MXR Guitar Pedals were first introduced in the 1970′s. Created originally by MXR Innovations, founded in 1972 by Michael Laiacona, Keith Barr, and Terry Sherwood the company is now owned by Jim Dunlop who still manufactures the guitar pedals today.

The very first of the MXR guitar pedals was the M-101 MXR Phase 90 and was most recognized to be used by Van Halen. Later releases included the MXR Phase 45 which has somewhat of a milder tone and the Phase 100 which is the first programmable guitar pedal produced by MXR. The MXR was powered by a 9 volt battery that was encased in the bottom of the pedal.

Here is a list of battery powered MXR guitar pedals that were produced:
M-101 MXR Phase 90
M-102 MXR Dyna Comp, a compressor
M-103 MXR Blue Box, known best for its octaving and distortion effects
M-104 MXR Distortion
M-105 MXR Phase 45
M-106 MXR Noise Gate & Line Driver
M-107 MXR Phase 100
M-109 MXR 6-Band Graphic Equalizer
M-120 MXR Envelope Filter
M-133 MXR Micro Amp that featured less Distortion thsn the M-104 MXR Distortion Pedal
M-137 MXR Power Converter
M-144 MXR Loop Selector
M-148 MXR Micro Chorus
M-152 MXR Micro Flanger
M-157 MXR Headphone Amplifier

Here are the MXR Guitar Pedals that were AC powered:
M-108 MXR 10-Band Graphic Equalizer’
M-117 MXR Flanger
M-118 MXR Analog Delay
M-134 MXR Stereo Chorus
M-142 MXR Distortion II
M-143 MXR Limiter

The Commande Series was produced between 1981 and 1984 which were made out of plastic with the jacks moved to the top of the pedal and a large footswitch to make it easier for musicians to group them on the floor or pedal board. Models in the Commande Series include:
M-161 MXR Phaser
M-162 MXR Preamp
M-163 MXR Sustain
M-164 MXR Overdrive
M-166 MXR Time Delay
M-167 MXR Stereo Chorus
M-167 MXR Stereo Flanger

In 1982 MXR released what is known as the 2000 series of guitar effects pedals which is a higher quality pedal with an all metal enclosure and easily removable battery doors. They were produced until 1984 when MXR became owned by Jim Dunlop.

2000 Series MXR Guitar Pedals Included:
M-200 MXR Master Pedal Series
M-201 MXR Phaser
M-202 MXR Dyna Comp
M-203 MXR Stereo Flanger
M-204 MXR Distortion+
M-205 MXR Stereo Chorus
M-206 MXR Time Delay
M-210 MXR Junior

Many of the pedals produced by MXR originally are still in production today by Jim Dunlop, including reissue versions of the MXR 108 Fuzz, a 1974 Phase 90, M109, M117, M103, M104, M101, and the M102.

There’s always the debate over the sound difference between original pedals and reissue pedals. The new reissue models are certainly easier to use and do have the same schematics for the most part with a few slight variations. Finding an older or original MXR pedal before they were produced by Dunlop might be worth picking up to compare for yourself.

The MXR pedals continue to be one of the most affordable guitar pedals on the market – you can expect to pay anywhere between $30-$200 for an MXR guitar effects pedal depending on make, model, year manufactured, and the condition of the guitar pedal.

Have any thoughts on MXR Guitar Pedals? Share them in the comments below!

This video with a demo of the Fender Blender says it all best:

What the heck, here’s another demo:

It’s not about their playing styles or how good they are, its all about realizing in your mind all of the possibilities with this little amazing classic Fender effects pedal.

Features and Specs of the Fender Blender:

Volume control
Sustain control
Tone control
Blend control
On/Off footswitch
Tone Boost footswitch
True bypass circuitry
Extruded aluminum casing
Germanium diodes

Original Fender Blender effects pedals can range anywhere from $300-$400, but if you can settle for a reissue, can often find them for less than $150 which if you watched the demo you can see if pretty reasonable for the effects and the ability to come up with a variety ways of using the Fender Blender.

If you’ve watched the videos, we’re sure you want one, whether original or a reissue, check out some of them below: