Pricing and availability

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

Guitar Center
5.0 (8)
$219.00
Amazon
4.2 (6)
$249.00
Reverb
5.0 (34)
$212.24 New
$139.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (14)
$219.00
Thomann
4.7 (94)
$222.00 $219.00 $3.00 · All time low

Average Price: $210

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the raw power of vintage British rock tones with the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock. This versatile pedal captures the essence of a cranked-up Marshall JTM 45, delivering that coveted "everything on 10" sound. Designed for both purists and experimenters, the Box of Rock features the renowned Distortron engine, offering lush, dynamic distortion that responds beautifully to your guitar's volume control. Whether you're looking for a clean boost or searing distortion, this pedal provides both with its dual footswitches, giving you the flexibility of two effects in one compact unit.

The user-friendly four-knob interface allows precise control over Drive, Tone, Volume, and Boost, making it easy to shape your sound. With its high-headroom, unity-to-50X gain booster, this pedal ensures your solos cut through the mix with ease. Built for robust performance, the Vexter Box of Rock is powered by a 9V battery or adapter, keeping you rocking on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Emulates the classic Marshall JTM 45 "British setting" sound
  • Features the Distortron engine for dynamic, responsive distortion
  • Dual footswitches for independent clean boost and distortion control
  • Four-knob interface: Drive, Tone, Volume, and Boost
  • High-headroom, unity-to-50X gain booster
  • Operates with 9V battery or 9V adapter (adapter not included)
  • Silkscreened design for durability and visual flair

Product specs

Available since June 2007
Overdrive No
Distortion Yes
Fuzz No
Metal No

FAQs

What type of tones can I expect from the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock?

The ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock delivers classic blues-rock crunch tones, similar to a gain channel on an amp. It excels in producing sounds reminiscent of the Rolling Stones to ACDC, making it ideal for rhythm playing and riffs.

Does the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock include a clean boost feature?

Yes, the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock features a clean boost circuit in addition to its distortion capabilities, allowing for increased volume without altering your tone.

Is the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock suitable for high-gain metal tones?

The ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock is not designed for high-gain metal tones. It is best suited for classic rock and blues-rock sounds, providing a crunchy, overdriven tone rather than an aggressive metal distortion.

What power supply does the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock require?

The ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock requires a 9V DC power adapter with a standard Boss-style center-negative configuration. It has a current draw of approximately 3mA.

How does the ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock differ from other distortion pedals?

The ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock is unique for its combination of a distortion circuit and a clean boost in one pedal, tailored specifically for classic rock tones. It offers a distinctive amp-like overdrive that sets it apart from typical distortion pedals.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Vexter Box of Rock Distortion

Video thumbnail for ZVex Vexter Box of Rock Distortion by ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Vexter Box of Rock Distortion

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Box of Rock vs Fulltone OCD Pedal Shootout by intheblues

ZVEX Box of Rock vs Fulltone OCD Pedal Shootout

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Zvex Effects Box Of Rock (Vexter Series) by Grégory Leroy

Zvex Effects Box Of Rock (Vexter Series)

Grégory Leroy

Grégory Leroy

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Box of Rock by Z VEX

ZVEX Box of Rock

Z VEX

Z VEX

Video thumbnail for WHY Do People Love the BOX OF ROCK?! | Gear Corner by Kris Barocsi

WHY Do People Love the BOX OF ROCK?! | Gear Corner

Kris Barocsi

Kris Barocsi

Video thumbnail for Pedal vs. Original - JTM45 vs. ZVEX Box of Rock - Comparison (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Pedal vs. Original - JTM45 vs. ZVEX Box of Rock - Comparison (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for 5 Bands I Use This For! | Zvex Effects Box Of Rock Pedal Demo by Let's Play All

5 Bands I Use This For! | Zvex Effects Box Of Rock Pedal Demo

Let's Play All

Let's Play All

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Effects Box of Rock Distortion Vexter Series 25th Anniversary by Pedal of the Day

ZVEX Effects Box of Rock Distortion Vexter Series 25th Anniversary

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Video thumbnail for Comparison! Zvex Box of Rock VS '59 Sound! by Sasha Ivantic

Comparison! Zvex Box of Rock VS '59 Sound!

Sasha Ivantic

Sasha Ivantic

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Effects Box Of Rock - After Many Years, Does It Still Rock? by Buddy Blues

ZVEX Effects Box Of Rock - After Many Years, Does It Still Rock?

Buddy Blues

Buddy Blues

Video thumbnail for Zvex Box Of ROCK Vexter - Pedal Empire by Pedal Empire

Zvex Box Of ROCK Vexter - Pedal Empire

Pedal Empire

Pedal Empire

Video thumbnail for ZVEX BOX OF ROCK Demo // Vexter 25th Anniversary Series // Huge Marshall JTM45 Sounds by Philip Czarnecki

ZVEX BOX OF ROCK Demo // Vexter 25th Anniversary Series // Huge Marshall JTM45 Sounds

Philip Czarnecki

Philip Czarnecki

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures the iconic British Marshall sound effectively

  • Versatile, offering both distortion and boost in one pedal

  • Durable build quality, adding to its reliability

  • Intuitive controls that mimic an amp's responsiveness

  • Boost function respects the original signal without altering tone

  • Can achieve a wide range of tones, from subtle drive to heavy distortion

  • Transparent sound quality, preserving the guitar's natural voice

  • Works well with various amplifiers, enhancing versatility

  • Unique aesthetic design with collector appeal

  • Described as a long-term, valuable addition to pedalboards

CONS

  • May sound artificial in some settings, lacking organic quality

  • Signal dropout issues reported with the boost function

  • Can sound too compressed/mushy at higher gain settings

  • Some users desire the boost function before the drive for more versatility

  • Might produce too much low end for some tastes, lacking a low cut feature

  • Sound may disintegrate at higher volumes or within a band setting

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock.

Features and functionality

  • The Box of Rock tends to have excess bass at higher gain, leading to a "flabby" sound, which might be a concern for those looking for tight distortion.

    Source
  • The Box of Rock Vexter series includes a built-in Super Hard-On (SHO) boost, which enhances its versatility and allows for additional tonal shaping.

    Source
  • The pedal's artwork has received updates in the Vexter edition, with users appreciating the improved design over older versions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Double Rock offers adjustable sub frequencies, a feature lacking in the original Box of Rock, helping to eliminate the flubby bass tones and improve note definition.

    Source
  • Owners suggest the Box of Rock is more of an overdrive than a distortion pedal, unlike the more versatile Fulltone OCD.

    Source
  • The pedal is often associated with a Marshall JTM45 sound, providing a Marshally quality rather than being an exact clone.

    Source
  • The Distortron offers a SUBS switch for bass control and a gain increase option, making it a versatile low to mid-gain choice compared to the Box of Rock.

    Source
  • The Crowther Hotcake is frequently recommended over the Box of Rock for use with Vox amps, as it pairs better with their inherent tonal characteristics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works well for achieving a gritty edge-of-breakup sound, especially when paired with a Fender Blues Deluxe at low gain settings.

    Source
  • Users have successfully replicated the distorted tones from early Death Cab for Cutie records, particularly on tracks like "We Laugh Indoors" and "Tiny Vessels."

    Source
  • The Double Rock's two drive channels allow for flexible stacking options, providing unique mid-gain tones not replicated by the Distortron.

    Source

User experience

  • Positive user experiences highlight the pedal's ability to maintain good note definition and dynamic response when used with appropriate amp settings.

    Source
  • Owners report longevity and satisfaction, with some using the pedal as their main sound for over 7 years, often leaving it on continuously.

    Source
  • Some owners report the Box of Rock performs poorly with Vox AC30 amps, thinning out the tone, especially compared to Fender amps which enhance its sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Distortron is generally more affordable than the Box of Rock, with prices around $65, offering similar tonal characteristics with added flexibility.

    Source

Critic Reviews

ZVEX Vexter Series Box of Rock Review | Guitar Jar

guitarjar.co.uk

The ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock impresses with its ability to emulate a cranked Marshall amp, delivering versatile tones from classic rock to near-metal sounds. Its simple layout with four knobs and two switches makes it user-friendly, and the boost feature offers an extra edge for solos. The pedal is praised for maintaining its tonal character across different amps and guitars, adding a robust sparkle to cleans and a powerful punch to distorted sounds. While it excels in reliability and value for a boutique pedal, its true charm lies in its ability to consistently deliver quality sound and performance. Highly recommended for those seeking a Marshall-in-a-box experience at a reasonable price.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 45 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
J

Cool Marshall-Sound and really neutral Boost

This pedal is a permanent resident on my pedalboard. Almost Bluesbreaker sound.

ashrafimaduddin

Marshall JTM45 in a box

This pedal is as outstanding as fulltone ocd and pro co rat. It's just a versatile pedal that can go from subtle drive to huge crunchy distorted sound and has transparency to it. it cleans up really well. love it every bits.

jimmarchi1

its also completely different in design from all of the pedals you mentioned, 2 of which are very similar and one of which is a juiced up SD1/TS9

ashrafimaduddin

Nah I've just seen reviews and a lot of people have compared to those were mention. it's pretty subjective :)

matthewfuqua

huge

This thing is almost too thick on the low end. I wish it had a low cut. Thats my only critique.

jimmarchi1

get a distortron if you can live without the boost, its got 3 different low-frequency responses controlled via the 'subs' toggle... I genuinely prefer it to the BoR, though that didn't stop me from selling it recently because there's just something amiss with the top end of this circuit

matthewfuqua

I think I'm gonna try a JHS superbolt and see if thats more what I'm looking for

male
male

207

Not that simple

This is a really good pedal,i like the boost. But it's a strong personality hard to control !

jimmarchi1

agreed, I had one of these as well as a distorton and enver managed to get them to behave with my rig at the time. More of a bedroom pedal. It did really great with the little tweed Gibson I owned at the time getting a tweedy tone at night-time levels. Otherwise a cool sound that still seems wrong no matter how you twist the knobs.

male
male

207

@jimmarchi1I actually use it with an Ibanez TS9. I can control hight-medium frequency and i finaly found what i want !

jimmarchi1

I've never made dirt-stacking work for me, but my clean sound is probably way more compressed and way closer to overdriving the power amp than most people's

R
roem

171

Briliant

Amazing clean boost. I don't even use the distortion but it makes everything sound better pre or post.

stanley_christiaensen

23

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

dinfernandes

Jcm 800 in a box!

My powerful and favorite overdrive!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Noel Gallagher uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Noel Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows Gallagher's pedalboard from 2016 tour, the ZVex Box Of Rock is visible.

See how Kevin Shields uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Kevin Shields

Singer, Guitarist

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via Photo

This photo from an effects bay article displays a Zvex Box of Rock on the pedal board of Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Fbcdn

In the source, which is a tour gear abridgment, it's seen that he uses the Zvex Box of Rock.

See how Stone Gossard uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Stone Gossard

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Photo

Next to the Green Rhino

See how Miles Kane uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Miles Kane

Singer, Guitarist

The Last Shadow Puppets

...
Verified via Mileskane

Miles declared his gear to Total Guitar magazine during an interview in the February 2013 issue.

See how Moby uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Moby

Music Producer

Vatican Commandos

...
Verified via reverb.com

Sold for charity on Moby's official Reverb shop in 2016.

This Zvex Box Of Rock Handpainted is part of the private collection of Moby.

This rare handpainted edition of the Box of Rock simulates Zachary Zvex's favorite amp turned up all the way, a 1966 Marshall JTM45. The tone control adjusts brightness and there's a high-headroom low-noise boost.

This pedal has been well used but works without any issue. Velcro on the bottom. A killer piece from Moby's collection

All items in Moby's Reverb Store ship fully insured with a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Moby.

See how Kurt Vile uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Kurt Vile

Singer, Guitarist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, Vile uses the ZVex Box Of Rock.

See how Ben Gibbard uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Ben Gibbard

Singer, Guitarist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via YouTube

According to Ben Gibbard in this Premier Guitar Rig Rundown, the Death Cab for Cutie guitar player uses a ZVex Box of Rock. "This stays on all the time," Gibbard said at (16:35).

See how Jeordie White uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Jeordie White

Guitarist, Bassist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

From Tone King video, explaining his effects setup as a guitarist instead of bassist for Marilyn Manson.

See how Ian D'Sa uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Ian D'Sa

Guitarist, Music Producer

Billy Talent

...
Verified via reverb.com

Ian D'Sa of Billy Talent listed his ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock for sale on Reverb.com, indicating it was part of his collection of studio gear.

See how William Reid uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

William Reid

Guitarist

The Jesus and Mary Chain

...
Verified via reddit

William Reid of The Jesus & Mary Chain has transitioned from using multiple Shin-Ei fuzz units to incorporating a ZVEX Box of Rock in his pedalboard. This overdrive pedal, known for emulating the sound of a cranked JTM45, is highlighted in a recent discussion on Reddit by user vox_repeater, showcasing Reid's current gear setup.

See how Isaac Wood uses ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock

Isaac Wood

Singer, Guitarist

Black Country, new road

...
Verified via Twitter

In a Twitter photo, Isaac Wood is seen with the ZVEX Box of Rock, highlighting its role in his guitar effects setup.

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 ZVEX Vexter Box of Rock, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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