Dunlop MXR Distortion III, model M115 vs JHS PG-14 Paul Gilbert Signature Distortion
The Dunlop MXR Distortion III, model M115 and the JHS PG-14 Paul Gilbert Signature Distortion are both pedals sharing high gain, transparent, tight. The JHS PG-14 Paul Gilbert Signature Distortion leans saturated and sustaining.
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.51% — moderately similar
cited
Genres both listings are associated with.- Rock
- Metal
cited
Derived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.- high gain
- transparent
- tight
cited
Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$199via Reverb
The MXR Distortion III, model M115, is a distortion pedal from MXR by Jim Dunlop that delivers a moderate-gain drive tone reviewed as sounding closer to overdrive than high-gain distortion in character. The M115 covers classic overdrive through medium distortion and works well as an all-purpose moderate-gain drive into a tube amplifier. It features Output, Tone, and Distortion knobs on a straightforward control layout. Reviews from Sweetwater, Audiofanzine, and Guitar Pick Reviews note its excellent tone quality for blues lead lines and all-around rhythm guitar overdrive, while also noting it loses low-frequency content when engaged, making it less ideal for bass applications.
The JHS PG-14 is a signature distortion pedal created in collaboration with Paul Gilbert, the virtuoso rock guitarist known for his high-speed technique and complex riff-based playing with Mr. Big and Racer X. The PG-14 delivers the saturated, harmonically rich distortion character associated with Gilbert's tonal approach, providing enough gain and sustain for his demanding technical playing while retaining note definition and articulation at high speeds. Suited to hard rock and metal lead playing where technique and clarity are primary concerns.
cited
Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- Classic Rock
- Blues
- Hard Rock
- saturated
- sustaining