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MXR MX-104 Distortion + (Vintage Model - Block Logo)

MXR MX-104 Distortion + (Vintage Model - Block Logo)

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$90.00 to $99.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (34)

1 Critic Review

7 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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MXR M104 Distortion+

$77.80 - $99.99

4.5 (117)

Find out who is using MXR M-104 (Late 1970s)

2 community setups

9 wishlisted

67 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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4.5 (24)

$99.99

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4.5 (20)

$99.99

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5.0 (34)

$99.00 101 available Used

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4.0 (106)

$99.99

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4.5 (10)

$99.99

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$90.00

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£99.00

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Average Price: $98

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, MXR MX-104 Distortion + (Vintage Model - Block Logo) is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

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Description

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Unleash the vintage fury of the late 1970s with the MXR M-104 Distortion +, a pedal that has etched its place in rock history. Revered by icons like Randy Rhoads and Bob Mould, this classic distortion pedal offers a sonic palette ranging from subtle overdrive to all-out fuzz. Its charm lies in its simplicity, featuring just two knobs: Output and Distortion. Twisting these knobs opens up a world of gritty textures, making it a favorite for those who appreciate tone without the frills.

The MXR M-104 Distortion + is built for musicians who crave pure, analog distortion. The pedal's vintage germanium diodes deliver that signature warmth and character, ensuring your guitar cuts through the mix with authority. Whether you're gently pushing your amp or turning up the heat for a searing solo, this pedal responds with remarkable nuance and sensitivity.

Its compact design makes it a perfect fit for any pedalboard, marrying the convenience of modern gear with the unmistakable sound of yesteryear. Ideal for both studio setups and live performances, the MXR M-104 Distortion + remains a testament to the timeless appeal of analog distortion.

Key Features:

Classic distortion pedal from the late 1970s
Simple two-knob operation: Output and Distortion
Features vintage germanium diodes for authentic tone
Compact design fits easily on any pedalboard
Trusted by legendary guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Bob Mould
Suitable for various music styles, from subtle overdrive to intense fuzz

Owner's manual

MXR MX-104 Distortion + (Vintage Model - Block Logo) User Manual

Product specs

Brand	MXR
Model	MX-104 Block Distortion +
Finish	Yellow
Year	1975 - 1984
Made In	United States
Categories	Distortion Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What type of distortion does the MXR M-104 Distortion + produce?: The MXR M-104 Distortion + is known for its classic, gritty distortion that adds a warm, vintage character to your sound, ideal for rock and blues genres.
Is the MXR M-104 Distortion + suitable for use with a bass guitar?: While primarily designed for electric guitars, the MXR M-104 Distortion + can be used with a bass guitar, though it may result in some low-end loss due to its mid-focused distortion.
Does the MXR M-104 Distortion + require a power supply?: The late 1970s model of the MXR M-104 Distortion + operates solely on a 9V battery, as it does not have an AC adapter input.
How does the MXR M-104 Distortion + compare to modern distortion pedals?: The MXR M-104 Distortion + offers a more vintage, raw distortion sound compared to modern pedals, which often provide more tonal shaping options and higher gain levels.
Can the MXR M-104 Distortion + be used for live performances?: Yes, the MXR M-104 Distortion + is well-suited for live performances, providing a reliable, classic distortion tone that cuts through the mix effectively.

Videos

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Johan Segeborn

MXR Distortion + ORIGINAL vs REISSUE!

Johan Segeborn

Stomp Box Shootout. MXR Distortion plus new vs vintage

Ron McCann

1981 MXR Distortion +

shnobel

demo of MXR distortion + vintage of 1978

Mathieu Millet

MXR Distortion + : primitive mais intense!

RockologieTV

Current MXR Distortion + (Block Logo) / Vintage MXR Distortion + (1979 Block Logo) Shoot-Out!

The SoCal Riff Ranch

Vintage 1980 MXR Distortion+ block logo demo

DeuceII

Reviews

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PROS

Offers versatile use as distortion, overdrive, or boost
Classic 1970s tone with warmth and brightness
Balanced, clear sound even at high settings
Unique character with smooth fuzz when used as overdrive
Customizable with different diodes for varied tones
Notably used by famous artists like Slash

CONS

Limited bandwidth and compression with germanium diodes
Can sound fizzy at high distortion levels
Impractical and inconvenient for modern setups (e.g., no 9v power, no LED)
Sound may not have the "muscle" compared to similar pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR MX-104 Distortion + (Vintage Model - Block Logo).

Mods and upgrades

1 0

Owners experimenting with pedal building appreciate the simple engineering and modify circuits to adjust diode and capacitor values, influencing the tone.
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0 0

Owners recommend pairing the Distortion + with a Tube Screamer to tame high frequencies and boost power chords or solos.
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Owners have drilled holes in the casing for a 9V power jack, although this is controversial among purists who prefer preserving the original state.
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Build quality

1 0

The original block letter version is surprisingly heavy and durable, with a patina that adds character after decades of use.
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0 0

Some vintage models include a rubber cover for knobs, likely designed to facilitate adjustments with feet during performances.
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User experience

1 0

The pedal's germanium diodes contribute to a fuzz-like sound at maximum distortion, with rich harmonics and clarity in chord notes.
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0 0

Pairing the Distortion + with a Micro Amp before it in the chain acts as a gain control without increasing volume, offering a unique tonal option.
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0 0

Vintage units are sometimes described as "tone sucky," suggesting the need for use within a loop to maintain sound quality on pedalboards.
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Comparisons

0 0

Ross Distortion, an alternative with similar circuitry, is noted for less fizziness and more crunch compared to the Distortion +.
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0 0

Users often compare the Distortion + to the Pro Co RAT, noting the RAT offers a smoother distortion, which some prefer over the harsher sound of the Distortion +.
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0 0

The MXR Distortion + is often compared to the DOD 250, with some owners having experience with both models.
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Use cases and applications

0 0

Works exceptionally well as a boost or distortion with high gain Marshalls, particularly for Randy Rhoads fans seeking that classic tone.
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0 0

The pedal is praised for its gritty, grunge-like tone, making it ideal for indie, grunge, and lo-fi music styles.
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Setup and maintenance

0 0

Foam inside the pedal often disintegrates after years, requiring cleaning and protective measures to prevent accidental grounding.
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Value and pricing

0 0

The Whirlwind Yellow Box is suggested as a cheaper alternative, replicating the original script circuit with added features like an LED and true bypass.
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Features and functionality

0 0

The vintage MXR M104 Distortion + lacks both a power plug and an LED indicator, requiring frequent battery changes for operation.
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0 0

The MXR M104 Distortion +, especially the block logo model, is known for its bright, treble-heavy sound due to the lack of a tone control.
Source

Critic Reviews

All Hail the MXR Distortion + - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The MXR M-104 Distortion + (Late 1970s Model) is heralded as a resilient and affordable classic. While not the flashiest pedal, it offers raw, vintage tones from the '60s to '80s, ideal for those seeking gritty sound on a budget. Its simplicity, with just an output and distortion control, is both a charm and a limitation, offering modest gain and treble boost. This makes it a favorite for modders, leading to potential custom enhancements. Though it lacks the headroom of modern pedals, its enduring appeal is validated by iconic users like Randy Rhoads and Jerry Garcia.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 34 Ratings

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1 star

matty_slabz

500

almost 7 years ago

Different kettle of fish...

I've personally never got on with the ubiquitious Boss DS-1, so originally started with the reissue MXR Distortion +. I later moved to the (handmade) Whirlwind Gold Box (modern features; true bypass/LED) before eventually finding a 79/80 model. It's impractical, it's inconvenient (no 9v power, no LED etc.) but it's a different kettle of fish and 'that' 70's tone. It's got the brightness/high mid that I liked about the reissue vs. other Distortion circuits but another level of tone and warmth. This is my holy grail distortion sound.

Roles:

Guitarist Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Hip Hop Folk, World, & Country

alex_cavani

249

over 6 years ago

My main distortion.

I'n in love with the sound of this pedal since the first day: it's not only a distortion pedal, you can use it also like an overdrive or a boost with a crunchy tone. But I usually use it with all the settings on the max and the result is a great fuzzy distortion very balanced and clear. On the track "Sipario" I use this last setting and also the "overdrive" setting: https://lepiccolemorti.bandcamp.com/track/sipario

jimmarchi1

41026

6 years ago over 6 years ago

well sure you can use it as an OD, the OD250 is basically the same circuit and they call that an overdrive, at least on the packaging :-) The general wisdom these days is that ODs are soft clip, diodes in feedback lop loop and distortion is hard clip diodes to ground... but 2 of the most heralded ODs break this rule. The Klon is hardclipped diodes to ground but with a unique clean blend and voicing structure... the ever popular fulltone OCD is absed on the old voodoo lab drive which is itself just a distortion plus type circuit with the diodes outputs going to the bias circuit of the op amp rather than static ground whch makes the clipping more dynamic based on what you're giving the amplification part of the circuit but its still just a variable hard clip.... so in pedals overdrive really means nothing. Real overdrive is just DSTORTION produced by using up all the headroom of a power amplifier. Its a fine line between enough gain and too little gain for say a fender bassman to reach its full 45 watts with every type of pickup you throw at it, so the preamp has enough gain to OVERDRIVE the power amp with the average guitar pickup feeding it. Leo kept experimenting, as did dick denny and kenbran and the mighty dave reeves, but by the time circuits were getting really clean guitarists didn't want that anymore (especially not from a tube amp, solid state has come in). The rest is history.

jimmarchi1

41026

over 8 years ago

its okay

I don't like this as much as the OD250. If I didn't have both of these already I would build one with a switch to go between silicon and germainium diodes... maybe throw in some LEDs and msofets too.This pedal is more distorted then the DOD, but the germanium diodes are really comrepssed right away and the bandwidth is so limited that whe you put it enct to a 250it doesn't have the muscle. it does sound quite good for 80s elads into a marshall... I'm told its great on a TB303 but have enver tried it. I didn't even know I had one of these until recently. I think I may have inadvertetly stolen this from a rehearsal space 10 years ago. It was there and someone thew it in my bag of tricks thinking it was mine and then I never bothered to give it back. Sorry if I have your distortion+ but you shouldn't leave shit laying around in a public space without your name on the baseplate!

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

mrrstrat

397

over 6 years ago

Smooth distortion and classic sounds

The MXR Distortion + is basically a DOD250 with different clipping diodes. Mine is a custom built classic 1970s with matched 1N34A diodes. It also has an indicator diode on it (separate power to it when it switches so it is not in the sound circuit). Classic sounds and responds differently than the DOD250. Used buy almost everyone at one point - Slash has used this often thought his career. I used it as an alternative to the harder clipping DOD250. Or even staged with a DOD250.

brian_t_o_banion

166

over 5 years ago

My favorite amp pusher

I have no dislikes other than a little fizzy if you crank the distortion too high. Otherwise it has a more vintage sound.

hermanomad

156

over 9 years ago

Put me on an island with this beauty

I use it as an overdrive, as it has a really smooth fuzz character to it when backed up. Totally matched my Fender setup. Must add that I put in a new OP amp some day or age ago. Cleaned it up some bit, but nothing major.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Drummer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Folk, World, & Country