Flying High Again: Randy Rhoads MXR Distortion+ Pedals

Updated September 2, 2025 — Concorde Special Edition Launch

✈️ The MXR Randy Rhoads Distortion+ Concorde Special Edition Has Landed

The wait is over. MXR and Dunlop have officially released the Randy Rhoads Distortion+ Concorde Special Edition, honoring one of the most influential guitarists in rock and metal history.

What Makes the Concorde Edition Truly Special

• Authentic Circuitry: Faithfully recreated from Randy’s own MXR Distortion+ pedal, with input from his sister, Kathy Rhoads.
• Concorde-Inspired Design: Vintage white finish, crisp pinstripes, and gold accents echoing Randy’s legendary Jackson Concorde guitar.
• Collector’s Presentation: Includes a commemorative booklet and certificate of authenticity.
• Limited Run: Produced in small numbers for serious players and collectors.

Watch the official demo on our channel: See our YouTube post

Looking Back: The Flying-V Special Edition

Before today’s Concorde release, MXR honored Randy with the Flying-V Special Edition Distortion+, which sold out quickly in 2024.

• Signature Look: Bright white finish with pinstripe accents inspired by Randy’s iconic Flying-V-style guitar.
• Roaring Circuit: The same Distortion+ tone that powered his groundbreaking solos with Ozzy Osbourne.
• Legacy Approved: Created in collaboration with Kathy Rhoads to preserve authenticity.

Why Randy Rhoads’ Tone Still Matters

Randy Rhoads shaped the sound of 1980s metal, blending classical precision with soaring, distorted power. Both the Flying-V and Concorde editions capture that sound and spirit. Owning one isn’t just about playing guitar—it’s about preserving a piece of history.

Chasing this legendary tone? Explore our guitar lessons to dial it in.

A Collector’s Dream

The MXR Randy Rhoads Distortion+ Concorde Special Edition is more than a pedal:

• A limited-edition artifact celebrating an all-time great.
• A showpiece for collectors, beautifully designed and presented.
• A future heirloom that will only grow more desirable over time.

Final Thoughts

From the Flying-V to today’s Concorde release, MXR continues to honor Randy Rhoads’ musical legacy with unmatched attention to detail. These pedals aren’t just gear—they are museum-worthy pieces of rock history.

Secure yours today at El Cajon Guitars & Music or visit our shop in East San Diego County to claim this rare, premium collectible.

The Pedal That Shaped Rock History

For a brief but unforgettable period last year, guitar enthusiasts had the rare opportunity to experience something truly special - the MXR Randy Rhoads Distortion+ (RR104). This wasn't just another distortion pedal; it was a painstakingly crafted tribute to Randy Rhoads' monumental legacy, meticulously matched to the legend's own MXR Distortion+ to recreate the same raw, overdriven tones heard on his most beloved hits.

A Limited Edition Masterpiece

The MXR Randy Rhoads Distortion+ was released as a limited-edition signature pedal, with only a specific number produced. While initially available for purchase, it has since sold out and is no longer in production, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors and fans. The pedal featured Randy Rhoads' signature polka dot theme and his name prominently displayed on the front, creating an instant visual connection to the guitar legend.

The Technical Foundation of Greatness

The original MXR Distortion+ ("Distortion Plus") was originally designed in the 1970s by MXR Innovations, featuring a brilliantly simple yet effective circuit. The pedal uses a single op-amp and a pair of germanium diodes to ground (parallel-push) for clipping in a very straightforward configuration with only Output and Distortion controls - no tone control needed. This elegant simplicity is part of what made it so effective.

The genius of the design lies in how turning up the Distortion control not only increases the amount of distortion but simultaneously boosts the treble in the signal, creating that signature bite that cuts through any mix. The pedal uses no discrete transistors, relying instead on its op-amp design for that distinctive character.

Power and Practicality

The Randy Rhoads Distortion+ can be powered by a single 9-volt battery (accessed by removing the bottom plate), a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003/ECB003EU, or an MXR Brick Series power supply, making it versatile for any pedalboard setup.

Randy Rhoads: The Architect of Modern Metal

In just a few short years, Randy Rhoads revolutionized the art of rock guitar, merging fluid, classically inspired legato passages with searing, violin-like leads and super-saturated riffs. The MXR Distortion+ became the crucial component that allowed him to slam his high-gain amplifier with a torrent of harmonics, creating the sonic signature that would etch an indelible mark on music history.

The pedal's crunchy heavy metal sound was featured prominently in Randy's work with Ozzy Osbourne, helping to define the sound of classic tracks that continue to inspire guitarists decades later.

A Legacy Shared by Legends

The MXR Distortion+ has been the secret weapon of numerous guitar legends throughout rock history:

• Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead used this pedal exclusively for distortion in the late 1970s
• Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü relied on the Distortion+ for his signature sound
• Dave Murray of Iron Maiden has used the Distortion+ since the early 1980s
• Steve Wynn featured it on the first couple of Dream Syndicate albums
• Thom Yorke of Radiohead has included the Distortion+ for many of his signature distortion sounds
• Rowland S. Howard (The Birthday Party/These Immortal Souls) used this pedal throughout his career
• Slash has talked about using the Distortion+ in his early guitar days to help define his tone

The Historic Collaboration

The creation of the Randy Rhoads signature model was a labor of love that involved unprecedented access to rock history. For the first time in 42 years, the Rhoads family unveiled Randy's actual pedalboard at the Musonia School of Music in Los Angeles - the family's own music school where Randy once taught.

The MXR design team carefully documented every detail of this rock 'n' roll artifact, with engineers painstakingly spec'ing Randy's vintage Distortion+ under the direct involvement of sister Kathy Rhoads. The result was a signature model that could produce the same overdriven tube-like tones heard on Randy's most beloved recordings.

Building Your Legendary Tone Today

While the Randy Rhoads Distortion+ may no longer be available, the quest for that perfect distortion tone continues. For guitarists seeking that modern edge with vintage character, consider exploring options like the MXR X100, which offers its own unique approach to high-gain distortion and has become a favorite among today's metal players.

The Collector's Holy Grail

As a limited-edition pedal that's no longer in production, the MXR Randy Rhoads Distortion+ has become a testament to Randy Rhoads' impact on music and his association with the MXR Distortion+. For collectors and fans, it represents not just a piece of gear, but a tangible connection to one of rock's most influential guitarists.

What the Future Holds

While this particular tribute may no longer be available, the influence of Randy's approach to guitar continues to inspire new generations of players. Whatever the future holds for tributes to this legend, one thing remains certain - the sounds Randy created will continue to inspire guitarists for generations to come.

Guitar legends like Kirk Hammett, Zakk Wylde, and Phil Demmel have all spoken about Randy's influence on their own musical journeys, proving that his legacy extends far beyond any single piece of gear.

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Find Your Sound at El Cajon Guitars and Music

Whether you're chasing vintage tones or forging new sonic territories, the right distortion pedal can transform your sound. Visit our shop to explore our complete selection of MXR pedals and discover the tools that will help you create your own musical legacy. From classic circuits to modern innovations, we have the gear that connects you to rock history.  As official MXR dealers, we are always happy to special order any pedals that are currently available.  Email us at info@ecgmusic.com with any special requests and we will get them for you as quickly as we can.  Don't wait until the market price goes through the roof!  We love to take care of our established customers first!