10 Pedals that Changed the Sound of Rock Music 

What MXR would make YOUR Top 10 list? Tell us in the comments below! Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Pedal #10 03:50 Pedal #9 05:25 Pedal #8 07:25 Pedal #7 09:02 Pedal #6 10:56 Pedal #5 12:28 Pedal #4 15:12 Pedal #3 17:41 Pedal #2 21:18 Pedal #1 23:50 Final Thoughts 24:30 Learn More 25:25 Thanks for Watching!

MXR was definitely ubiquitous on so many classic rock albums in the 70s and early 80s before Boss became the primary guitar pedal behemoth. Great list and video. Thanks for putting this together... So cool!

Alex Lifeson used MXR Micro Amp into a MXR Distortion + to record Moving Picture album. That is his drive in the entire album. Killer

MXR is probably my favorite pedal “brand.” Simple, no option paralysis, sounds great and just works. I’ve had some type of Phase 90 ever since I started using effects. That one knob can cover a lot of ground.

my personal guitar hero, Rowland S Howard, used one simple rig for his entire career. A CBS fender Jaguar into an MXR blue box, into an MXR Distortion+, into a 70's master volume twin reverb. An astonishing sound.

im a phaser snob and approve of the mxr 45. the best phaser, not overwhelming but crisp and out there

Fantastic video and really enjoyed the way you matched the sounds up with actual clips---really well done, cheers!!

I always thought the "One of These Night's" solo was a fuzz face but damn this makes more sense

Please keep doing these 10 pedals of any brand....has the makings of a very long and informative series. Thanks for introducing me to artists I rarely listened to.

Great video! Those clips bring back a lot of memories. Last week I bought the MXR Poly Blue Octave Pedal. OMG! What a pedal! I see this pedal as a future classic for sure. I'm looking forward to your review of it.

absolutely stellar collection of rock history nuggets and gear application examples. What a joy to watch !! 🤟👍

Really enjoyed this episode with you showing clips of all these pedals being used live. I love MXR pedals, I’m torn between keeping my board stripped down and wanting to incorporate all of my MXR pedals.

This video is incredible. Amazing content lately with this and Eric Krasno.

It's great that you are showing how pedals were used in context to classic live performances! I had suggested something like this to TPS several years back but they thought the idea was too broad and didn't take my suggestion.

Are you sure that Pink Floyd's Breathe uses the Phase 90? I believe that's pretty well documented as being the Uni-Vibe, and then on the Wish You Were Here album he used the Phase 90.

Good job putting the live clips for sound samples. Your list videos are good but this was another level.

Just got the poly blue octave. Can verify awesome.

Loved watching this video a lot!! I also really appreciated the fact that you mentioned Jerry and Don as famous Distortion plus users amongst many others besides the “internet infamous” Rhoads, Murray…. I, myself still use my old D+ along some fancier boxes, and this mustard colored little gem is still my favorite ;)

Great list and great video...I honestly thought the M169 Carbon Copy Delay would have made the list (at least an honorable mention), though

My kids got me an orange box for Christmas this year so I could get my Waylon on - so sweet. Great episode. Thanks

Heck ya dude, loved the Jerry shoutouts!

When I think of MXR, I think of Randy Rhoads. My top 10 would be (vintage only) 10 Band EQ, 6 Band EQ, Distortion + (1st version), Phase 45, Envelope Filter, Dynacomp, Phase 90 (1st version), Analog Delay (1st version), Flanger, Stereo Chorus. But then I am a huge MXR fan and I collect them too. Honorable mentions, Distortion II, Limiter, Noise Gate/Line Driver, Blue Box, Phase 100 (1st version), Dual 10 Band, Micro Amp, Analog Delay (2nd version), Micro Chorus, Micro Flanger, Distortion + (2nd version), Phase 90 (2nd version), Phase 100 (2nd version).

Great overview! I bought a Phase 90 when they came out but it got 'borrowed' so I replaced it with a Phase 100. Still have my original Distortion + & Dyna Comp - both a bit skew wiff re: power, the DC has an unusual 9V socket and I had to drill a hole in the D+ so I could install a 'battery rig' attachment but both still great! I have been using the Analog Chorus in the studio lately - classy, subtle and I keep meaning to grab the simple Carbon Copy . . . just because, really. MXR were a bit of a game changer and happy Jim Dunlop kept the flame burning!

I bought my first pedal in1979 - MXR Blue Box. I was a freshman in HS and ‘Fool in the Rain’ was all the rage at the time. Not my favorite pedal by any means. But I loved it at the time. I still have it, complete with the original box and warranty card. I recently started looking more closely into it and discovered that the serial # on the box match the sticker on the inside. The pots date back to Dec. ‘73! It still works flawlessly. I got lucky with this one. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now ‘n’ then!

Great video Mason! Interesting clips

Mason your videos are so good we'll edited and clear information I really learn alot thanks..jamlooby out..

Really, I'm a fan of Dunlop/MXR gear: Dunlop Straplocks, DC-Brick Power Supply, and CryBaby Wah-Wah (Standard and Junior versions); MXR instrument cables and pedals: Distortion +, Phase 90 (in the 80s, I used Phase 100), 10-Band EQ, Flanger (M117R), Stereo Chorus, Micro Amp, Carbon Copy Digital Delay, Smart Gate, and now I'm thinking to add a Dyna Comp. Since 2020, I've been using a TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Mini (with Buffer), but I hope that Dunlop/MXR will produce its own Tuner pedal (they have actually a "clip" version only), and a cheaper/smaller buffer (that their CAE version). I don't like the MXR "pancake" patch cables (plugs are too big), but I noticed they have been producing since last year "ribbon" cables of 3 and 6 inches with smaller, right-angle plugs, and I will try those (to replace the Fender ones I bought last year; they are good but too rigid).

Whenever I'm using delay pedals, I always put my Micro Amp right before them in the chain; it really adds so much more articulation to the echo trails (especially on analog delays) & allows them to be heard over the band mix.

The Dyna Comp is my all time favorite tone machine. It colors my tone so nicely. I love Dyna Comps.

Fool in the rain. 1979. Zep. Clip was from 1973 “song remains the same” movie.

Great video. More like this please

Love your channel great content thank you

really good approach to show original video to demo pedals

Great stuff. ( Gilmour, Van Halen, Zeppelin & Police ) I have owned the Original MXR MX-117 Flanger, Phase 90 & Distortion + . . . Great company. Rugged, durable - well made pedals. I think their currently-made M300 Reverb is among the Best available.

Great video! You could mention Randy Rhoads… My favorite MXR pedals are: Phase 90, Dynacomp, 5150 overdrive, Il Diavolo, Timmy, Micro Amp, Carbon Copy Deluxe, Reverb & GT-OD.

That Eddie flanger (and frankly the phaser too) are 2 of my all time favorite pedals... let alone MXR. I’ve bought, sold, and traded lots of guitar pedals in my time... but I will never let those go. (I had to get the rest of those EVH pedals too... you know... for reasons).

When I first got into pedals in the mid to late 90s I think DOD and digitech stood out more to my young eyes. MXR didn’t mean anything to me but except something old. A few short years later everyone was into hand built analog with true bypass, so modern reissues of vintage MXR pedals were like faux versions of what everyone really wanted. Took almost 30 years to learn about the history of the company to be able to appreciate their contribution to electric guitar! I’m a little bit of a fan boy now!

Very good list. The ranking of at least the top 5 is indisputable, I absolutely agree. I‘d only make a special mention for a few “modern classics”, which are the M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay, M75 Super Badass Distortion, M300 Reverb, and M305 Tremolo.

That Eagles "One of These Nights" solo was CLEAN

MXR was started in Rochester NY . The home of RIT. At one time one of the top engineering schools in the world. Also, the home of Eastman Kodak at one time the most advanced Photo/film company in the world. And Johnson and Johnson. It was a perfect storm. Lots of very smart people in one spot. Now a rust belt relic of a city. Used to drive by the original factory as they were making the first effect pedals. Really closest you can get now would be a Whirlwind pedal. Even though Dunlop bought the company. My #1 would be the phase 100 then Distortion +. Both of which Jerry G. and Lowell G. were early users of (1970s). And of course, Lowell's use of the Dyna Comp pretty much defined slide guitar forever. Phase 95 is current fav. on the script 45 setting at fast rate, it is a killer Leslie/vib/trem.. Sorry for the repeat info it's my hometown so I got carried away.

hey mason! I enjoyed your presentation of all the mxr pedals you use there! Have you used the mxr overdrive I think that is the pedal i am using now. It is ok but it seems to work with more a grunge sound of distortion through my modelling amps. Do you know if that is suppose to be done that way? Also I am using a dl4 delay (original) set on a looper setting and use distortion and other added effects to make the sounds i like. I myself just bought a ultimate drive pedal but it is a low cost pedal so I am wondering some of my pedals will come out sounding like the distortion would come from a radio when the station doesn't come thru well is there a reason for that? Anyways thanks for your hard work on all these pedals and keep up the good work there! :)

My first mxr was the Distortion Plus in 1978 mxr are my favorite pedals on the market today 😍

back in the mid 70s when I started out there wasn't much competition that could measure up to the mxr pedals. Most of the 60's pedals were sounding a bit dated to us heavy rockers. I owned most of what mxr came out with then and I still use the dynacomp and the phase90 on and off. the former is also a very good clean boost by cranking the volume knob and jus add a touch of compression to get a bit more sustain. My favorite mxr pedal today is probably the Distiortion III. It's bit more modern voiced compared to the Distortion + has a bit more gain and that extra knob, It's not expensive but right up there with the best boutique amp like distortion pedals. Makes your clean Fender amp into a roaring Marshall with the flick of a switch.

MXR is one of the few brands I really have an attachment to. their pedals look beautiful, sounds great, and I've never had one that I felt was low quality. my favorite is the 5150 OD. doubt it will ever leave my pedalboard

I had the phase 45. I got it to sound like a air raid siren. Turned up my Fender Tremolux aimed my 58 Jr at the cabinet up close and got some great feedback. Scared crap out of my parents. I got the MXR white with script Classic OD at Guitoy Center for 29.00. Love it. I found a little switch inside , now it sounds like the Zakk Wylde pedal.

I love mxr. I just have new stuff. Sugar drive, phase 95 (set to script 45), the new tremolo for harmonic trem, stereo chorus. Really good build quality, reasonable price, great sound.

Love that dyna comp, it just has one knob , it just does it more or less,

The MXR Microamp was use by Dave Murray and Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden 🤘

Recently purchased the MXR Fat Sugar and it’s just magic. A clone of, well, The Klon, the transparent overdrive is amazing.

Almost all the effects I ever used back in the 70's was MXR........they were the go to effects back then. Living near Rochester, NY we all supported them as well. I think I only had two other pedals that weren't MXR........Electro Harmonix I think. Always sounded great....

I really love the Distortion + I think its maybe the most natural distortion pedal ever made - but the video of Don Felder is showing that he is not using the Fender Deluxe there - its Mesa Boogie Mark I as u can see on the background.

In 1973-74I had a rehearsal room in a warehouse in Rochester, NY where Mike Laiacona (sales, later created Whirlwind Audio)) would bring by pedals with no markings or paint for us to try out. Eventually my favorites were BlueBox and Phase 90 which I paired with S.Hawk.Ltd treble booster designed by Harry Kolbe. Truly the beginnings of sound signatures for modern guitar!! Those were adventurous days in every way!

MXR is probably my favorite pedal brand, simple easy to understand and use and pretty much everything sounds great. My favorites are for sure the carbon copy, the big yellow stereo chorus and the micro flanger. IMHO the micro flanger sounds every bit as good and can accomplish what the bigger pedal can do but in a smaller easier to dial in 2 knob format.

Ive owned a MXR Distortion II since 1978. It's AC powered. Its still my go too pedal to this day. Its never been repaired. It never gets talked about. Some MXR pedals came with rubber boots that slipped over the knobs. You could then turn them with the ball of your foot.

the most underrated and surprisingly great mxr pedal on one of my boards is the Mxr Variac Fuzz!? great sounding pedal!

The rhythm guitar on the Stones “Shattered” is a standout usage of a Phase 100. Try it, it plays itself.

Gotta do a video on top maestro pedals! The fuzz and stage phasers sounded so amazing

This is a really cool video & concept - but the Frusciante - Micro Amp clip is not the Micro Amp.. it’s a Boss DS2 & Big Muff combined! Also the clip of Under The Bridge, he’s not using the Dyna Comp. He only used it on the studio version and never had the Dyna Comp on his live board until this year.

For me, my favorite MXR pedals are the Dyna Comp and the Phase 100. The thing I love about the Dyna Comp is the fact that it isn't transparent, it's got a lot of character. It works great as a boost as well. With the Phase 100, there really isn't a modulation tone I can't emulate to some extent with that box, by far one of the most versatile pedals I own

Oh Yess... The MXR Units... It Don't Get Much Better... And I Must Agree... Phase 90 All Day Followed By The Model 118 Analog Delay and Dyna-Comp.. All Great Choices There Bruh ☺😎👊💯💯

After 58 years playing pro and teaching solos for almost as long, I have come to feel that One of these Nights has continued to fascinate me and stay at the top of my all time favorites.

I own the MXR 118 delay... Quite shortish delay times, but never had a delay that sounds as deep or lush.

One of these Nights solo tone is epic!

I'm pretty sure Flea used the Micro Amp as well while slapping, to bring his level up. In fact, I used to have it on my pedalboard when I was playing a lot of bass, and kicked it in for slap sections.

Awesome list! But I would have liked to hear about Keith Richards and the Phase 100 and of course Randy Rhoads and the D+ and many other pedals that he used.

I have a mxr dyna comp with no led and no power jack(battery only)It has a sticker inside on the back plate with the number AB15J477.Can you tell the year by that number?It is a script logo.I wanted to get the numbers from the pots,but it's wrapped in foam and I was worried about damaging the board.I was wanting to put a power jack and led in it if it's not one of the older more valuable ones.I assume doing those mods to it would kill the value??

My favourites are Shin-Juku DRive, and Fet Driver. Also enjoy EVH Phase 90, Il Torino Drive, Sub Machine, Super Badass Variac Fuzz and Ten Band Eq

After seeing the Eric Krasno video, i'm definitely putting the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz in this list.

I was going to point out that the phase 100 was used by a session guitar player named Eric gale in the 70s on iconic records such as Bob James the theme from Taxi. I personally had the full set including the rack mount blue front digital delay. They made a nice envelope filter as well.

One pedal I would maybe mention or even make the list would have been the MXR stereo chorus pedal. Great sound and extremely flexible in it's abilities. I've been using mine for about 20 years give or take. Absolutely love the pedal. I'm never big on time based effects, I'm more into the gain stacking and stuff like that. I have no idea why, I know most prefer the time based stuff. Just my 2 cents lol

First pedal I ever got was an MXR Distortion +, way back in 1981. Shortly after I got a Phase 90.

The Il Diavola was a Awesome Drive Pedal. But so many Great Pedals from MXR.

The ten band equalizer became the first pedal in the chain,and I can't play without it.

That Zep clip; wooops..

I love my phase 90, 95, and most of all my EVH 90 .Love my EVH Flanger, I also love my Dyna comp ,mini comp, mini bass comp . I recently got a Vintage Vox distortion pedal (of course because of the V-shaped enclosure : ) I did some research ,and found out it's a clone of a Guyatone ,which in turn is a clone of a Distortion + ! So yeah I also love my clone of a clone of a Distortion+

Can I share a 100mA output from a Mondo to a mxr dyna comp 3.3mA,rat 5mA,rc Booster 6mA, Lightspeed 11mA using a 4way splitter??

Fun fact: Matt Bellamy from Muse used the Phase 90 so much he put it inside his guitar. Which means it's sometimes the first thing in his chain (I don't know if the Fuzz Factory also inside his guitar comes before or after, actually).

Love your channel and subbed…… quick question : is it safe to have 3 stereo pedals in line after my Amp + Cab signal ? Would be the Eventide Pitch - Ultratap - Blackhole……. And then go the FOH ? Thanks a lot !! I live in the Netherlands else would have dropped of my Pedalboard ;)

MXR Stereo Chorus

that was great

Cool life clips, I assumes used because the pedals were often used to match studio tools. Many a bit hard for me to hear but the point is stlll made - they work.

That's interesting... 3 phasers. My favourite MXR pedal would have to be the EVH iteration of the Phase 90. Maybe it's the paint, but it always spoke to me more than mister orange did. I'd add the Carbon Copy, the 108 Fuzz and Sugar Drive... and from the demos I've seen (haven't gotten my mitts on one yet) the newly released Poly Blue Octave.

Using an Eagles clip without garnering a copyright strike? What wizardry is this..? I’ve always loved the bite on the stops in that solo…

I have a 70's Micro-amp. Great boost!

Left out early 80s Iron Maiden and Randy Rhodes on the Dist+. I’ve never played a Dumble, but it seems like some of Dumble pedals have a compressed slightly fuzzy Dist+ sound

I really want to try to Poly Blue Octave. If it lives up to its promises, it could be a modern classic!

For the Phase 100, probably the best example is Keith Richards on "Shattered..." super pronounced and iconic. I've owned the original 10-band, the Distortion II (definitely not a top 10), the Phase 90, Micro Flanger, and the Paperweight. Still own the Paperweight, my favorite and the most transparent tone ever.. Love mine.

Knopfler used the green analog delay on Sultans of Swing too!!

The new Micro Amp+ is excellent BTW....3 buttons Hard to argue with the Phase 90 as #1

I had a micro amp in 2017, sold it tho, then this year got the micro amp+ has a bass and treble feature, dont know which one is better.

David Gilmour used the MXR Phase 100 during the 1977 tour in which it was change to the Phase 90 in ‘78 when it was used during The Wall shows.

#10 On my list of things to try! Practical, versatile and easy to use. That's what I want in my pedals. #9 Thought this would've been higher on the list. It's practical and easy to use (1 knob and the truth!) #8 Never played one but I love my Carbon Copy (which I want to believe is based off this older model). #7 Not my cup of tea. I had a script logo version as a kid in the 90s (handed down to me from my cool, guitar playing uncle when I was going through my "must learn everything by Jimmy Page" phase). Not practical, not versatile and what it does offer I don't want. I got rid of it in my twenties and my only regret is that I should have held onto it longer and sold it in my thirties for more $$$. I don't miss that thing #6. Love the 45, especially in a live band mix. I keep my phase 95 set to the 45 "script" setting when I play live. #5 Never owned one, but I've always loved the way it looks. #4 Never owned one, but I've been in bands with people that use them. They always sound great and it ticks all my boxes (Practical, versatile and easy to use). #3 Flanger has never been my thing but I am able to look past my own preferences and acknowledge that it's a solid, legendary unit. #2 High fives! Yea, I love the dyna comp. It seems to get a bad rap these days. It was one of my first pedals as a kid (same awesome, guitar playing uncle) and it's still on my board today! In fact, I've been looking for another compressor pedal for my (electric) guitar rig and I'm leaning toward the Keeley compressor plus but I don't want to take the dyna comp off (nostalgia is a funny thing). So, I guess what I'm driving at is...if I had two compressors on my boards (1 before drive and 1 after) would people label me as a crazy person? #1 No arguments here. Legend of a pedal. Really great list. I'd switch #10 with #7 but that's just personal bias. Apologies for the tangent. It's a sickness.

In a modern context, Kevin Parker from tame impala use the dynacomp at the end of his chain to mix up well every pedal he use at the same time !

Hey doc ! Any thought about the vintage 10 band mxr ? BR

I was on top of the world I thought in the late 70’s and early 80’s with my 120 VAC MXR stereo chorus, analog delay, and flanger….with a big Chrome Morley wan/volume…..we didn’t consider “tone suck” or true bypass….we just made it work and it sounded great….wish I still had that stuff today….all said though I do like my modern pedal board ….but what memories 😎🎸

As a bass player the Phase 90 is a pedal I love to hear. Unfortunately as a bass player not all pedals transfer from guitar to bass.

Do they block logo Dyna Comps sound the same as the 70s versions?

Wow. No less than three phasers, but you forgot to mention the Stereo Chorus. The one that made (for example) Jamie West-Oram from The Fixx create the sound of that whole band. With a little (okay: huge) help from the DynaComp, but then again. Have a listen to 'Outside' - that sound is glorious.

Breathe used a Uni-Vibe on the studio recording and at least for the first tour. Eventually Gilmour did used the 90 instead to replicate the Vibe tones

I heard the song "Shattered" by the Rolling Stones was an MXR 90! "Lightening Crashes" by the band Live is definitely an MXR 90. It dawned on me one day just how many legendary and great songs had a phase on the guitar in them!!!