Custom Badass '78 Distortion

M78

A hot-rodded classic circuit.
Roars with huge amp stack tones and old school distortion.
Delivers soaring leads and rich, saturated rhythms.
CRUNCH button boosts harmonic content of distortion.

Custom Badass '78 Distortion Info

The first in a line from the MXR Custom Badass design team, the MXR Custom Badass ’78 Distortion is a factory-modded pedal that roars with huge amp stack tones and old school tube amp-like distortion.

We took a classic distortion circuit and hot-rodded it to the next level for over-the-top soaring leads and rich, saturated rhythms. With only three knobs, dialing in Badass tone is a cinch. The CRUNCH button allows you to choose between two different modes of diode and LED clipping, boosting the harmonic content of the distortion.

The '78 Distortion's wide open amp-like sound sounds great whether it's in front of a clean amp, a slightly dirty amp, or a full on overdriven amp. Under the hood, this high performance machine features top notch circuitry and hardware meant for a lifetime of use.

Custom Badass '78 Distortion in the News

Premier Guitar Reviews the Custom Badass to Rave Review

The Inside Story on the MXR Custom Badass Line

Custom Badass Wins a Platinum Award from Guitar World Magazine

Guitar World Custom Badass Video Review

iHeart Guitar Reviews the MXR Custom Badass

Guitar World Sponsored Badass Lesson

Accolades

The Custom Badass '78 Distortion Reviews

Guitar World Review
“The ’78 Distortion sounds as wild and raunchy as music was back in hard rock’s glory days, while it offers the versatility and low-noise performance that today’s players demand.”

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Vintage Guitar Magazine, December 2011
"Custom Badass is a new division of MXR that offers the company’sengineers’ hot-rodded takes on popular designs."

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Guitar & Bass, November 2011
MXR says this little beauty is based on a 'classic distorion circuit'. Which one? Hmm.

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Guitar & Bass, December 2011: Guitar Awards 2011 Best Effects
The '78 Distortion may be a fiery box of all-out filth, but who ever knew all-out filth could be so downright classy?

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The Custom Badass '78 Distortion FAQs

Q: Does the MXR Custom Badass ’78 Distortion pedal have a true bypass?

A: Yes.

Q: What does the CRUNCH button do?

A: The CRUNCH button selects between two different combinations of diode and LED clipping. When the button is unengaged, the distortion tone is more compressed with a lower threshold of clipping and a good odd-order harmonic balance. With the CRUNCH button engaged, the distortion sounds less compressed with a larger dynamic range along with a bit more 3rd order harmonic distortion upon attack and then more 2nd order harmonic distortion when releasing a note or chord.

Q: What does "Custom Badass" mean?

A: Check out our interview with the Custom Badass design team for more info on the Custom Badass line.

Q: Can I power my pedal with a different voltage?

A: All Dunlop/MXR pedals should only be powered with the recommended voltage.

Q: My pedal works in bypass, but there is no signal when it’s turned on.

A: Check to ensure that your adapter or battery have the correct voltage and/or polarity. Ensure that both cables are plugged into the correct input/output jacks.

Q: Why is there a volume drop/boost when I turn on my pedal?

A: There is a possible impedance mismatch with other pedals in your effects loop. Isolate and remove the pedal from the loop to see if this still occurs.

Q: Can you repair my vintage pedal?

A: It depends on which pedal and how it has failed. Please contact our Technical Support Department as this is a case by case matter.

Q: Can I adjust the internal trim pots?

A: Not unless it is stated in the User Manual.

Q: Can I purchase an empty pedal housing?

A: Unfortunately, we do not sell our raw pedal housings.

Q: My pedal may not be working correctly. What should I do?

A: First, check the brand’s FAQ page (MXR, Way Huge, etc.) to see if the issue has already been addressed there

Q: Will a certain pedal sound good on bass?

A: Whether or not a pedal sounds good with bass is subjective to each player. Our MXR Bass Innovations pedals are designed specifically for bass, so look to them first. In our Dunlop Electronics catalogue, we identify several pedals that weren’t made specifically for bass but sound just as good with it as they do with guitar. These include: -MXR M101 Phase 90 -MXR M152 Micro Flanger -MXR M107 Phase 100 -MXR M117R Flanger -MXR M134 Stereo Chorus -MXR M108 10-Band Graphic EQ -Way Huge Pork Loin

Q: How can I purchase Dunlop products?

A: We always prefer that players purchase Dunlop products at your local music store. However, if your store does not stock the item and is not willing to special order the item for you, you can order directly from us. You will find that you can purchase our products at a better price from your local music store, online music retailer, or mail order companies. We do not discount our prices, as we do not want to compete with your local music store. To order from us, just visit http://shop.jimdunlop.com/ecommerce/ or call us at 707-745-2722 and ask for the sales department. We are open Monday through Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Pacific Standard Time. We accept VISA and MasterCard over the phone. You can also fax your order to us at 707-745-2658 and include a listing of the items you wish to order along with your Name, Address, Contact Phone Number and Credit Card Information. There is a $6.25 minimum shipping and handling fee on all orders. All orders are shipped U.P.S. ground service, unless you indicate otherwise.

The Custom Badass '78 Distortion Related Items

The Custom Badass '78 Distortion Manual

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Custom Badass '78 Distortion Videos

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