Guitarists and punk rock aficionados can now channel the raw, explosive energy of MC5 legend Wayne Kramer, thanks to the new, limited-edition MXR Jail Guitar Doors Drive pedal. Co-designed by Kramer himself before his passing in February 2024, this highly anticipated overdrive pedal immortalizes his proto-punk legacy and carries the ringing endorsement of Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello.
A Tone Born from Rebellion and Activism
Dubbed “the MC5’s roaring distortion sound in a box” by Morello, the Jail Guitar Doors Drive pedal is more than just an effects unit; it’s a testament to Kramer’s enduring spirit and his commitment to activism through his charity of the same name, which uses music for inmate rehabilitation.
“What they’ve [also] tried to bake into the pedal is Wayne’s attitude, and the grit and the rawness of Detroit, and of the MC5,” explains Morello, a close friend and long-time admirer of Kramer’s work.
Engineered for Explosive Sound
The result of a collaborative effort between Kramer, Jimi Dunlop, and Daredevil Pedals owner Johnny Wator, this overdrive pedal features two uniquely voiced gain circuits.
These circuits can “cascade” together under a single pot control, offering comprehensive dominion over both collective output level and distortion saturation. The design prioritizes unadulterated power, delivering the “high-voltage energy of Wayne Kramer’s sound” directly to your amp.
For a potent demonstration of the pedal’s capabilities, listen to MC5’s 2024 track, “Heavy Lifting,” which showcases the Jail Guitar Doors Drive alongside Morello’s signature whammy-bar theatrics.
The Blueprint of Punk Rock in a Stompbox
Morello emphasizes Kramer’s foundational role in the genre: “The MC5, with him at the guitar helm along with Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith, invented the template that became punk rock music. They played in an unapologetic way, from the heart with their radical politics at the forefront and their radical music going head-to-head with it.”
He vividly recalls the band’s iconic live sound: “The rawest moment in the history of rock and roll is that live recording of Kick Out the Jams [Tartar Field, 1970]. It unleashes itself like the four horses of the apocalypse running wild in a Beverly Hills crystal shop.”
This raw, untamed sound served as the direct inspiration for the Jail Guitar Doors Drive pedal.
Limited Edition Collectible with Iconic Artwork
The MXR Jail Guitar Doors Drive is available in two distinct forms, each adorned with striking artwork by renowned artist Shepard Fairey, known for his influential work in the skateboarding scene and the iconic Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster.
This collaboration marks another successful partnership between MXR and Daredevil Pedals, following their 2023 release of a fuzz-infused Dunlop wah pedal.
Availability and Pricing
The MXR Jail Guitar Doors Drive pedal is priced at $199 and is available exclusively from MXR’s official Reverb store. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of punk rock history and amplify your sound with the spirit of Wayne Kramer.
More Information
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