Does anyone know how I can identify my MXR Distortion pedal? I've had it for a few decades now and it looks just like the ones that I see on eBay, but it doesn't have a red light on it.

Any way to tell?

Thanks!

Does it have a 'Script' or cursive writing logo, or does it have MXR in block letters with a square around it. That will have a lot to do with valuation. I think the transistion would have been in the late 1970's between the 2 different logo's. They added the LED in 1981 or 82, so it would be before that. Block log dist + depending on condition (very good -exc) would be worth around 100- a script twice that probably.

It's a block print logo on the back - I'm not interested so much in valuation as much as repairing it. I've not been able to get it to work lately and it looks like it's brand new on the outside (it hasn't been used all that much and has always been kept in the neck box of my guitar case, which is a Gibson hardshell for an ES335). It's in really excellent shape overall, so I can't understand what might have failed.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure (although, not absolutely certain) that I bought this between 1978 and 1980.

Are there model numbers for the Distortion + pedal? I've seen some refer to them with Roman Numerals, but have no idea whether there is a specific model number for this one.

I can post a photo of it somewhere if you'd like.

There is a Dist 2 which is a big yellow box with 4 knobs and an attached power supply, but it sounds like you have the 2 knob Dist +. Your estimate of 78-80 sounds spot on for a no LED block logo dist +. Can't help you with a fix, but George Blekas of Pedalworx and a forum member here is your man if you need a vintage effect repaired.

Excellent - how would I get ahold of him? Should I post a new subject regarding repair?

He posts regularly over in the guitars amps and pedals forum. Find one of his posts and send a PM thru there. He did a good job refurbishing a vintage Boss flanger for me, and he's working on a old Vox wah for me also.

Thanks, I'll look for him. Some advice would also be appreciated, though - this is certainly still one of the most sturdy boxes out there, but I'm just not that heavily into the nuances of the unit itself to really appreciate it if I have to spend a chunk on shipping it and getting it fixed.

Do you think it'd be better to sell the unit so someone who has more appreciation for it can enjoy it, since I'm not really interested in its value? I just want a working distortion box and it seems I can get a cheapo Danelectro for much less than this is likely worth.

Thanks!

Problem is that it doesn't have much value not working. That's the quandry, is it worth the expense. Might be an easy fix, might not. If it was me and I could fix it for less than 40 or 50 bucks it'd probably go for it. Then trade it to someone who has a good distortion box, it should bring something even better than the Dan O, although those can be good for the money. Maybe someone would trade you for something like a Keely modded Rat-it'll blow any stock Danelectro distortion into the weeds. Hell, a STOCK Rat will IMHO.