The Analog Man MXR Paperweight is not a working pedal. It is a promotional item MXR made in the 1970s from Distortion+ cases: a case with working pots and knobs but otherwise empty, intended to sit on a desk and hold papers down. Analog Man sold them as new old stock, some still in their original Distortion+ cardboard boxes, at $80 while they lasted1.
What it does
Because the case holds no circuit, the paperweight does nothing to a guitar signal on its own. Analog Man described the box as "a New Old Stock MXR 'paperweight' effect from the 1970s" and noted it can be built into AB boxes, true bypass loop boxes and similar utility enclosures2. For players, that is the practical appeal: a genuine vintage MXR case that can be turned into something usable on a board.
"These were made as promotions in the 70s, from distortion+ cases"
Conversion service
Analog Man offered to convert a paperweight into a working unit rather than leave it as a desk ornament. The options were1:
- An A-B switch box, for switching a signal between two paths1
- A true bypass box, for taking a pedal or chain of pedals out of the signal path1
Both conversions turn the empty case into a switching utility that a player can use on a pedalboard1.
Analog Man reported being all out of the paperweight boxes in July 2008, so they are no longer available from the maker2.
Questions
What is the Analog Man MXR Paperweight?
It is a 1970s promotional paperweight that MXR made from Distortion+ cases. The pots and knobs work, but the case is otherwise empty, so it makes no sound. Analog Man sold them as new old stock, some still in their original Distortion+ cardboard boxes, and offered a conversion service turning one into an A-B switch box or a true bypass box.
Can you still buy an Analog Man MXR Paperweight?
No. Analog Man reported being all out of the paperweight boxes in July 2008, so they are no longer available from the maker. Before they sold out, they were priced at $80 while they lasted.
Sources (2)
- Analog Man MXR Paperweight, Analog Man (analogman.com), 2015
- Analog Man Switching Boxes, Analog Man (analogman.com), 2023
