MXR Brand Origins
MXR was founded in 1972 in Rochester, New York, and quickly became known for durable, road-worthy effects like the Phase 90 and Distortion +. Dunlop Manufacturing acquired the brand in 1987, preserving the original circuit designs while expanding the line with modern updates.
Super Badass Series Launch
The Super Badass Variac Fuzz (model M236) was introduced in 2013 as part of MXR’s effort to blend classic fuzz circuits with practical performance features. Its Variac knob directly adjusts the internal voltage from 3V to 9V, recreating the starved-power sounds popularized by players in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Notable Users and Evolution
While not tied to one signature artist, the M236 has been adopted by session players seeking authentic vintage fuzz without the maintenance issues of older pedals. The circuit remains largely unchanged since release, with only minor PCB updates for noise reduction.
