Dunlop MXR M78 Custom Modified OD, also known as the Bad Ass Modified OD vs Whirlwind Rochester Gold Box
The Dunlop MXR M78 Custom Modified OD, also known as the Bad Ass Modified OD and the Whirlwind Rochester Gold Box are both pedals sharing high gain. The Dunlop MXR M78 Custom Modified OD, also known as the Bad Ass Modified OD leans saturated and mid-forward. The Whirlwind Rochester Gold Box leans dynamic and tight.
cited
Blended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.47% — somewhat different
cited
Genres both listings are associated with.- Classic Rock
- Blues Rock
cited
Derived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.- high gain
cited
Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.The MXR M78 Custom Modified OD, also known as the Bad Ass Modified OD, is a vintage-voiced overdrive from MXR by Jim Dunlop based on the 1978 MXR Distortion Plus circuit with additional Tone and Filter controls added to increase tonal flexibility. The 1978 vintage Distortion Plus is known for its warm, smooth clipping character and distinctive compressed saturation that works well into an already-driven tube amplifier. The M78 extends the original circuit with front-panel EQ control that was not available on the vintage unit, allowing players to shape the midrange and frequency balance without requiring external pedals. It bridges the original vintage MXR sound with modern usability.
The Whirlwind Rochester Gold Box is a handwired distortion pedal designed by Michael Laiacona, cofounder of MXR, reviving the classic yellow 1970s distortion stompbox with modern 9V AC adapter power and true bypass. It ranges from subtle, warm, tube-like drive to all-out searing hot overdrive, with a pronounced but not nasal treble voicing and vintage sustain. Reviewers describe it as nailing the original 1970s tone while adding a modern touch, and note it stays articulate, producing distinct notes within full chords, even with guitar tone rolled off. It works well with both single-coil and humbucker guitars, suiting classic rock and vintage-distortion players wanting a faithful, USA-handwired update of the original circuit.
cited
Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- Rock
- Alternative Rock
- saturated
- mid-forward
- warm
- full
- dynamic
- tight
- transparent
cited
Occasions this gear suits — judged per model, or derived from its wattage, connectivity and category.- Busking
- Live
- Practice
- Studio