RANDY RHODES MXR SIGNATURE DISTORTION+
IMAGE CREDIT: GUITARWORLD
The much-anticipated Randy Rhoads signature MXR Distortion+ pedal is set to hit the shelves on August 20. This unique pedal is the result of meticulous study and recreation of Rhoads' iconic "chip pan" pedalboard, which had remained unopened for four decades until MXR experts took on the task of unlocking its secrets.
The journey to this release has not been without its setbacks. Originally announced in December 2022, the pedal's launch has been postponed multiple times. A 2023 release seemed promising until Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio, Randy’s sister, informed the community of further delays, urging patience as the launch was pushed to late spring—a milestone that has since passed.
Kathy expressed her deep involvement and enthusiasm for the project in a recent Instagram post, describing it as a "hands-on" experience and "a labor of love." She also hinted at unexpected features, adding to the excitement. Phil Demmel, a former guitarist for Machine Head and an avid Rhoads fan, contributed to the pedal's development, promising a product rich in history and passion.
While details beyond the release date are scarce, the anticipation is palpable, especially with the promise of surprises. Kathy has been collaborating with MXR for an extended period, and the effort to distill the essence of Rhoads' legendary pedalboard into a commercial product promises to be a significant event for guitar enthusiasts. Known for his distinctive Jackson V guitar and Marshall amps, Rhoads' "chip pan" pedalboard, with the MXR Distortion+ at its core, was instrumental in shaping his revolutionary guitar sound. The upcoming release of this pedal is not just a tribute to a guitar legend but a testament to the enduring legacy of his music and sound.
The enigmatic pedal board of Rhodes, once housed in a robust flight case, boasted no fewer than eight switches and nine dials. The specific functions of these controls have remained an enduring enigma.
In the four decades since the iconic guitarist's demise, MXR has been afforded a rare glimpse beyond the veil of sonic secrecy to assist in the creation of a novel pedal. Following a thorough examination, Rhoads D’Argenzio confirmed that the pedalboard was relocated to a "secured location," opting against its original placement at Musonia.
Musonia, a music school and Randy Rhoads museum in North Hollywood, California, established by his mother, Delores, suffered a break-in during 2019. A collection of Rhoads' instruments, along with personal photographs and memorabilia, were taken, necessitating the pedalboard's discreet repositioning.
In a fortunate turn of events, the pilfered items were ultimately recovered and rightfully restored to the Rhoads family.
Anticipation builds as more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks regarding the highly anticipated MXR Distortion+ pedal. Stay connected for further developments.
No comments:
Post a Comment