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 Super Badass Variac Fuzz". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the raw, vintage magic of the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz pedal. Designed for musicians who appreciate the authentic fuzz tone, this pedal offers a unique sonic experience. The aggressive and biting fuzz can be smoothly transformed into a 'dying battery' tone with a simple twist of the Variac knob, eliminating the need to maintain a stack of dying batteries.

The MXR design team has revived a vintage silicon circuit to craft the Super Badass Variac Fuzz, providing a rare and distinct fuzz tone. The Variac control allows you to adjust the pedal's voltage from 5 to 15V, giving you the flexibility to tweak your sound. Turn the Variac knob counterclockwise to lower the voltage and achieve that saggy fuzz effect, or increase the voltage for a more transparent sound at 15V.

The pedal's interface is topped off with Tone, Output, and Gain controls, offering a wide spectrum of sound-shaping possibilities. The true bypass switching ensures your tone remains uncolored when the pedal is not in use. All of this is neatly packed into a sturdy, road-ready housing, making it a reliable companion for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Unique vintage silicon circuit for a distinctive fuzz tone
  • Variac control for voltage adjustment from 5 to 15V
  • Tone, Output, and Gain controls for extensive sound shaping
  • True bypass switching to preserve the original tone
  • Durable, gig-ready housing

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)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Power Usage 17mA
Height 1.92"
Width 2.5"
Depth 4.37"
Weight 0.48 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz unique compared to other fuzz pedals?

The MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz features a Variac control that lets you adjust the voltage from 5V to 15V, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities from saggy, vintage-style fuzz to tight, modern sounds.

Can the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz be powered by a battery?

Yes, the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz can be powered by a 9V battery, making it convenient for portable use without a power supply.

Is the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz suitable for use with bass guitars?

Yes, the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz works well with bass guitars, providing a thick, rich fuzz that maintains low-end clarity.

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

Yes, the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz features true bypass switching, ensuring your tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

What power supply is compatible with the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz?

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

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Video thumbnail for MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz by jimdunlopusa

MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

Video thumbnail for MXR Super Badass VARIAC FUZZ, demo by Riccardo Gioggi [ENG sub] by Riccardo Gioggi

MXR Super Badass VARIAC FUZZ, demo by Riccardo Gioggi [ENG sub]

Riccardo Gioggi

Riccardo Gioggi

Video thumbnail for Une fuzz ÉNORME !! Mxr Super Badass Variac Fuzz by Tone Factory

Une fuzz ÉNORME !! Mxr Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Tone Factory

Tone Factory

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 MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz Bass Demo by The Bass Channel

MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz Bass Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz with John Frusciante Style by ぷろぺら

MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz with John Frusciante Style

ぷろぺら

ぷろぺら

Video thumbnail for MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz - Test Effect On Line by Effect On Line

MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz - Test Effect On Line

Effect On Line

Effect On Line

Video thumbnail for MXR Super Badass Variac FUZZ ! by Anand Mahangoe

MXR Super Badass Variac FUZZ !

Anand Mahangoe

Anand Mahangoe

Video thumbnail for "My favorite Fuzz I've ever used" MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz Sound Demo with Kemper by shadow's toy box

"My favorite Fuzz I've ever used" MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz Sound Demo with Kemper

shadow's toy box

shadow's toy box

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a wide range of fuzz tones, from classic 60s to modern overdrive

  • Variac knob allows extensive tonal control from 5V to 15V

  • Responsive to guitar volume and pick dynamics for nuanced sound shaping

  • Maintains the natural sound of the guitar with a slight, pleasing mid boost

  • High output capable of driving high headroom amps into saturation

  • Flexible tone control without getting muddy or boomy

  • Can replicate multiple iconic fuzz pedals with adjustments

  • Exceptional for creating unique tones and accommodating any style

  • Great for both heavy pushing boost and signal driving in the chain

  • Versatile, capable of being used as a clean boost, overdrive, or fuzz

CONS

  • Can be very loud and jarring if switched on with output above 8 o'clock

  • Sound may be too gain-heavy and shrill for some, even with tone adjustment

  • May not be as versatile as expected for certain users, despite high versatility for others

  • Requires time to understand and utilize its power effectively

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Variac knob simulates voltage changes, allowing for a range from a sputtery 7-8V to a cleaner 15V, affecting fuzz texture significantly.

    Source
  • The Variac Fuzz's built-in compression gives it a vintage vibe but can cause it to get lost in a mix, making it better suited for overdubs.

    Source
  • The Variac Fuzz lacks the ability to create the "fuzz-tortion" effect like the Big Muff, which achieves a squarish wave through extreme gain.

    Source

User experience

  • Increasing the volume on a Strat enhances the fuzziness when using the Variac Fuzz, providing a much denser sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Lowering the Variac knob to 7-8V creates a desirable saggy, sputtery fuzz sound, reminiscent of a dying battery effect in vintage pedals.

    Source
  • The Variac Fuzz excels in creating robust low-end tones with sputtery upper mids, ideal for stoner metal styles.

    Source
  • The pedal does not perform well with a clean combo amp, but may sound better with a cranked Marshall or a dirty channel.

    Source
  • The pedal's vintage tone is ideal for those seeking 60s/70s sounds, but not recommended for high-gain metal genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is described as 'flappy and scooped', contrasting with the Fuzz Factory's 'thin and reedy' character.

    Source
  • Unlike the MXR, the Fuzz Factory is noted for its ability to cut through a mix, offering more clarity and presence.

    Source
  • The MXR Variac Fuzz is likened to a germanium fuzz face in terms of fuzz levels, with a vintage tone lacking in extreme gain.

    Source
  • The MXR is considered more suited for classic 60s/70s fuzz tones, unlike the Big Muff which is favored for fuzz-tortion sounds suitable for doom/sludge metal.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
liambrightman

Amazing Fuzz Tones

A great fuzz pedal for replicating the battery dying sound or just a full on overdrive style fuzz. Does every fuzz sound you would want, maybe more when stacked. Very fuzz face-esque.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from their performance of “These are the Ways” on April 1st 2022 on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! Show hosted by Jimmy Fallon an MXR pedal, most likely the Super Badass Variac Fuzz can be seen on the bottom right corner next to the Boss Super Overdrive and Turbo Distortion.

See how Matthew Bellamy uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Photo

at the bottom right you can see the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz after the MXR Super Badass distortion. This picture comes from the engineer (Aleks Von Korff) who worked with muse for their last album

See how Jeff Beck uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz visible in the photo of Jeff Beck's pedalboard from the auction of his items at Christie's, January 2025, see: Jeff Beck - The Guitar Collection

Can also be seen in this Tom Bukovac's Youtube video at 5:37 mark, where he shows Jeff Beck's pedalboard from 2022 tour.

Also seen on the photo of Jeff Beck's pedalboard from 2018 tour posted on TheGearPage in the thread: Jeff Beck's board and amps from last night in Arizona

See how Chelsea Wolfe uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Chelsea Wolfe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Some love as I put together a new board

See how Blaster Silonga uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Blaster Silonga

Singer, Guitarist

IV of Spades

...
Verified via Google

Blaster Silonga used the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz pedal during a concert in Cebu.

See how Eric Krasno uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Eric Krasno

Guitarist

Lettuce

...
Verified via YouTube

3:30 He uses this with the gain fairly low, for a very sweet early cream/clapton sound.

See how KJ Apa uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

KJ Apa

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

KJ Apa is seen using the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz in a photo shared by his girlfriend, Clara Berry, on Instagram.

See how Marco Eckl uses MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

Marco Eckl

Guitarist

Wait of the World

...
Verified via Photo

In a November 2018 Instagram post by razornut, Marco Eckl is shown using the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz during a performance at Ampere München.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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hansi_frei

hansi_frei

Gear IQ 69

B

bradys_riffs

Gear IQ 179

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