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MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion

MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion main image

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MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion

$193.80 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (13)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using MXR M-181

4 wishlisted

22 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

3.0 (4)

$193.80 1 available New

$48.80 13 available Used

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Average Price: $131

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

In the Bass Effects Pedals category, MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Introducing the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch, a powerful addition to your bass effects arsenal. This pedal is not just about distortion, it's about precise control and customization. With a three-frequency mid-shift switch and active three-band EQ, you can fine-tune your sound to your exact preference. The responsive blend knob gives you the power to adjust the distortion level in your signal, giving you the freedom to create a range from warm blues boost to a ferocious, low-end growl. This pedal is more than a tool; it's your secret weapon to owning your sound on the stage or in the studio. No matter your music style, the Bass Blowtorch will add a spark of creativity to your performance.

Key Features:

Three-frequency mid-shift switch, allowing for sound customization
Active three-band EQ for precise control over your tone
Responsive blend knob to adjust the level of distortion
Capable of creating a range of sounds, from warm blues boost to heavy, low-end growl

Product specs

Brand	MXR
Model	M181 Blow Torch
Finish	Silver
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Bass Effect Pedals, Distortion Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What kind of distortion does the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch provide?: The MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch delivers a powerful, aggressive distortion designed specifically for bass guitars, offering a wide range of tones from subtle grit to full-on fuzz.
Does the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch work well with active bass pickups?: Yes, the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch is designed to handle both passive and active bass pickups, ensuring compatibility and great sound quality across different bass types.
Is the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch suitable for live performances?: Absolutely, the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch is built for stage use with its rugged construction and true bypass switching, ensuring reliable performance and maintaining your signal integrity during live gigs.
What power supply does the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch require?: The MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch requires an 18V DC power supply, which provides the necessary headroom for its high-gain distortion capabilities.
Can the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch be used for other instruments besides bass?: While primarily designed for bass, the MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch can also be used with electric guitars and other instruments to achieve unique distortion tones, though it is optimized for bass frequencies.

Videos

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Jo Bass

MXR Blow Torch (Bass Demo)

Jo Bass

MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Overdrive Distortion Pedal Video Demo

tunnelvisionmusic

MXR - Blow Torch

Bass Stuff

review / mxr blow torch

bassplay

MXR: Blowtorch - On Bass | Amateur Effects Reviews

Theo And His Pedals

【図太いサウンド‼︎】MXR blow torch をベースで試奏＆レビュー！BASS DRIVE PEDAL ディストーション Distortion

シゲモリの部屋

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile OD-Fuzz, works well for bass and guitar
Maintains low-end while adding substantial fuzz
Features like mid-shift and blendable distortion enhance tone control
Silent operation, minimal noise for a fuzz pedal
Range from light OD to heavy Fuzz with ease
Unique 3-position Mid switch for tailored midrange

CONS

Inconvenient Blowtorch button placement for pedalboard setup
Sits lower than other MXR pedals, affecting board uniformity
Requires 18V power supply, which may be inconvenient for some setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion.

Comparisons

0 0

The MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion is noted for its versatility, contrasting with the singular nature of some other pedals like the Boss ODB-3.
Source
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Users suggest alternatives like the Tech 21 SansAmp or MXR DI80 for more desirable bass tones, indicating these options offer better sound integration in band settings.
Source

Features and functionality

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This pedal requires an 18V power supply, offering more control options than typical single-function distortion pedals.
Source
0 0

The MXR M-181 is praised for its extensive controls, providing more tonal options compared to simpler models.
Source
0 0

The MXR M-181's top-end fizz is seen as a unique characteristic, potentially limiting its appeal to those specifically seeking a distinct distortion texture.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners who appreciate versatility often retain the MXR M-181, suggesting it's a long-term keeper if its features align with the user's needs.
Source
0 0

Some owners describe the MXR M-181 as adding an "annoying fizz" to the top end without compensating with a strong bottom end, making it less desirable for their setups.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Some users find the pedal's aggressive sound less appealing for overdrive, indicating it's better suited for heavy distortion needs.
Source
0 0

It's noted that the pedal might be useful for achieving a psychedelic edge in solos but lacks versatility in broader applications.
Source

Critic Reviews

MXR M-181 Bass Blow Torch review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The MXR M-181 Bass Blowtorch Distortion impresses with its highly adjustable overdrive/fuzz capabilities, making it a versatile addition to any bassist's pedalboard. Its powerful 18-volt circuit and compact design offer a range of sonic options, from subtle valve warmth to intense fuzz, thanks to features like the mid-shift switch and torch switch. With controls for volume, gain, and blend, it caters well to diverse playing styles. While it's hard to fault, the pedal's extensive adjustability might overwhelm those seeking simplicity. Overall, it's a dynamic and robust choice for bassists seeking tonal diversity.

positive

Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

mechanisms

248

almost 10 years ago

Great overdrive and distortion

The MXR blowtorch replace the EHX Big Muff Pi bass on my pedal board and what a hellish difference to my tone: the clean pre amp really keeps the low end, the mid shift is a nice touch and the blendable distortion with the clean is my favourite feature. all in all a must for any bassists board

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Alternative rock

peter123

143

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

cool but have you tried big muff deluxe

mechanisms

248

10 years ago almost 10 years ago

No, but ive kinda gone off the big muff, fuzz isn't really as much my thing as really clear low end mixed with surgical precision blade overdrive is now

m_thirteen

340

about 6 years ago

Fuzz!

This is a great pedal for fuzzing up my Stingray signal without destroying the bottom end. Superb!

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Synthpop

pope

8195

almost 12 years ago

Modern Bass Fuzz

Hard-hitting fuzz, with very complete controls (volume, bass, mid, treble, blend and gain), also including a "boost" switch and most interestingly a 3-well-chosen-positions Mid switch, allowing you to select the midrange frequency to be pushed. The pedal runs on 18 Volts, though if you run it on 9 Volts, it will sound surprisingly close to a ZVex Woolly Mammoth.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Stage & Screen Alternative rock Art rock