MXR revives Il Torino as Gran Torino boost/overdrive at NAMM 2024

January 1, 2024 · 4 sources

The MXR Gran Torino, a boost and overdrive pedal, appeared on the NAMM floor and on the Dunlop site in late January 2024. MusicRadar called it "a red relaunch of sorts for the boost / overdrive pedal" that "follows on from the MXR Custom Shop Il Torino boost and overdrive," and reported that the Il Torino is no longer listed in the MXR lineup¹. Gearnews described the Gran Torino as "the successor to the popular Il Torino from the in-house custom shop"². Guitar World reported that the Il Torino was designed by guest Custom Shop engineer Carlos Sorasio in 2014³.

Controls are Hi, Mid and Lo for the three-band EQ, Volume and Gain, plus a push-button switch between Boost and OD modes⁴. MusicRadar reported that the Il Torino's three-band EQ is now called Hi, Mid and Lo¹, and Guitar World reported that Volume and Gain replace the Il Torino's Master and Gain knobs³. MXR describes the modes: "Boost for cleaner notes and rich sustain, OD for smooth, mellow overdrive"¹. The pedal also uses a Class A Low Impedance Output Driver to "preserve the integrity of your sound and prevent signal loss across long FX chains"¹.

Accounts of price and availability differ. MusicRadar reported a retail price of $149¹. Guitar World reported that the Gran Torino is limited edition and "will be available for $150 on May 1"³. Gearnews listed the price as TBC and availability from May². Guitar Pedal X, writing on January 29, could not find a current US listing and assumed $169⁴.