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Average Price: $311

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$80

$181+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your guitar's potential with the MXR MX-142 Distortion II, a pedal that brings a classic edge to your sound. Designed for musicians seeking a dynamic range of distortion tones, this pedal is a powerhouse of sonic versatility. The MXR MX-142 is crafted to deliver everything from subtle overdrive to full-throttle fuzz, making it an essential tool for any guitarist looking to explore diverse musical landscapes. The heart of the Distortion II is its unique dual-stage circuit, which allows for a seamless transition between warm, creamy tones and aggressive, punchy distortions.

Whether you're playing blues, rock, or metal, this pedal adapts effortlessly to your playing style. The MXR MX-142 also features intuitive controls for gain, tone, and level, providing precise modulation and letting you sculpt your sound with ease. Its rugged construction ensures durability for both stage and studio use, while true bypass switching keeps your tone intact when the pedal is not engaged.

Key Features:

  • Dual-stage circuit for versatile distortion tones
  • Controls for gain, tone, and level to shape your sound
  • True bypass switching for pure tone preservation
  • Durable build suitable for live and studio settings
  • Capable of producing a wide range of distortion effects

Product specs

Brand MXR
Model MX-142 Distortion II
Finish Yellow
Year 1979 - 1984
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What kind of power supply does the MXR MX-142 Distortion II require?

The MXR MX-142 Distortion II typically requires a standard 9V battery or a compatible 9V power adapter for operation.

How does the MXR MX-142 Distortion II differ from other distortion pedals?

The MXR MX-142 Distortion II offers a unique tonal character with a vintage sound profile, often described as warm and rich, distinguishing it from more modern distortion pedals that may have a sharper edge.

Is the MXR MX-142 Distortion II suitable for use with bass guitars?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the MXR MX-142 Distortion II can be used with bass guitars, though it may alter the low-end frequencies more than bass-specific pedals.

What are the main tonal characteristics of the MXR MX-142 Distortion II?

The MXR MX-142 Distortion II is known for its warm, vintage distortion tones, making it ideal for classic rock and blues styles.

Does the MXR MX-142 Distortion II work well in a pedal chain with other effects?

Yes, the MXR MX-142 Distortion II integrates well into a pedal chain, providing smooth and consistent distortion that complements other effects like reverb and delay.

daCod77

daCod77

MXR Distortion II

Video thumbnail for MXR Distortion II by daCod77

MXR Distortion II

daCod77

daCod77

Video thumbnail for MXR distortion II by SENSHO1500

MXR distortion II

SENSHO1500

SENSHO1500

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates an overdriven half stack with unique sound

  • Works well in a chain for specific tone recreation (e.g., Smashing Pumpkins)

  • Can be used as an amp simulator

  • Offers a distinctive punch like a stack type amp

  • Cult following, indicating a special appeal to some musicians

CONS

  • Requires more power, complicating setup

  • Not effective as a standalone distortion; needs pairing to shine

  • Can sound muddy without additional brightening effects

  • Internal transformer can introduce unwanted noise

  • Might be seen as too basic for those seeking advanced features

Add

3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

I didn't get this at the tie

I suspect I really missed the boat on this pedal when I had it. Its one of the earliest stack in a box pedals and one of the knobs is supposed to emulate the thump of a 4x12. Iw as unaware of this and Iw as expecting a better distortion+. Not only didn't it deliver that but the little transformer housed inside makes this pedal hugely noisy unless you mod it for a wall wart. If you think the MXR and DOD modualtions and delays with AC power chords are hissy and hummy then wait'll you get a load of a gain boosting circuit with a power transformer right next to the PCB. Bad idea. I still wish I had given this pedal more of a chance because it has quite a cult following and that doesn't usually happen with garbage gear. I eve know of a guy in one of DIY groups who build himself a practice amp that's just a low wattage mosfet power amp with a distortion II stapled to it as the preamp. WOW... dude swears its the best hard rock practice amp and that ti delivers all those boston, cheap trick and cars type of sounds. Still haven't heard a demo, but it makes me wanna build a distortion II with a boss power adapter. I always remember it being pretty generic though... perhaps it manages to be generically great?

sprucebringsteen

I got a friend that builds em, I can ask and send one to you

jimmarchi1

@sprucebringsteen hmmm, well I never turn down a gift ;) I've actually never taken a look at the schematic on this, I just remember not bonding with it when I had it, but I think I maybe just couldn't get past the PSU noise, which was pretty annoying out front of a marshall, the old marshalls are pretty susceptible to noise already.

tansoffthewall

Old school rock distortion

I have this pedal and it is a pretty basic distortion pedal. If you're looking for an old school distortion effect, this is the pedal for you.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses MXR MX-142 Distortion II

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:14 minute mark, Corgan showed his MXR Distortion II pedal.

See how Amedeo Pace uses MXR MX-142 Distortion II

Amedeo Pace

Guitarist

Blonde Redhead

...
Verified via Amateurchemist

In this 2007 concert review, a picture of Pace's pedalboard is visible. Another source is here. A pedal that we can see in his pedalboard is MXR Distortion II.

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses MXR MX-142 Distortion II

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Twitter

In this tweet, Jeramy shows his MXR Distortion II effect pedal.

See how Kazu Makino uses MXR MX-142 Distortion II

Kazu Makino

Guitarist

Blonde Redhead

...
Verified via Photo

An MXR distortion II is seen on her guitar pedalboard

D

Devin Ocampo

Guitarist

Faraquet

...
Verified via Photo

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Devin's rig includes a MXR Distortion II as his second pedal on his pedalboard.

See how TELECASOUND uses MXR MX-142 Distortion II

TELECASOUND

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

The MXR MX-142 Distortion II pedal has been consistently seen on TELECASOUND's board for several years, as evidenced by a photograph showing its presence, and is likely a key component in the distorted tones heard in “It’s Raining After All.” And possibly beyond

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MXR MX-142 Distortion II, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Mu-Tron C-200 Volume-Wah
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3 alternative and related items for MXR MX-142 Distortion II, curated by the Equipboard community.

MadeByMike Dist2

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

http://www.madebymike.co.uk/dist2.shtml Website specifically mentions being based on this pedal.

PastFx DISTORTiiON

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A modernized and expanded version of the MXR Distortion II circuit.

More MXR Distortion Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856