T-rex Mudhoney II - Dual Distortion

An evolution of the original Mudhoney: the "vintage drive" spirit in dual channel version

The Mudhoney II takes up the idea that made the original Mudhoney successful: a distortion with a very "amp" DNA, capable of going from light breakup to thicker saturation, without falling into ultra-compressed modern distortion. T-Rex chose a simple and musical approach: two identical circuits housed in one enclosure, each with its own settings and boost, covering the essential needs of stage and studio.

Released as a practical update, the Mudhoney II clearly positions itself in the range as a serious "plug and play" guitar effects pedal: two ready-to-use sounds, foot-switchable, with a coherent vintage coloration that easily fits into a mix.

Two saturation sounds ready for the stage: for whom and for what?

The Mudhoney II targets guitarists who want a dual-channel distortion pedal with expressive behavior, sensitive to touch and guitar volume. It suits both intermediate players (simple and effective settings) and seasoned musicians looking for a stable, robust, and repeatable "main" drive for live use.

In terms of styles, it feels at home in blues rock, classic rock, indie, alternative, garage, and pop rock genres that require an articulate overdrive, then a second, beefier channel for choruses and leads. On a pedalboard, it can replace an overdrive + distortion duo or serve as "channel 2 and 3" in front of a single-channel amp.

Controls and operation: a true dual channel, clear and quick to dial in

Each channel has its own Gain, Level, and Tone controls, allowing calibration of two distinct saturation levels and volume balances. The Boost switch (Normal/Boost) acts as a second personality for each channel: in Normal, it stays in a very usable overdrive/crunch zone; in Boost, the pedal gains density, sustain, and bite-ideal for making a solo stand out or thickening a rhythm part.

In use, the approach is straightforward: you prepare two sounds (for example, channel 1 with open, dynamic crunch, channel 2 more saturated and slightly louder), then switch with your foot depending on the song. Note: the switching logic is designed for simplicity on stage, selecting one channel at a time rather than stacking both channels.

The sound

The Mudhoney II is typically the kind of pedal that feels like pushing an amp rather than imposing artificial distortion. The low end remains solid, the mids are present without becoming nasal, and the high end can be refined via the Tone control to go from a round drive to a sharper attack. Dynamics are a strong point: playing softer retains definition; playing harder naturally thickens the saturation.

Depending on settings, you can get a fairly "transparent" overdrive to enhance a clean tone, a snappy crunch for rhythms, or a richer harmonic distortion in Boost mode. It works very well with single-coil pickups to keep snap, and with humbuckers for a denser, singing texture.

This pedal is found on pedalboards of artists with varied universes: Graham Coxon, Hozier, Robin Finck, Neil Finn, and Leo Wyndham. A good indicator of its versatility, from indie rock to heavier rock.

Technical specifications

Effects	Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz, Distortion, Overdrive	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Yellow
EQ	Tone

Configuration	dual channel	Weight	approx. 350 g (without battery, without packaging)
Channels	2 independent circuits	Power supply	9 V battery type 6F22 (optional)
Controls	2 x Gain, 2 x Level, 2 x Tone, 2 x Boost, On/Off	Battery life	approx. 6 to 9 hours
Boost	Normal/Boost switching per channel	Minimum supply voltage	8 V DC
Input	6.35mm Jack	Maximum supply voltage	12.5 V DC
Output	6.35mm Jack	Pedal	included
Power input	9 V DC	Power adapter	not included
Input impedance (at 1 kHz)	greater than 1 MOhm	9 V battery	not included
Output impedance (at 1 kHz)	less than 1 kOhm	Required voltage	9 V DC (operates between 8 V and 12.5 V DC)
Maximum input signal	1.5 Vp/p	Consumption	approx. 20 mA
Dimensions	100 x 120 x 55 mm	Polarity	negative center