MXR '78 Badass Distortion

Walks Backward

Walks Backward

Well-Known Member
Anyone familiar with this unit?
Got one on the way here. Low bid paid off this time. Not sure if I "need" it but y'all know me and my distortion pedal fetish. YouTube video shows a good pedal. Guess we'll see in a week or so huh?
Oh, that "Crunch" switch tales it from common diode to LED clipping. Interesting yes?
I know Jim Dunlop builds good gear and I hope this doesn't disappoint me.


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Yup. Got this one really by chance. Only MXR pedal I've ever had (and won't let go) is the m169 Carbon Copy delay. Wonderful bucket brigade analog system reminiscent of the old DOD FX90. So when I casually tossed a modest bid on this distortion pedal I harboured no expectation of actually winning. Actually I don't need it. I've got three DigiTech X-Series that produce 13 different OD and distortion pedals via morph circuitry that are distinctively individual and yet dead accurate in their reproduction of the pedals they cover. I need another dirt box like I need another hole in my head. :blink: But it's affordable. Who knows, I may do like Tony and build two pedal boards and split em up.:hmmm:
 
I have one, got it cheap/used. Nice OD. As with any pedal, it varies with your gear. Not one of my favorites, but that's just me. I love the switch. It's like premodded.

I've modded a few select pedals to led clipping. This pedal gives you the option.
 
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best 20.00 I ever spent.........well o.k. not EVER-----there was this one time in the Bahamas that........eh no time

anyway this pedal sounds GREAT
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Guilty, maybe? Check out the EHX East River Drive. Modded TS, good EHX housing, cheap. Analogman (i think) helped design it.
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Chubbles said:
Guilty, maybe? Check out the EHX East River Drive. Modded TS, good EHX housing, cheap. Analogman (i think) helped design it.
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This is a very good pedal. It is a little warmer sounding than what it is cloned after, the Ibanez TS-808. It has the JRC4558D opamp inside also. I lived next to the East River throughout elementary school back in the 60s, this gives this pedal extra emotional ties to me.
 
If you like the original, made in Japan Boss DS1, you'll like the MXR 78 custom badass distortion. Its basically the same circuit with a few of the most popular tweaks. Supposedly has better clarity than others of this type too, even "booteek" ones. Cheers
 
The old DS-1. I've done my share of mods to that one.
The Dunlop pedal will be here Monday. As I said, I don't actually need it but the bid was low and I didn't think I'd win it, but I did. So it will be assimilated.
 
Well---- I didnt NEED this .......but it was assimilated
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1986 USA made Peavey Foundation S bass. I was in JR HIGH when this beast rolled off the assembly table........and it still plays and works flawlessly (unlike me) AND it came with a full contour hard plastic Peavey Case ............149.00 you just cant say NO to deals like that .....

And FYI --- its a BASS not a guitar so for those keeping score I still have NOT BOUGHT A GUITAR the whole MOnth of May ;)

I'll get some close up pics in a minute slapped some new black stings on it and cleaned the fretboard. .........

I have a serious weakness for USA made Peavey basses..........seriously
 
Well the pedal arrived. Mint condition. Got gouged $5.75 on overcharging on shipping. Hum?mmm.

And you folks that responded with facts were most correct. Like a Boss DS-1 with far greater clarity. The CRUNCH switch is pretty good. Adds some welcomed depth to the tone. I tested it with my Epiphone ES339 through an Acoustic G35fx ss amp through the clean channel.

The DigiTech DF-7 Distortion Factory pedal and DigiTech Hot Rod Distortion pedal both have a morphed DS-1 in them. Just for fun I did a side by side by side of the three. Identical settings. Nearly identical sound with the MRX out in front a little due to a hint of clearer tone. The DF-7, with a 4 band EQ, projected greater depth overall. Neither DigiTech pedal could express the clarity of the MRX without having a hint of sounding "tinny" to a degree. Not bad, but was enough even for my badly damaged ears to pick up on.

I suppose I have been spoiled by the RAT. Point for point the RAT is THE BEST dirtbox on the planet. But to be fair this Dunlop MXR '78 Custom Badass Distortion pedal is a good one. With enough crunch and punch to carry out the mission of a stand alone distortion pedal for hitting it hard enough to create some serious sonic damage. Overall I'm not unhappy with it at all.

Is it a keeper? Probably. Its in the same box as the Carbon Copy only a pretty brushed metallic red that sparkles just a little. Actually it and the C C could get me through a gig rather well if I still went out to perform. Easy adjustments. Well laid out and precise silent switching.
I pulled a .45 on it and said "Cry! Go ahead. Be a baby!". It smirked and said "You want a Crybaby, get a wa wa pedal sport." I like its attitude!
Yeah, this Badass has found a home with the original badass here! Ha!:coffee::celebrate2:
 
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