Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.0 (2)
$131.76
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$159.99
Amazon
4.1 (37)
$159.99 New
$129.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$138.30 New
$87.00 Used
Musician's Friend
1.0 (1)
$159.99
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$149.99

Average Price: $141

Budget/Beginner

$199

$500+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your bass with the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp, a compact powerhouse of tone-shaping magic. Known for its Echoplex Preamp circuitry, the Thump offers a delightful blend of warm, rich tones and punchy dynamics that bassists crave. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this pedal is your ticket to elevating your sound to new heights.

With its user-friendly interface, the Thump lets you effortlessly craft your signature sound. The 3-band EQ gives you precise control over your tone, allowing you to enhance or cut frequencies with ease. The Bass knob targets the deep 40Hz range, while the Treble knob focuses on the crisp 8kHz frequencies. For even more versatility, the Midrange control is adjustable from 250Hz to 1kHz, making it perfect for sculpting your sound to fit any musical context.

Designed with the needs of modern bassists in mind, the MXR Thump Bass Preamp is compact but mighty, fitting seamlessly onto any pedalboard. Whether you're looking to boost your live signal, add an aggressive edge to your passive pickups, or simply sweeten your tone, the Thump is your go-to solution.

Key Features:

  • Echoplex preamp tailored specifically for bass guitar
  • 3-band EQ with adjustable mid-frequency from 250Hz to 1kHz
  • Bass control at 40Hz and Treble control at 8kHz
  • Compact MXR mini housing for easy pedalboard integration
  • Perfect for enhancing solos, boosting live signals, and adding edge to passive pickups

Product specs

Pedal Type Preamp, Boost
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching True Hardwire
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage 9mA
Height 1.62"
Width 2.12"
Depth 3.62"
Weight 0.43 lbs.

FAQs

What are the main features of the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp?

The MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp offers preamp and boost functions, is fully analog, and features true hardwire bypass. It has 1/4" input and output jacks and requires a 9V DC power supply.

Can the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp be used with active basses?

Yes, the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp works well with both active and passive basses, providing a versatile tonal shaping option for various pickup types.

How does the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp affect my bass tone?

The MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp enhances your bass tone by boosting the signal and providing EQ adjustments, allowing for a more defined and powerful sound.

What power supply does the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp require?

The MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp requires a 9V DC power supply, with a current draw of 9mA.

Is the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp pedalboard-friendly?

Yes, the MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit on most pedalboards without taking up much space.

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

MXR Thump Bass Preamp

Video thumbnail for MXR Thump Bass Preamp by jimdunlopusa

MXR Thump Bass Preamp

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

Video thumbnail for MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp - Sound Demo (no talking) by Bass Bonedo

MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp - Sound Demo (no talking)

Bass Bonedo

Bass Bonedo

Video thumbnail for MXR Thump Demo at Winter NAMM 2020 by Sweetwater

MXR Thump Demo at Winter NAMM 2020

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for MXR M281 Thump by Paul Bassmatters

MXR M281 Thump

Paul Bassmatters

Paul Bassmatters

Video thumbnail for 【超小型ベース用プリアンプ試奏!!】MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp♪ by 三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

【超小型ベース用プリアンプ試奏!!】MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp♪

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds the right boost and color to bass parts

  • Compact and durable, great for mobile setups

  • Controls mid frequencies in a musical way

  • Works well with passive basses to enhance tone

  • Sturdy build and extremely small, easy to incorporate in setups

CONS

  • Requires a specific power supply, not included

  • Subtle EQ touch might not meet expectations

  • Poor compatibility with fuzz pedals

  • Limited tone-shaping options compared to competitors

  • Volume matching to bypass signal can cause clipping

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M281 Thump Bass Preamp.

Comparisons

  • Owners find the Sansamp quicker to dial in, with drive features that eliminate the need for mid-sweep, unlike the MXR M81.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MXR M81 is noted for its small footprint and sweepable mids, appealing to those needing precise mid-range shaping.

    Source

User experience

  • The MXR M81 is considered a reliable workhorse, particularly effective for straightforward FOH applications without an amp.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Enthusiasts have transitioned from using the MXR M81 to Darkglass products for more tone-shifting versatility and enhanced sound quality.

    Source

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