The MXR JGD2 Jail Guitar Doors Overdrive is a single-footswitch overdrive pedal: the FOOTSWITCH toggles the effect on and off, and a red LED indicates when it is on, as MXR's manual puts it1.
Where the circuit came from
The JGD2's footswitch is its only control on/off interface. Per the manual, the FOOTSWITCH toggles the effect on and bypass, with a red LED showing when the effect is engaged1.
Controls
The pedal keeps things deliberately simple: one knob and a footswitch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| DRIVE | Increases the output of both circuits at once. As you turn it clockwise, the first stage feeds into the second, boosting overall gain and volume1 |
| FOOTSWITCH | Toggles effect on/bypass (red LED indicates on)1 |
Because the Drive knob cascades the two gain stages, the pedal covers everything from a clean-ish boost to fuller drive from a single control, which is the whole point of the dual-circuit design1.
Power
The JGD2 runs on 9 volts DC and draws 2 mA. MXR specifies a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003/ECB003EU, or an MXR Brick series power supply1. It can also run on one 9-volt battery; remove the bottom plate to install it1.
The FOOTSWITCH toggles the effect on and bypass, and the red LED indicates when it is on1.
Questions
Is the MXR Jail Guitar Doors Overdrive true bypass?
Yes. According to MXR's manual, the JGD2 uses true bypass, so when the effect is off, your guitar's signal passes through the pedal without going through its circuitry. A red LED shows when the effect is on.
Does the MXR JGD2 take a 9-volt battery?
Yes. The manual says the pedal runs on one 9-volt battery, and you remove the bottom plate to install it. It can also be powered from a 9-volt DC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003/ECB003EU or an MXR Brick series power supply, drawing only 2 mA.
Who designed the circuit in the MXR Jail Guitar Doors pedal?
Johnny Wator of Daredevil Pedals worked closely with the MXR design team on the circuit, fusing his Drive-Bi Dual Gain Distortion with the MXR Micro Amp. The pedal was co-designed with Wayne Kramer before his death.
What does the Drive knob do on the JGD2?
The Drive knob increases the output of both circuits at once. As you turn it clockwise, the first gain stage feeds into the second, boosting overall gain and volume.
What are the input and output impedances of the MXR JGD2?
MXR's manual lists the input impedance at 450 kΩ and the output impedance at 25 kΩ.
Sources (1)
- JGD2.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2025
Wayne Kramer
