One of the most recognizable recorded guitar sounds of the 1980s, finally back in a modern, pedalboard ready form. Tom Scholz of Boston designed the original Rockman X100 in the early 80s as a headphone amp that could replace a room full of studio gear, and it went on to define records far beyond Boston, most famously the fully produced guitar tone all over Def Leppard’s Hysteria. This is MXR’s faithful revival of that voicing.

What makes it special is that it is not a generic amp in a box. It nails a very specific, instantly identifiable sound: glassy compressed cleans, that singing midrange forward Edge crunch, and the thick saturated Dist mode, all wrapped in lush stereo chorus and echo. MXR built it around the same MN3007 bucket brigade chip as the original, so the shimmering analog chorus is the real deal, not a digital approximation. It sounds its best the way the originals were actually used on records, run straight into a desk, a DAW, or a full range flat response system, where it delivers a finished, produced rock tone with almost no effort. Runs on standard 9V power, true to the original character but built to live on a modern board.

If you want that 80s arena rock sheen, the polished chorus drenched lead tone that a hundred records chased, this is the most direct path to it short of hunting down a vintage belt unit. It is EXACT

Includes: original box, documentation, feet etc

Why I’m selling: Streamlining the board. A very specific flavor that I am not reaching for right now.

Finding gear that helps you express yourself is part of the musician’s journey. Do some research to make sure this is the right tool for where you’re headed. As this gear is an important part of my own journey, I’m happy to answer any questions before you buy. Everything listed here has been well cared for, fully tested, and is ready for its next chapter.