MXR M-173 Classic 108 Fuzz Guitar Effects Pedal
MXR's M-173 Classic 108 Fuzz is their take on the legendary silicon fuzz circuit. Modern features like LED and true bypass meet vintage fuzz grind—think Gilmour, Hendrix, and every '60s psych record you've ever loved, now in MXR's bulletproof housing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Classic silicon fuzz circuit delivers vintage sustain and woolly grind
- +Three-knob control (Output, Tone, Fuzz) provides intuitive, musical tone shaping
- +True bypass preserves your signal chain when disengaged
- +MXR build quality means this pedal will survive decades of abuse
- +$179 hits the sweet spot between boutique and budget fuzz pricing
Cons
- −Silicon fuzz circuit is inherently noisy—expect hiss and hum at high gain
- −Tone control range is narrow compared to modern boutique fuzz pedals
- −Nothing here you can't get from a Big Muff or Fuzz Face for less money
The Verdict
The MXR Classic 108 is a solid, reliable fuzz that does vintage tones well without reinventing the wheel. It sounds good, it’s built like a tank, and it’ll get you in the ballpark of classic rock and psych tones. But at $179, it’s competing with cheaper classics (Big Muff, Fuzz Face) and more innovative boutique options (EQD, Walrus). If you’re an MXR loyalist or need that specific silicon character, this works. If you’re fuzz-shopping on a budget, there are better values out there. Good pedal, but not essential.
