Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (8)
$179.99
Amazon
4.3 (28)
$141.11 New
$127.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (14)
$139.99 New
$48.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (19)
$179.99

Average Price: $142

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What kind of tones can I expect from the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal?

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.

Does the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

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.

Can the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive be used as a standalone overdrive pedal?

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.

What type of power supply does the MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive require?

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.

How does the MXR MC-402 compare to other overdrive pedals in terms of sound quality?

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.

TheToneShack

TheToneShack

MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Overdrive Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Overdrive Pedal Demo by TheToneShack

MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Overdrive Pedal Demo

TheToneShack

TheToneShack

Video thumbnail for MXR Boost Overdrive Pedal MC402 Guitar Pedal Review - GearUP on TMNtv ! by THE MUSICIAN NETWORK (TMNtv)

MXR Boost Overdrive Pedal MC402 Guitar Pedal Review - GearUP on TMNtv !

THE MUSICIAN NETWORK (TMNtv)

THE MUSICIAN NETWORK (TMNtv)

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Overdrive MC402 by Fuzzville

MXR Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Overdrive MC402

Fuzzville

Fuzzville

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost / Overdrive Pedal Video Demo by tunnelvisionmusic

MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost / Overdrive Pedal Video Demo

tunnelvisionmusic

tunnelvisionmusic

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC402 Boost/Overdrive (Metal Demo) by Riffs And Chugs TV

MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC402 Boost/Overdrive (Metal Demo)

Riffs And Chugs TV

Riffs And Chugs TV

Video thumbnail for MXR/CAE MC-402 Boost/Overdrive - Gear Demo by Wagner Noise

MXR/CAE MC-402 Boost/Overdrive - Gear Demo

Wagner Noise

Wagner Noise

Reviews

PROS

  • Dual pedal design offers overdrive and clean boost in one unit

  • Clean boost provides a clear, adjustable signal boost perfect for leads

  • Overdrive can effectively push tube amps for desired sound

  • Metal case construction assures durability

  • True bypass preserves signal integrity

  • Two different colored LEDs for easy operation identification

  • Works well with tube amps, enhancing sound and mix cut-through

  • Can transform a single channel tube amp into a more versatile rig

  • Boost section highly praised for its clarity and effectiveness

  • Overdrive can blend well with already breaking up amps for unique sounds

CONS

  • Overdrive tone described as harsh, muddy, or inferior to other pedals

  • On solid-state amps without an effects loop, the boost effect is negligible

  • Overdrive's tone control overly aggressive, limiting useful settings

  • Knobs can move too easily, altering settings unintentionally during gigs

  • Described by some as more of a distortion than an overdrive

  • Overdrive circuit can produce a "nasty fizzy fuzz-distortion" not preferred by all

  • 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

  • The pedal's overdrive section provides ample drive with minimal distortion, suitable for varying pickup types like hot single coils.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Chosen over the Ibanez TS series and Exotic EP Booster for its extensive tone adjustability, offering a broader range of tonal options.

    Source
  • Owners often compare it to the Slash Cry Baby, noting the MC-402's dynamic range, which fits well with styles requiring vocal-like expressiveness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The boost feature alone is favored for its warm sound, often left activated for tonal enhancement.

    Source
  • The pedal is highlighted for versatility, effectively used both as a primary overdrive and as a supplementary boost to enhance other distortion/overdrive pedals.

    Source

User experience

  • Satisfaction noted when pairing with an additional single-knob clean boost at the opposite chain end for enhanced effect.

    Source
  • 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

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dorgsan

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

Add artist
See how Slash uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

Billie Joe Armstrong has used the MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive pedal, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Equipboard.

See how The Edge uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

Used for the U2 360° Tour, as is visible in and this photo from a November 20, 2009 Twitter post.

See how Robert Trujillo uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Robert Trujillo

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Robert uses a MXR MC-402 Boost/Overdrive Pedal according to Dunlop's official site.

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Joe Perry uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Joe Perry

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via YouTube

"We use that as a lead boost as well," says Joe Perry's guitar tech.

See how Kim Thayil uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Kim Thayil

Guitarist

Soundgarden

...
Verified via 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.

See how Ben Howard uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Ben Howard

Guitarist, Singer

A Blaze of Feather

...
Verified via Photo

Dunlop features Ben Howard and their products that he uses, including the MXR MC402 Boost/Overdrive.

See how Tom Araya uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Tom Araya

Singer, Bassist

Slayer

...
Verified via Archive

Used by Tom according to this old capture of the Dunlop website.

See how Scott Ian uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Scott Ian

Guitarist

Anthrax

...
Verified via YouTube

“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.”

See how Kenny Wayne Shepherd uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Photo

On Dunlop's website, it lists an MXR MC-402 among gear used by Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

See how Doug Aldrich uses MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive

Doug Aldrich

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Rig Rundown video he talks about and demonstrates it at 15:48.

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.

Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Noise Gate Effects Pedals
3
MXR M169 Carbon Copy
MXR M169 Carbon Copy Delay Effects Pedals
3
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
3
MXR M80 Bass DI+
MXR M80 Bass DI+ Bass Effects Pedals
3
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone OCD Overdrive Effects Pedals
3
Boss LS-2 Line Selector
Boss LS-2 Line Selector Switch Effects Pedals
2
MXR EVH Phase 90
MXR EVH Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
2
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2

Community setups

Show yours
alessio_corrado

alessio_corrado

Gear IQ 83

knuschberkeks

knuschberkeks

Gear IQ 2461

luis_dj

luis_dj

Gear IQ 1527

boris_atanasov

boris_atanasov

Gear IQ 189

neilrichardmurray

neilrichardmurray

Gear IQ 174

1 alternative for MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-402 Boost/Overdrive, curated by the Equipboard community.

MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver

$123.48 - $125.99

cheaper alternative

MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver is MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver + overdrive

More MXR Overdrive Effects Pedals

Gear Guides