Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (14)
$159.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (14)
$159.99
Amazon
4.4 (98)
$159.99 New
$140.79 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (19)
$159.99 New
$135.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$159.99
Thomann
4.7 (25)
$166.00
Gear4Music
£146.75

Average Price: $158

Standard/Professional

$60

$181+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz pedal is a sonic treasure for guitarists seeking that elusive, vintage fuzz tone with a modern twist. Built around a rare vintage fuzz circuit, this pedal is your passport to the sought-after "dying battery" sound without the hassle of juggling actual dying batteries. The standout feature here is the Variac knob, allowing you to dial the pedal's voltage from 5V to 15V. This control lets you explore a spectrum of tones—from the saggy warmth reminiscent of a fading power source to a bold, full-headroom roar.

The pedal's simple yet effective interface includes Tone, Output, and Gain controls, empowering players to shape their sound with precision. Whether you're after a gritty, aggressive fuzz or a more transparent, open texture, the Super Badass Variac Fuzz has you covered. Encased in a robust, road-ready housing and equipped with true bypass switching, it ensures your original guitar tone remains unblemished when the pedal is not engaged.

This pedal is perfect for musicians who love to experiment and push the boundaries of their sound, offering versatility that can seamlessly fit into any pedalboard setup.

Key Features:

  • Fuzz pedal featuring a rare vintage circuit for unique distortion effects
  • Variac control adjusts voltage from 5 volts to 15 volts to mimic a dying battery
  • Tone, Output, and Gain controls for versatile sound shaping
  • True bypass switching preserves guitar tone when pedal is disengaged

Product specs

Pedal Type Fuzz
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching True Bypass
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage 17mA
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 1.92"
Width 2.5"
Depth 4.37"
Weight 0.48 lbs.

FAQs

What is the voltage range on the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz, and how does it affect the sound?

The MXR M236 allows you to set the voltage from 5V to 15V. Lowering the voltage can create a "dying battery" effect for a more vintage, gated fuzz sound, while increasing it provides more headroom and clarity.

Does the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz have true bypass switching?

Yes, the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.

What power supply does the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz require?

The MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a 9V battery.

Can the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz be used with both guitar and bass?

Yes, the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz can be used with both guitar and bass, offering versatile fuzz tones suitable for various instruments.

How does the MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz differ from other fuzz pedals?

The MXR M236 stands out due to its Variac control, allowing users to adjust the voltage for different tonal characteristics, from vintage fuzz to modern clarity, unlike typical fuzz pedals that operate at a fixed voltage.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz Pedal Demo by Sweetwater

MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Summer NAMM 2016: MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz by Sweetwater

Summer NAMM 2016: MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly versatile, from 60s fuzz to 90s Muff style grunge

  • Variac control offers unique tone shaping from smooth to sputtering

  • Excellent sustain and tone for classic rock sounds

  • Effective for gain stacking and boosting signal path

  • Retains guitar's natural sound with nuanced tone enhancement

  • Responsive to pick dynamics, suits varied playing styles

  • Wide range of fuzz tones with variac knob from 5V to 15V

  • Great for creating both old school and modern overdrive sounds

  • High output level, capable of driving any amp into saturation

  • Provides unique tone combinations with fuzz/overdrive

CONS

  • Can be excessively loud if not adjusted carefully

  • Some users find it less versatile compared to other fuzzes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz.

Comparisons

  • The MXR Variac Fuzz is noted for its flappy, scooped sound and inherent compression, contrasting with the thinner, reedy tone of the Fuzz Factory.

    Source
  • The Variac Fuzz is likened to the Swollen Pickle in terms of compression, but with a distinct vintage character.

    Source
  • The MXR Variac Fuzz can achieve a "swarm of angry bees" sound, likened to tones favored by John Frusciante, offering versatility from clear overdrive to doomy sludge.

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Features and functionality

  • The Variac Fuzz lacks a gate feature but offers a unique compression that some users describe as giving a sidechained vintage vibe.

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  • The Variac knob adjusts voltage from 5-15V, affecting tone from "dying battery" fuzz to high-voltage transparency.

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  • Capable of producing a headroomy, almost overdrive sound, expanding its versatility beyond typical fuzz characteristics.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Voltage control can be achieved using a power source like the Voodoo Power Lab 2, mimicking the Variac Fuzz's voltage starving for a unique tone.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Variac Fuzz excels in overdub or stripped-down scenarios due to its compression but might get lost in dense mixes.

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  • Lowering the Variac to 7-8V on a Stratocaster produces a sputtery, fuzzy, and saggy sound, enhancing desired fuzz characteristics.

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  • The volume knob on a Stratocaster, when turned up, significantly influences the fuzz sound, creating a much fuzzier effect.

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  • Ideal for achieving SRV and Hendrix-style distortion tones when combined with a Marshall amp and TS pedal.

    Source
  • Works effectively in a pedal order: SD-1 > MXR > DS-2 > WH10v2 > PastFX CE-1 clone > DD-3 > RC-5 for diverse fuzz and overdrive tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Specific user feedback highlights the Variac Fuzz's adaptability in creating preferred fuzz sounds through voltage manipulation.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
R

Ryan Wariner

Guitarist

Ann Wilson & Tripsitter

...
Verified via YouTube

At 43:56 in the video, Ryan Wariner's pedalboard can be seen equipped with an MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz pedal, confirming its use by the artist.

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