“The culmination of 45-plus years developing a sound that’s perfect in every possible way… Prepare to be amazed”: MXR’s new Yngwie Malmsteen signature overdrive pedal could be its most dynamic overdrive to date
The streamlined drive pedal is engineered for expressive dynamics in order to accommodate Malmsteen's fiery playing
(Image credit: MXR)
MXR has continued its signature stompbox hot streak by releasing a Yngwie Malmsteen overdrive pedal.
The effects firm’s latest drive pedal is the result of a close collaboration with the Swedish guitar maestro, and has been “perfectly tailored” to enhance the full throttle neoclassical shred skills that Malmsteen is known for.
Given the sheer volume of notes that the Fender Stratocaster loyalist barrels his way through every time he plays the electric guitar, top-tier clarity and dynamics – especially at high gain – are imperative to prevent a slurry of indistinguishable notes.
To that end, the MXR Yngwie Malmsteen Overdrive utilizes a circuit that promises clarity, expressive dynamics and rich harmonics, which are optimized for fast arpeggios and dense vibratos.
It’s a fairly simple pedal, with just Level and Gain parameters, a single bypass footswitch and a red finish. If anything, at first glance, it looks awfully similar to his old Fender signature overdrive pedal, which, until as recently as 2022, has been the only overdrive that featured on the neoclassical shredder’s pedalboard.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: MXR)
(Image credit: MXR)
(Image credit: MXR)
As such, it seems this MXR variant will usurp the Fender pedal as Malmsteen’s overdrive of choice and, as someone who’s not known for his enthusiastic and comprehensive usage of drive pedals, will use the MXR as the foundation of his tone.
All in all, it looks like a pedal that will cater to not just Ynwgie fans, but also those who are hunting for an especially dynamic drive. For Malmsteen, the broader appeal of his newest signature product is clear.
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
“This pedal is the culmination of 45-plus years developing a sound that’s perfect in every possible way,” he says. “I present to you: the MXR Yngwie Malmsteen Overdrive. Prepare to be amazed.”
Matt is a Senior Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.
