The MXR Distortion + (Script Logo) is a distortion pedal. Close alternatives include the Xotic BB Preamp V1.5 and the Crowther Hot Cake. It pairs well with the Marshall JMP 2203 Mk II Master Lead 100w and the Marshall Plexi 1959SLP.
MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)
Unknown brand · pedal
The MXR Distortion+ with Script Logo is the original mid-1970s version of MXR's classic op-amp distortion circuit, built with the earliest script-logo enclosure and components before the later block-logo revision. It produces the same thick, buzzy, somewhat fuzzy-edged distortion the Distortion+ is known for, with a straightforward two-knob Output and Distortion control set. Vintage script units are prized by collectors for their original-era component tone and are considered the definitive version of this early distortion circuit. It suits players and collectors wanting the raw, vintage-voiced distortion character in its original, earliest form.
What stands out
“The MXR Distortion+ with Script Logo is the original mid-1970s version of MXR's classic op-amp distortion circuit, built with the earliest script-logo enclosure and components before the later block-logo revision”
— from the listing
“[Pros] ✓ Unique flavor enhances output range for versatile use ✓ Works well with clean boosts and overdrives ✓ Ideal for boosting amp tones ✓ Excellent for 70-80s Heavy Metal and rock music ✓ Vintage models offer cool, authentic aesthetics …”
— from the reviews
“Vintage script units are prized by collectors for their original-era component tone and are considered the definitive version of this early distortion circuit”
— from the listing
“It suits players and collectors wanting the raw, vintage-voiced distortion character in its original, earliest form”
— from the listing
- distortion
- boost
- rich
- overdrive
- noise
- clean
- op amp
Genres the MXR Distortion + (Script Logo) is commonly used in
- Rock
- Metal
- Punk
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag.
Amps that pair well with the MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)
Marshall JMP 2203 Mk II Master Lead 100w
Marshall
52% match“Compatible with classic setups like Gibson Les Paul and Marshall JMP 2203”— from the mxr-distortion-script-logo listing
Comes later in the signal chain
Marshall Plexi 1959SLP
amplifier
18% matchMarshall Plexi 1959SLP leans toward aggressive, and that's a real, usable character to pair with
Comes later in the signal chain
Pedals that stack with the MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)
Beetronics Overhive
Beetronics
12% matchMXR Distortion + (Script Logo)'s transparent character and Beetronics Overhive's transparent voice sit in the same lane rather than fighting each other
Comes earlier in the signal chain
MXR Distortion+
MXR
12% matchMXR Distortion+ leans toward gritty, and that's a real, usable character to pair with
Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere MKII The Analog Leslie Simulator
pedal
10% matchRun Hughes & Kettner Tube Rotosphere MKII The Analog Leslie Simulator after MXR Distortion + (Script Logo) in the signal chain, clear of MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)'s own gain stage
Comes later in the signal chain
Ashdown Studio Compressor
Ashdown
8% matchWhat Ashdown Studio Compressor brings here leans toward compressed — that's worth building a pairing around
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Roland SDE-3000D
Roland
7% matchKeep Roland SDE-3000D after MXR Distortion + (Script Logo) in the signal chain, clear of MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)'s own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Dunlop - MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe Analog Delay
Dunlop
7% matchRun Dunlop - MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe Analog Delay after MXR Distortion + (Script Logo) in the signal chain, clear of MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)'s own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Alternativessee all similar tone character →
Xotic BB Preamp V1.5
Xotic
59% similarityShared character: noise, thickness, boost
Crowther Hot Cake
Crowther
56% similarityShared character: boost, distortion, overdrive
Strymon Iridium
Strymon
56% similarityShared character: clean
MXR Eric Gales Raw Dawg
MXR
55% similarityShared character: raw, middle, boost
MXR Super Badass Distortion
MXR
54% similarityShared character: thickness, middle, boost
Laney Ironheart LoudPedal Martin Miller Signature
Laney
54% similaritySimilar voicing: full
Orange Getaway Driver
Orange
53% similarityShared character: raw, boost, clean
Friedman BE-OD
Friedman
53% similarityShared character: middle, boost, distortion
Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive
Fulltone
51% similarityShared character: distortion, overdrive
Revv Chat Breaker
Revv
51% similarityShared character: distortion
Dean Markley Overlord
Dean Markley
50% similarityShared character: noise, middle, boost
Colorsound Power Boost
Colorsound
50% similarityShared character: low output, rich, thickness
See all alternatives to the MXR Distortion + (Script Logo) (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)?+
The closest matches in character are the Xotic BB Preamp V1.5, the Crowther Hot Cake, the Strymon Iridium.
What pairs well with the MXR Distortion + (Script Logo)?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Marshall JMP 2203 Mk II Master Lead 100w, Marshall Plexi 1959SLP, Beetronics Overhive — “Compatible with classic setups like Gibson Les Paul and Marshall JMP 2203”.