy synth-like sounds, particularly effective with long delay and shimmer verb setups.

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  • When paired with a Korg Monotron, the Blue Box acts as an effective sub-oscillator, tracking the Monotron's oscillator perfectly.

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  • It produces an 8-bit-esque effect ideal for video game melodies and works well with a wah pedal for crazy sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner, who possesses multiple units, emphasizes the pedal's irreplaceability, noting its extensive use by Sonic Youth for distinct riff creation.

    Source
  • Some owners report the Blue Box sounds huge when paired with a Big Muff, though it’s decent on its own.

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  • The pedal can produce great glitchy effects but has limited usefulness and poor tracking, making it a "one-trick pony".

    Source

Build quality

  • The script reissue is highlighted for achieving unity volume around 2:00, with a better fuzz tone and improved bypass compared to earlier block logo versions.

    Source
  • Older versions have a 1/8" power jack and poor bypass, with the volume knob needing to be almost maxed for unity gain.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Keeley mod is mentioned offering a three-position toggle for stock, more stable octaves, and glitchier settings, all providing increased volume.

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  • Adding a switch to toggle between -2/-1 octaves enhances versatility; simple yet effective modification.

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  • Removing capacitor C11 can address the volume drop issue, making the pedal louder with minimal tone change.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note that the Blue Box resembles a "defective OC-2" due to its poor tracking, which contributes to its unique charm and character.

    Source
  • The Reuss Evil Twin combines the Blue Box and Distortion+ circuits, offering superior versatility in a single pedal.

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  • The Catalinbread Perseus offers a similar but better octave-down fuzz experience than the Blue Box, albeit at a higher price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The right knob offers a range from pure two octaves down to pure clean signal, providing a wide variety of tones between these extremes.

    Source
  • The MXR Blue Box is a fuzz pedal with a unique 2-octave down blend, not a traditional octave pedal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Better tracking can be achieved using the neck pickup with the tone control fully rolled back.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via YouTube

At 27:44 in the Making Of The Resistance documentary, during the recording of the track MK Ultra, Matt is experimenting with different octave effects. The camera then moves up to faintly show an MXR Blue Box on the table where Matt is adjusting the pedal.

Album Usage

The MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for MXR Blue Box M103 Script Reissue, curated by the Equipboard community.

MXR MX-103 Blue Box (Vintage - Script Logo)

$99.99 - $189.00

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