Guitar Gear Gems: Randy Rhoads Signature Distortion+ is coming

09 Jan by Jef |

4,3 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 4 Minutes

Guitar Gear Gems · Source: Instagram/Smashing Pumpkins/Nembrini Audio

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This week on Guitar Gear Gems we take a look at the soon-to-be-released MXR Randy Rhoads Signature Distortion+ pedal. Then we check out the latest Nembrini Audio software emulation, the NA 501 Chorus Echo, which is their virtual take on the Roland RE-501 Chorus Echo. Finally, it turns out Smashing Pumpkins is looking for a third guitarist for the band and you can apply.

Randy Rhoads Signature Distortion+

The MXR Randy Rhoads Signature Distortion+ pedal is coming, though it won’t be out in time for NAMM 2024. We know this as Kathy Rhoads, Randy’s sister, recently posted on Instagram all about this new signature effect. Kathy has played a fairly pivotal role in the pedal’s development and has worked closely with Jimi Dunlop to design and refine the new release.

Phil Demmel

Former Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, who is a self-proclaimed Randy Rhoads fan, has also hinted at his involvement in the new pedal’s creation through a comment on Kathy’s Instagram post. Apart, from that, we don’t yet have much more information about the release.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the MXR Distribution+ is delayed until mid-spring. We know a lot of you are excited about this release and wanted to keep you updated. We want to dial it in just right, and we appreciate your patience for just a bit longer.” Jim Dunlop

Randy was known for using the MXR Distortion+ pedal so this could be one based purely on that, just with a black and white polka dot design. Or, it could be based on one of his supposedly modified versions, that he was also known to use.

We are going to have to wait and see, so for now we just know that it should be out in 2024.

NA 501 Chorus Echo

This week Nembrini Audio announced the new NA 501 Chorus Echo which is modelled on the famous NA 501 Chorus Echo effect. The original effect combines tape echo, BBD chorus, and spring reverb. Thankfully, Nembrini Audio has included all of these lovely analog effects in the new plugin, so now you can use this digital emulation in your DAW setup.

DAW

It runs as a VST2, VST3, AAX, or AudioUnits plugin and is super easy to use. I’ve been using it for a few days and enjoyed the warm, analog feel that it gives tracks in my studio. It works great on guitar and bass but also works a charm with vocals, keys, and drum parts as well.

Easy To Use

Each section of the effect has easy-to-use controls and they also include some useful presets to get you up and running. The effect will also sync to the tempo of your project, which makes it easy to dial in. The sound quality is great and there is no hassle with having to maintain a tape delay, or dealing with noisy, hissing vintage outputs, etc

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Introductory Price

They are selling it for an Introductory Price of $29.99 currently. Once that promotion ends it will go up to the standard pricing of $99. It is well worth checking out and they do a free trial version so that you can test it out on your system.

Compatible with Mac OS 10.9 or newer, Windows 7 or newer, and supports Intel and Apple Silicon processors.

Smashing Pumpkins are hiring

The Smashing Pumpkins have officially announced that they are looking for a third guitarist for the band and you could apply. Jeff Schroeder, who left the group in October 2023 after 16 years with the group had some great chops, so you need to be on your game if you want to apply.

Apply Here

Plus, Billy Corgan is a masterful riff writer and can solo with the best of them, as can James Iha. The official statement from the band is as follows; “The Smashing Pumpkins are in search of an additional guitarist.” Open to all interested parties, the application process is straightforward. Guitarists can send their resumes and relevant materials to SPGuitar@redlightmanagement.com

This could be the opportunity of a lifetime for someone, so if you have the chops you should consider applying for the position. That and playing with a drummer like Jimmy Chamberlain would be pretty amazing because he is a master at what he does.