MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz

An "archaeological" fuzz: the Jordan Boss Tone spirit revisited

The MXR M236 Super Badass Variac Fuzz draws its character from a rare vintage circuit: the Jordan Boss Tone (1967). At the time, this fuzz with an unusual format plugged directly into the guitar and delivered, thanks to its two transistors, a fierce and acidic saturation, with a very recognizable aggressive and immediate edge. While many pedals already cover the classic territories like Fuzz Face, Big Muff, or Tone Bender, the M236 offers an alternative color: more biting, more nervous, and above all different in texture. It's typically the kind of fuzz that appeals as much to sonic explorers as to collectors seeking a less common signature.

For whom, which styles, and in what contexts?

This fuzz is aimed at guitarists who love marked textures and sounds with personality: fans of garage rock, psychedelic, stoner, punk, gritty blues, indie, and heavy riffs. It also suits musicians who play at guitar volume, as the circuit's response and the "sag" control via the Variac encourage expressive playing, between sharp attack and more "crushed" sustain depending on the setting.
In live settings, it allows you to cut through the mix with an acidic and articulate grain, or conversely to spread out into a more spongy wash. In the studio, it's an excellent pedal for layering: one take set to "low voltage" for texture, another tighter for attack, and you get a massive fuzz without losing character.

Controls, settings, and flexibility: more than just a two-knob fuzz

Originally, this type of circuit had only two controls. Here, MXR retains the efficiency of that approach while adding real sound sculpting potential. The Gain adjusts the input level and directly influences the amount of fuzz and the compression feel. The Output manages the output level to balance your volume in bypass or to push the amp.
The Tone control is designed to tame the circuit's naturally aggressive side: rather than adding more bite, it allows you to gradually calm the highs to round off the sound, soften an overly sharp bridge pickup, or thicken a rhythm part.
Finally, the heart of the M236 is the Variac knob: it adjusts the voltage powering the fuzz from 5V to 15V. At low voltage, expect a more "collapsed," slobbery, heavily compressed fuzz with a vintage and unstable vibe. At higher voltage, the sound becomes firmer, more open, sharper, with a clearer attack and a more present upper spectrum. It's an ultra-musical control that gives the impression of having several fuzz pedals in one box.

Sound characteristics

The Super Badass Variac Fuzz stands out with an acidic and cutting texture when the voltage is pushed, and a spongy, squashed, and dirty side when it's "collapsed." It doesn't seek transparency: it's a fuzz that colors boldly, with a nervous grain, dynamics highly dependent on the Variac, and a response that can range from a screaming sustain to a more "velcro" saturation depending on your settings.
If you like fuzzes that react to your playing and context (single-coil or humbucker pickups, amp already in crunch or very bright clean), you'll appreciate how this pedal can go from abrasive saturation perfect for leads to a grittier texture ideal for thick riffs. The tone control helps place the fuzz in the mix without fighting an overly aggressive mid-high range.

Technical specifications

Effects	Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz, Fuzz, Distortion, Overdrive	Use	guitar
Technology	Analog	Color	Purple
Format	Pedal	Power supply included	No
Inputs	Jack	Power supply	9V battery
Outputs	Jack	Weight	220 g
EQ	Tone	Dimensions (mm)	111 x 64 x 49

Category	Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz	Weight (kg)	220 g
Power	9V Battery	Required Voltage	9V