Here is a genuine vintage Maxon OD-801 D&S Distortion/Sustainer, made in Japan in 1981.

This is the early-1980s “Large Box” version of Maxon’s long-running D&S circuit. It has its roots in the thick, sustaining fuzz/distortion sound of the 1970s D&S pedals, but the OD-801 version added buffered input and output stages and has a slightly more controlled, usable character.

The sound is big, saturated and full of sustain. Turn the Distortion up and it gets into heavy, fuzzy territory with plenty of weight, while lower settings can still give chords a surprisingly clear and aggressive edge. The Tone control has a useful sweep without completely hollowing out the sound, and the Balance control provides plenty of output.

It definitely has some Big Muff-style DNA, but it does not simply feel like another Muff clone. There is a sharper attack and a distinctly Japanese vintage character that makes the OD-801 interesting in its own right.

This particular example has seen plenty of use over the years and shows considerable cosmetic wear. There are numerous scratches, scuffs and areas of finish wear, so please check the photos carefully. Personally, I think the wear suits a pedal like this—it looks like a piece of gear that has actually spent its life being played rather than sitting untouched in a box.

A great choice for anyone looking for an original early-'80s Japanese fuzz/distortion with real vintage character.

Accessories

Main unit only.

No original box or power adapter is included.

The OD-801 can be powered by a 9V battery or appropriate 9V DC power supply.

Condition

Shows considerable cosmetic wear for its age, including numerous scratches, scuffs and finish wear.

Please carefully check the photos for the exact cosmetic condition.

Fully functional and works properly.

Shipping

I ship worldwide via UPS / DHL / FedEx Express with tracking and careful packing.

Import Duties / Taxes (Important)

Import duties, taxes, tariffs, and customs clearance fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.

Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs may be before purchasing.

Customs fees are usually collected by the shipping carrier during the customs clearance process or upon delivery.

We cannot undervalue the item or mark it as a gift on customs forms. Thank you for your understanding.