MXR has officially joined forces with guitar icon Zakk Wylde once again to drop a striking, limited-edition variant of his legendary signature overdrive pedal. Dubbed the MXR Zakk Sabbath Overdrive, this latest release trades the previous iteration’s silver aesthetic for a vibrant, aggressive purple finish—a direct nod to the visual identity of Wylde’s acclaimed Black Sabbath tribute band, Zakk Sabbath.
While the exterior boasts a bold new look, the internal engineering remains fiercely unchanged. Beneath the custom artwork lies the exact same hard-hitting circuitry that transformed the original Wylde Audio Overdrive into a staple on modern rock and metal pedalboards.
Engineered for Aggression and Clarity
Designed explicitly around Wylde’s uncompromising playing style, the Zakk Sabbath Overdrive is built to serve two distinct purposes: delivering the massive, muscular gain structure required for heavy rhythm riffs, and maintaining the razor-sharp note articulation needed for blistering lead work.
True to Wylde’s no-nonsense approach to gear, the pedal features an ultra-clean, three-knob control layout:
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Output: Controls the overall volume boost.
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Tone: Adjusts the high-frequency response to cut through any mix.
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Gain: Dial in the amount of grit, saturation, and sustain.
This straightforward design ensures players can easily sculpt their tone on the fly without getting bogged down by overly complex parameters during a live set.
The Ultimate Amp Booster
In practice, Wylde notoriously utilizes his signature overdrive not as a standalone distortion, but as a dirty boost in front of an already overdriven tube amplifier. By pushing the front end of an amp with the Zakk Sabbath Overdrive, guitarists can unlock screaming lead tones characterized by endless sustain and effortless pinch harmonics.
Whether you are looking to tighten up a low-end heavy rhythm section or push your solos into high-gear saturation, this pedal delivers the harmonic richness required to stand out in a loud band mix.
FAQ: MXR Zakk Sabbath Overdrive
What is the difference between the original silver Wylde Audio Overdrive and the new Zakk Sabbath version?
Sonically and structurally, they are identical. The only difference is aesthetic. The Zakk Sabbath version features a limited-edition purple colorway and artwork inspired by Zakk Wylde’s tribute band.
Can this pedal be used for styles other than metal?
Yes. While it is engineered for hard rock and metal, rolling back the gain allows it to function as a highly articulate clean boost or a transparent overdrive for blues and classic rock.
Does it run on batteries or external power?
The pedal can be powered by a standard 9-volt battery or a 9V DC external power supply (such as the Dunlop ECB003).
Spec Sheet & Verdict
| Feature | Specification |
| Controls | Output, Tone, Gain |
| Bypass | True Hardwire Bypass |
| Power Requirements | 9V DC / 9V Battery |
| Colorway | Limited-Edition Zakk Sabbath Purple |
| Price | $169.99 |
The Verdict
If you already own the silver 20th-anniversary Wylde Audio Overdrive, there is no technical reason to upgrade.
However, if you missed out on that release—or if you simply want a visually stunning, high-performance overdrive that forces your tube amp into glorious saturation—the Zakk Sabbath edition is an absolute no-brainer. It is simple, rugged, and sounds massive. Plus, the purple just looks cooler.
Final Score: 9.0/10
The MXR Wylde Audio Zakk Sabbath Overdrive is available now for $169.99/£174.99 at authorized Dunlop retailers.
#MXR #Zakk Sabbath #Zakk Wylde
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