September 14, 2008

MXR M182 El Grande Bass Fuzz Review

Stashed under: Reviews - Fuzz — grygrx @ 11:23 am

Conclusion:

artknobs.jpg
Another mainstream manufacturer crafting a bass specific fuzz. It sounds decent, looks great, and isn’t too pricey. Opting out of using a blend knob, which has become very popular lately, MXR instead moved to a ‘bass boost’ in the circuit. I feel like it’s a mixed blessing in this case, I glad it’s there but would rather they had just stuck another knob on the top so I could tweak it when using with different instruments. The ’set and forget’ crowd won’t have the same issue.

I like the pedal and it does a lot of things well, but I don’t feel like it doesn’t do anything great. If it’s the sound you are looking for though, the general appearance, construction, and form factor are pretty appealing though (sans the particular niggles I mentioned in construction that may be specific to my exact pedal). I’ll be keeping it around as a reference pedal, but I can’t imagine it will get much play outside of that realm.

As of this writing, I’d choose the EHX Bass Big Muff or the Electronix Hybrid+ Bass Fuzz as comparably priced pedals with a little more going for them sonically.

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment or let me know

Note: A rating of 5 = acceptable and should considered a ‘good’ basic score

Sound Category: Classic, Subtle, Grind
Versatility: 6
Sound: 6
Value: 7
Overall: 6
Adding to the collection:Yes

4 Comments

  1. Pretty much my experience with the pedal as well….however on the pedal i tried after taking the knobs off i doscoverd the pot shafts were plastic! Nice review and keep up the good work!

    Comment by Snakeman1066 — September 14, 2008 @ 12:27 pm

  2. mine came from the factory with the deep setting at +15/113Hz, which was even muddier!

    nice review, i would say it’s good at what it does and that’s all. deep switch sweetens the tone alot IF it’s set properly

    Comment by shinobi — September 14, 2008 @ 9:19 pm

  3. p3ml6le9oepjlyty

    Comment by Raphael Hansen — November 12, 2008 @ 9:25 pm

  4. I just now listened to the “Mix” sound clip, and it does sound sweet!

    Comment by thunderscreech — February 11, 2009 @ 6:15 pm

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