1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post your amp/pedal/guitar/etc builds here
User avatar
PLX
Executive
Posts: 4147
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:46 pm
Location: Bandera, TX
Has thanked: 1406 times
Been thanked: 1805 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by PLX »

faceplate graphic applied using waterslide decal:

Image

Image

Image
User avatar
harddriver
Grand Poobah
Posts: 5310
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 5:03 pm
Has thanked: 588 times
Been thanked: 1761 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by harddriver »

Looks like my old one but nicer.... Are you reusing the original MXR pots?
User avatar
PLX
Executive
Posts: 4147
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:46 pm
Location: Bandera, TX
Has thanked: 1406 times
Been thanked: 1805 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by PLX »

harddriver wrote: Tue Aug 31, 2021 5:52 pm Looks like my old one but nicer.... Are you reusing the original MXR pots?
I wanted to, but they are both scratchy.. the 50KΩ (output) pot more so. I have cleaned them with Deoxit® spray, but they are 44-year-old, well-worn pots. :|

I ordered a replacement for every single part, so I have the new pots. Wanted to keep it original as possible, but I also want it functional.

Thinking of selling the original pots to a guy on Reverb.com I've done business with before.
User avatar
PLX
Executive
Posts: 4147
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:46 pm
Location: Bandera, TX
Has thanked: 1406 times
Been thanked: 1805 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by PLX »

cut out waterslide decal for controls, switches & LED. two coats of clearcoat:

Image

Image
User avatar
harddriver
Grand Poobah
Posts: 5310
Joined: Mon Jul 05, 2021 5:03 pm
Has thanked: 588 times
Been thanked: 1761 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by harddriver »

Nice, might as well make it all new while you're in there. I tried using the original pots from my 79 Marshall 2203 which were well worn in one of my plexi builds, turned out to be a bad idea and I ended up installing all new and walla, no issues after that.

So... I won't be doing that again. :lol: :roll:
User avatar
PLX
Executive
Posts: 4147
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:46 pm
Location: Bandera, TX
Has thanked: 1406 times
Been thanked: 1805 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by PLX »

harddriver wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 2:26 am Nice, might as well make it all new while you're in there. I tried using the original pots from my 79 Marshall 2203 which were well worn in one of my plexi builds, turned out to be a bad idea and I ended up installing all new and walla, no issues after that.

So... I won't be doing that again. :lol: :roll:
Yeah, it's just not worth it. :cry:

Even though these pots test OK on an ohmmeter, they're gonna make static noises and drop out audio in the circuit if I were to put them back in.

I'll just sell them to someone doing a restoration who doesn't care about playability. Just the visual aspect. :roll:
User avatar
PLX
Executive
Posts: 4147
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:46 pm
Location: Bandera, TX
Has thanked: 1406 times
Been thanked: 1805 times

1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by PLX »

plugged hole from removed mod. Changes to original circuit/upgrades: installed 3PDT footswitch for true bypass switching, LED indicator (yellow), and external DC power jack.

Image

Image
User avatar
PLX
Executive
Posts: 4147
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2021 10:46 pm
Location: Bandera, TX
Has thanked: 1406 times
Been thanked: 1805 times

Re: 1977 MXR Distortion+ Restoration

Post by PLX »

hook-up wiring:

Image
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests