Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $142
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal, a perfect blend of boost and overdrive effects that brings a new level of control and versatility to your music. This pedal is designed to enhance your guitar's natural tone while adding a suitable amount of sustain and punch. With its unique overdrive capability, it offers a warm, classic sound that's sure to impress.
One of the main features of the MC-402 is its responsiveness to picking dynamics. Unlike other pedals that thin your tone, this pedal cleans up exceptionally well when you roll back your guitar volume. This means you can adjust the intensity of the sound without compromising its quality, giving you greater control over your music and allowing you to express your creativity in a more nuanced way.
Whether you're playing in a live concert or recording in a studio, the MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal is a reliable addition to your gear. With its robust build and top-notch performance, it's no wonder musicians around the world choose MXR for their sound enhancement needs.
Key Features:
- Combination of boost and overdrive effects
- Enhances guitar's natural tone
- Adds sustain and punch to the sound
- Extremely responsive to picking dynamics
- Doesn't thin your tone when guitar volume is rolled back
- Robust and durable build for long-term use
- Delivers warm, classic overdrive sound
- Suitable for both live and studio settings
Product specs
| Brand | MXR |
| Model | MC402 Boost/Overdrive |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2006 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal?
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The MXR MC-402 offers a versatile range of tones, from clean boosts to warm, smooth overdrives. It is designed to enhance your guitar's natural tone while providing the gain and clarity needed for various music styles, particularly rock and blues.
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Does the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the MXR MC-402 is designed to work effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a consistent boost and overdrive tone that complements each pickup type's characteristics.
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Can the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive be used as a standalone overdrive pedal?
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Absolutely, the MXR MC-402 can function as a standalone overdrive pedal, delivering a rich, dynamic overdrive sound. It also features a separate boost function that can be used independently or in conjunction with the overdrive.
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What type of power supply does the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive require?
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The MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most pedalboards, or it can be powered by a 9V battery for portable use.
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How does the MXR MC-402 compare to other overdrive pedals in terms of sound quality?
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The MXR MC-402 is known for its high-quality sound, offering a transparent boost and a smooth, natural overdrive. It stands out for its ability to enhance the guitar's original tone without excessive coloration, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking clarity and warmth.
Videos
TheToneShack
MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Overdrive Pedal Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Dual pedal design offers overdrive and clean boost in one unit
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Clean boost provides a clear, adjustable signal boost perfect for leads
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Overdrive can effectively push tube amps for desired sound
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Metal case construction assures durability
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True bypass preserves signal integrity
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Two different colored LEDs for easy operation identification
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Works well with tube amps, enhancing sound and mix cut-through
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Can transform a single channel tube amp into a more versatile rig
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Boost section highly praised for its clarity and effectiveness
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Overdrive can blend well with already breaking up amps for unique sounds
CONS
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Overdrive tone described as harsh, muddy, or inferior to other pedals
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On solid-state amps without an effects loop, the boost effect is negligible
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Overdrive's tone control overly aggressive, limiting useful settings
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Knobs can move too easily, altering settings unintentionally during gigs
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Described by some as more of a distortion than an overdrive
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Overdrive circuit can produce a "nasty fizzy fuzz-distortion" not preferred by all
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Some users feel the overdrive does not justify the pedal's price or pedalboard space
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive.
Features and functionality
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The pedal's overdrive section provides ample drive with minimal distortion, suitable for varying pickup types like hot single coils.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
User experience
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Satisfaction noted when pairing with an additional single-knob clean boost at the opposite chain end for enhanced effect.
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Users frequently keep the boost section activated, appreciating its ability to push amps into a more dynamic and expressive range, especially during live performances.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 18 Ratings
838
Nice boost + ugly "overdrive"
The boost section is MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver (go see that page). The "overdrive" is actually a nasty fizzy fuzz-distortion, that's so ugly on it's own it might become legendary some day. To make it sound good, you have to be creative with it. Of course you shouldn't buy this pedal for its "overdrive". I was lucky to buy this pedal used for the same price I previously bought used Boost/Line Driver alone. So the overdrive is a nasty bonus for me, and I don't care for the space on my pedalboard. Be aware that boost is afrer the "overdrive" in the chain.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Here are some settings and advices that make "overdrive" sound less ugly or even awesome. 1) Use it with dirty amps, not clean ones. 2) use it before other dirt pedals. 3) Use it with single coils not humbuckers. 4) Use it by playing individual notes, not chords. 5) You can clean it up by rolling back the guitar volume. 6) use it as a mid push (vol 12, tone max, gain 9-10)
Artist usage
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In a Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video, at the 3:04 mark, Adam Day mentions that Slash uses the MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive.
Billie Joe Armstrong has used the MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive pedal, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Equipboard.
Used for the U2 360° Tour, as is visible in and this photo from a November 20, 2009 Twitter post.
Robert uses a MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal according to Dunlop's official site.
In Episode 8 of "Board to Death," Troy Van Leeuwen discusses his use of the MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive pedal, as featured by EarthQuakerDevices on YouTube.
At 12:22 in this Rig Rundown for Kim Thayil of Sound Garden, his gear is displayed, showing his MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal.
Dunlop features Ben Howard and their products that he uses, including the MXR MC402 Boost/Overdrive.
“This is in all the time, the CAE Boost,” Anthrax’s Scott Ian says at (11:39). “This just gives it a little extra push that I need to get the edge and the chunk and the gain that i need out of it. And my main rhythm tone all night, this boost side stays on all the time.”
On Dunlop's website, it lists an MXR MC-402 among gear used by Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Album Usage
The MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive has been featured on the following albums:
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 Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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Add recommendation1 alternative for MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive, curated by the Equipboard community.
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