Fender MTG Tube Distortion  

Rather than trying to replicate the complex behavior of vacuum tube breakup digitally or with transistors, Fender chose to build a pedal around the real thing. At the absolute center of the MTG Tube Distortion is a genuine, US-made New Old Stock (NOS) 6205 subminiature preamp tube. This original circuit, designed in collaboration with legendary amplifier guru Bruce Egnater, functions essentially as a tube preamp inside a compact enclosure, running an internal switch-mode power supply that converts the incoming 9V power up to 150 volts to properly cook the tube's plates.

The resulting tone is unmistakably authentic, delivering the rich harmonics, natural compression, and touch-sensitive sag that only real glass can provide. Whether you use it in front of a clean amplifier, run it into a digital modeler to inject analog warmth, or plug it directly into the effects loop return to serve as your amplifier's new preamp stage, the MTG serves up everything from edge-of-breakup grit to thick, saturated high-gain distortion. A dedicated foot-switchable Boost section expands your live flexibility, featuring independent Gain and Level controls to introduce an additional gain stage or solo boost when you need to slice through the mix.

Fender built this unit to withstand the heavy wear of the road, enclosing it in a lightweight and ultra-rugged anodized aluminum chassis. For maximum utility on dark stages, the control knobs feature gorgeous blue LED backlighting that can be toggled on or off to preserve battery life or adapt to stage lighting. Complete with a highly interactive 3-band EQ and an innovative Tight control to trim muddy low frequencies, the MTG balances true-to-life boutique vintage tube architecture with contemporary, stage-ready construction.

Highlights

• Genuine Tube Drive: Powered by a real, US-made NOS 6205 subminiature preamp tube to deliver authentic analog harmonic saturation.
• Co-Designed by an Amp Legend: Created in collaboration with Bruce Egnater for a boutique, tube-preamplifier-style performance.
• Onboard Switchable Boost: Includes a dedicated footswitch with independent Gain and Level knobs, providing a second switchable channel for heavy gain or solo volume jumps.
• Advanced Tone Shaping: Equipped with a standard 3-band EQ alongside a "Tight" control knob to dynamically shape and contour your low-end frequencies.
• Stage-Ready Architecture: Housed in a durable, road-tested anodized aluminum enclosure with LED-backlit control knobs for easy visibility on dark stages.  

Specifications

• Pedal Type: Distortion / Preamp
• Analog/Digital: Analog
• Circuit Type: Tube-driven original design by Fender & Bruce Egnater
• Tube Type: NOS (New Old Stock) US-made 6205 Preamp Tube
• Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
• Outputs: 1 x 1/4"
• Bypass Switching: True Bypass
• Controls: Treble, Middle, Bass, Tight, Level, Boost, Gain, Boost Level
• Footswitches: 2 (Bypass, Boost)
• Power Source: 9V DC center-negative power supply (sold separately)
• Power Usage: Minimum 290mA current draw (internal switch-mode jumps power to 150V for tube plates)
• Enclosure Material: Anodized Aluminum

Condition: Excellent. Light wear typical of a gently used instrument. Light surface scratches, scuffs, etc.

The instrument pictured is the exact instrument you’ll receive. All fretted instruments receive a free complimentary professional setup.

This item includes everything pictured.

Please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable sales staff with any additional questions!