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Average Price: $131

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$50

$176+

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Description

Unlock a world of tonal possibilities with the MXR FET Driver, your gateway to the lush, organic overdrive that emulates the iconic warmth of tube amp saturation. This pedal is a masterclass in nuanced distortion, featuring a two-stage overdrive circuit composed of an op-amp cascading into a FET. Whether you're chasing the creamy breakup of a vintage tube amp or the articulate crunch that defines modern rock, the FET Driver delivers with precision.

With its intuitive control layout, you have the power to shape your sound to perfection. The Level and Drive knobs allow you to sculpt the perfect amount of gain and saturation, while the Hi and Lo controls offer a broad tonal palette to explore. The Hi Cut switch is your ally in taming excessive treble, ensuring clarity even at higher volumes.

Favored by artists like Mumford & Sons and Joe Bonamassa, the MXR FET Driver is a versatile tool that thrives in genres like blues, Americana, and roots rock. Its dynamic response and musicality make it an indispensable piece of gear for any guitarist aiming to elevate their performance.

Key Features:

  • Two-stage overdrive with op-amp and FET for authentic tube-like warmth
  • Level and Drive controls for precise gain shaping
  • Hi and Lo EQ controls for versatile tone crafting
  • Hi Cut switch to manage high-frequency response
  • Trusted by professional musicians for its rich, dynamic sound

Product specs

Brand MXR
Model M264 FET Driver
Finish Cream
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of overdrive sound can I expect from the MXR Fet Driver?

The MXR Fet Driver delivers a rich, tube-like overdrive with a smooth, dynamic response. It's designed to emulate the sound of a cranked tube amp, offering a warm and harmonically complex tone suitable for a variety of music styles.

Does the MXR Fet Driver work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the MXR Fet Driver is versatile and works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a consistent and rich overdrive sound regardless of the guitar's pickup configuration.

Can the MXR Fet Driver be used with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the MXR Fet Driver can also be used with bass guitars. It provides a warm overdrive without losing low-end frequencies, making it suitable for bass players seeking a gritty tone.

What power supply is required for the MXR Fet Driver?

The MXR Fet Driver requires a standard 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery. It's compatible with most pedalboard power supplies, ensuring easy integration into your setup.

How does the MXR Fet Driver differ from other MXR overdrive pedals?

The MXR Fet Driver is unique in its ability to mimic the response and tone of a tube amplifier, offering a more dynamic and harmonically rich overdrive compared to other MXR overdrive pedals, which may focus on different tonal characteristics.

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

MXR FET Driver

Video thumbnail for MXR FET Driver by jimdunlopusa

MXR FET Driver

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Shop Joe Bonamassa FET Driver by ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR Custom Shop Joe Bonamassa FET Driver

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for MXR M264 FET Driver by Prymaxe

MXR M264 FET Driver

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for MXR FET Driver | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

MXR FET Driver | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for MXR Fet Driver (demo) by Living Room GD

MXR Fet Driver (demo)

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Video thumbnail for MXR FET Driver - Amp In a Box by sonicstate

MXR FET Driver - Amp In a Box

sonicstate

sonicstate

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide range of flavors for diverse tonal options

  • Can achieve fat, smooth, and darker lead tones

  • Hi-cut feature effectively reduces harsh highs

  • Treble control aids in precise sound shaping

  • Excellent for smooth/bluesy lead tones

  • Amp-like, natural drive circuit feel

  • Offers complex overdrive and boost capabilities

CONS

  • Not as versatile as some players might need

  • Sound can be too dark, requiring adjustment

  • Soft attack and somewhat dull without stacking

  • Not the ultimate choice for an only overdrive pedal

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The MXR FET Driver is noted for its smooth sustain akin to Gilmour's lead sound from "Division Bell," distinct from the aggressive Fuzz Face tones.

    Source
  • The MXR FET Driver is often compared to the Boss Blues Driver, with users noting the FET Driver's creamy drive and touch sensitivity.

    Source
  • The Keeley Katana Blues Drive is highlighted alongside the FET Driver for its unreal EQ stack and touch sensitivity, offering another option for medium gain needs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal's Hi and Lo EQ knobs are lauded for their powerful impact, allowing notes to "bloom" and transforming a Strat bridge single coil to humbucker-like tone.

    Source
  • The pedal is compact and supports a standard 9v power supply or battery, unlike the bulkier Chandler/BK Butler Tube Driver requiring direct socket connection.

    Source
  • The FET Driver includes an optional hi-cut switch, providing additional tonal shaping flexibility for users sensitive to high frequencies.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While initially considered for humbuckers, the FET Driver also delivers impressive results with Stratocaster single coils, expanding its versatility for different guitar types.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the FET Driver as an "always-on" pedal for its creamy drive, complementing clean channel setups effectively.

    Source
  • Some users effectively stack the FET Driver with a Wampler Black '65, placing a lower gain overdrive before the FET to enhance clarity and definition.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the FET Driver exceptionally touch-sensitive and responsive, ideal for players who value dynamics in their performance.

    Source
  • It's noted that the FET Driver provides a creamy drive that enhances the responsiveness to picking dynamics, making it well-suited for sensitive playing styles.

    Source
  • It's noted that the water-clear LEDs can be too bright, prompting users to cover them with tape for comfort during use.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have found deals on the FET Driver for as low as $90 shipped, significantly below the typical $140 price point.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Bonamassa uses MXR Fet Driver

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Jimdunlop

Listed on Joe's official Dunlop artist page.

See how Dylan Carlson uses MXR Fet Driver

Dylan Carlson

Guitarist

Earth

...
Verified via Flickr

Carlson used this effect pedal during his solo set at the First Unitarian Side Chapel in Philadelphia (2016-05-13).

See how Daniel Kongos uses MXR Fet Driver

Daniel Kongos

Guitarist

Dirty Texans

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Guitar Player Magazine, Daniel Kongos mentions using the MXR Fet Driver.

See how Luis Maldonado uses MXR Fet Driver

Luis Maldonado

Guitarist

Train

...
Verified via Pinterest

Luis Maldonado uses the MXR Fet Driver on his pedalboard for live performances, as shown in a post by Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. on Pinterest.

See how Nick Ayre uses MXR Fet Driver

Nick Ayre

Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

"This pedal gave an almost vocal quality to my drive sound, used mainly for leads."

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MXR Fet Driver, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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