Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $89
Standard/Professional
$80
$181+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MXR M104 Distortion+". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the MXR M104 Distortion+, your ticket to achieving that elusive classic distortion tone. This compact, yet robust guitar pedal is capable of delivering everything from subtle, controllable distortion to a warm tube overdrive, and when pushed to the limit, an extreme fuzz with impressively long sustain.
Its versatility makes it a must-have for any musician's arsenal, bridging the gap between simple overdrive and full-on fuzz. The MXR M104 Distortion+ comes with an easy-to-use interface, featuring two knobs to control the output and distortion levels, making it a breeze to dial in your desired tone.
Whether you're looking to add character to your amp tones or seeking that vintage pedal crunch, this pedal has got you covered. Its compact yet sturdy metal enclosure ensures longevity, withstanding the test of time and the rigours of touring.
Key Features:
- Classic distortion pedal capable of a wide range of tones
- Simple controls for output and distortion level
- Bright red LED indicating when the pedal is engaged
- Rugged metal enclosure for enhanced durability
- Powered by a single 9V battery or Dunlop ECB-003 AC adapter (sold separately)
- Compact design for easy integration in any pedalboard setup
- Germanium diode clipping for tube-like crunch tones
- Footswitch toggles effect on/bypass
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Bypass Switching | Hardwire |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Power Usage | 2.5mA |
| Height | 2.12" (including knobs) |
| Width | 2.62" (including jacks) |
| Depth | 4.37" |
| Weight | 0.76 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of distortion does the MXR M104 Distortion+ provide?
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The MXR M104 Distortion+ delivers a classic, gritty distortion reminiscent of vintage '60s to '80s rock tones, characterized by its raw and dirty sound.
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Is the MXR M104 Distortion+ suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the MXR M104 Distortion+ is suitable for live performances, providing consistent analog distortion with simple controls, making it easy to dial in your desired tone on stage.
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Does the MXR M104 Distortion+ work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the MXR M104 Distortion+ works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a versatile distortion that complements various guitar types.
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What power supply does the MXR M104 Distortion+ require?
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The MXR M104 Distortion+ requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.
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How does the MXR M104 Distortion+ compare to other MXR pedals in terms of tone?
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The MXR M104 Distortion+ offers a more vintage, gritty distortion compared to other MXR pedals, which may offer different tonal characteristics such as overdrive or fuzz.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
MXR M-104 Distortion +
Reviews
PROS
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Simple design with only two knobs for ease of use
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Durable build, often lasting for decades of use
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Versatile for both guitar and bass, providing great tones for multiple genres
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Delivers classic tones suitable for 70s and 80s rock, blues, and metal
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Bright sound that cuts through nicely, especially with Les Paul guitars
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Adds a defined saturation ideal for a range of overdrive to distortion sounds
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Can effectively boost an already overdriven amp for more gain
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Offers a warm sound without the need for additional EQ
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Works well as a treble booster or to increase saturation and gain
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Maintains the tone of the amp, only enhancing it
CONS
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Can be a bit quiet, barely reaching unity gain
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Power input location is inconvenient for some setups
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Limited tweakability with only output and distortion knobs
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Less versatile than some other distortion pedals, like the DS-1
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Not a high-gain pedal; may disappoint those seeking heavy metal distortion alone
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Some find it too bright when distortion is maxed out
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M104 Distortion+.
Build quality
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The MXR Distortion+ is notably robust and heavy for its size, reminiscent of a "tank" build, yet lacks an LED and 9v adapter option.
Source
Features and functionality
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The pedal is known to become brighter as volume increases, which can affect the tone significantly at higher settings.
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Owners report that the pedal sounds better with both output and distortion knobs cranked, behaving similarly to a fuzz face in this setup.
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The circuit's single gain stage limits output; removing diodes entirely can significantly increase volume but will reduce distortion.
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Comparisons
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The DOD 250 and Ross Distortion share similar circuit design with the MXR Distortion+, differing primarily in diode and capacitor values, impacting tone and gain.
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The MXR Distortion+ uses Germanium diodes, which are quieter compared to the silicon diodes in the DOD 250, affecting overall output volume.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Combining the Distortion+ with an MXR Micro Amp can act as a gain control, offering a unique tonal palette without increasing overall volume.
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The Distortion+ struggles with clean amps; it shines when pushing a tube amp, delivering a fuller, richer tone at the edge of breakup.
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Running the MXR Distortion+ before a JHS Charlie Brown results in a more satisfying sound, suggesting compatibility with certain overdrive pedals.
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Removing clipping diodes can transform the MXR Distortion+ into a clean boost, altering its traditional distortion role.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 19 Reviews and 117 Ratings
3437
46
One of the best
If it is good enough for Paul Gilbert, then it is good enough for any rock musician. Over the years I used many other distortion pedals. The others ain't with me anymore. This one stayed. It is exceptionally good at boosting an already overdriven marshall amp.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Favorite setting: Output at 5 o'clock Distortion at 2 o'clock
903
My First Pedal, Still A Favorite
This was actually the first pedal I ever owned maybe 25 years ago. I had seen it pop up not so much awash in a sea of pedals on the stage, but as a single pedal running through the front of the amp. I too was like many that viewed it as a severely limited pedal with two knobs, but years later I finally realized what this pedal was. It's not meant to be dropped in-line into an economy amp so you can sound like Eddie, it's definitely an augment for an already great amp. You can get those sizzling hot leads, and even those fuzzy, fat chords out of your amp with one kick of the switch. If you can tame certain aspects with noise reducers or sculpt it out a but with an EQ pedal, you can take your sound some place it's never been before while staying in your comfort zone. Or you can just slam it through the front of that favorite high-end amp you've played for years and give it a second life with this classic pedal.
240
Another winner from MXR
I have used other distortion pedals, but this is by far my favorite. I had one for many, many years and when it finally fell apart, I got myself another one without hesitation. It is easy to control the amount you want and goes from just slightly gritty to out and out distortion heaven! Built like a tank, like all the MXRs (as you can see, I have several)
88
Great Pedal
This is a great standard distortion pedal. This isn't a low gain pedal and isn't a fuzz and doesn't go crazy like overdrive. So to say this pedal is great for distortion. This is also a nice simple and not too costly pedal. But I also like pedals that I can tweak around with a lot, this pedal doesn't offer too much of that (with only having an output and distortion knob), this clearly isn't the pedal for that but if you need a good simple distortion pedal this is the one to get.
415
Tearing it up!
This is a great sounding distortion pedal. I use it with my X0xb0x to tear up my Acid bass lines. It adds a lot of lovely nastiness and energy. I love it!
41029
try a proco rat too.... the lowly DS1 is also killer with a 303, but I'm very much a rat guy when it comes to acid lines... the 'filter' is the ebst tone control going for separating multiple 303 layers without the need for a ton of EQ
324
176
heavy
bought off my session guitar playing friend as he had 2 i like the dirt you get from these
Artist usage
Add artist
Kurt Cobain used the MXR M104 Distortion+ pedal during some of his live performances, as confirmed through conversations and emails with his guitar technician, Earnie Bailey. This information is supported by a photo on Kurtsequipment titled "leanover.jpg."
Stop the Video at 0:16 to see the Pedal. "This is the Pedal-Rig. I'm a collector"
Slash incorporates the MXR M104 Distortion+ into his effects setup, as detailed on SlashParadise.
In an Instagram post by Tame Impala featuring their latest single "End Of Summer," Kevin Parker is seen using an MXR M104 Distortion+ pedal on the floor, min 0:11
Jonny Greenwood is confirmed to use the MXR M104 Distortion+ pedal, as evidenced by its presence on his pedalboard during the 2025 Radiohead Tour, as shown in the provided image.
Thom was first seen with an MXR M-104 Distortion + Guitar Pedal in photos on DAS from the recording of In Rainbows. He used on the In Rainbows tour, and later for the 2010 Atoms for Peace tour. It can be seen on the main board in the source photo, second from right. The MXR Distortion + is also listed as part of Thom's gear on fan sites.
Tom Morello posts a photo of his MXR M-104 Distortion + pedal in a Tweet:
Saturday night recording session with my kid’s 10 watt amp.
Around 0:50, he mentions using an old MXR Distortion pedal from the 80s. It is possible that this was the one seen at Kurt's feet in that one picture that is floating around
At the minute 14.47 of the "GuitarSpotGr"'s Video "Paul Gilbert - Live Setup", Paul Gilbert shows that he uses an MXR Distortion+ in combination to his Marshall amps to have a more distorted sound.
As researched extensively by Wolf Marshall in his book, "An Annotated Guide to the Guitar Technique of Randy Rhoads" and listed on guitargeek.com, the MXR Distortion+ used by Randy Rhoads.
The official Line6 website provides a detailed diagram of Alex Lifeson's gear setup for the Moving Pictures tour, which confirms that the MXR M104 Distortion+ pedal was used as the second pedal in his signal chain. This serves as direct evidence of Lifeson's use of the pedal during this period.
Album Usage
The MXR M104 Distortion+ has been featured on the following albums:
End Of Summer
Tame Impala & Kevin Parker (2025)
Paradise Valley
John Mayer (2013)
Stitches
Califone (2013)
DeA.D. Alive!
Misfits (2013)
Complete Discography
Moss Icon (2012)
Kairos
Sepultura (2011)
In Rainbows
Radiohead (2007)
Suicide Pact - You First
Therapy? (1999)
Lyburnum Wits End Liberation Fly (Anniversary Edition)
Moss Icon (1993)
King of the Dead
Cirith Ungol (1984)
Earth A.D. / Die, Die My Darling
Misfits (1984)
Over the Edge
Wipers (1983)
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 M104 Distortion+, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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A budget clone of the DOD 250, that also features an MXR Distortion+ setting.
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