The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive is a powerful high-gain drive pedal developed in collaboration with Eddie Van Halen, designed to deliver saturated, harmonically rich distortion with enough control to cover classic rock through to tighter modern high-gain sounds.

Its control set goes far beyond a basic overdrive, with Gain, Output, Bass, Mid and Treble controls, plus a dedicated Boost switch for extra gain and compression and an onboard noise gate for keeping high-gain noise under control.

This makes the EVH 5150 Overdrive particularly useful for players who want a complete high-gain front-end solution in a single pedal.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition.

No power supply is included.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	MXR
Model	EVH 5150 Overdrive
Effect Type	High-Gain Overdrive / Distortion
EQ	3-Band Bass / Mid / Treble
Boost	Yes
Noise Gate	Built-In
Bypass	True Hardwire
Power	9V Battery / 9V DC
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects some light cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to use.

Please study the photographs carefully for the exact cosmetic condition of this individual pedal.

No power supply is included.

KEY FEATURES

• MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive

• Developed with Eddie Van Halen

• High-gain overdrive / distortion

• Gain control

• Output control

• Bass control

• Mid control

• Treble control

• 3-band active-style EQ shaping

• Switchable Boost

• Boost adds approximately 6dB preamp gain

• Boost also increases compression

• Built-in noise gate

• Adjustable gate threshold

• Gate indicator illumination

• True hardwire bypass

• 9V battery compatible

• 9V DC operation

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

• No power supply included

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The EVH 5150 Overdrive is designed to function almost like a complete high-gain amp channel in pedal form.

Rather than relying on just Gain and Tone, the full Bass, Mid and Treble EQ allows the sound to be shaped much more precisely for different amplifiers, guitars and playing styles.

The built-in Boost and noise gate then make it especially effective for heavier rigs where additional saturation and tight noise control are useful.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Gain Control

The Gain control sets the amount of overdrive and distortion.

Lower settings can provide punchy rock drive, while higher settings move into thick, heavily saturated high-gain territory.

Output Control

The Output control adjusts the overall pedal level.

This allows the effect to be matched to the bypassed signal or used to push the front end of an amplifier harder.

Bass Control

The Bass control provides approximately ±5dB of adjustment around the low-frequency range.

This allows the bottom end to be tightened for fast rhythm playing or increased for a heavier, fuller sound.

Mid Control

The Mid control provides approximately ±5dB of adjustment centred around 650Hz.

This is particularly useful for moving between a more scooped modern tone and a stronger, more forward midrange response.

Treble Control

The Treble control provides approximately ±5dB of adjustment in the upper-frequency range.

This makes it easy to add bite and definition or smooth out a brighter amplifier.

SWITCHABLE BOOST

The dedicated Boost switch increases the pedal’s preamp gain by approximately 6dB.

It also increases compression, producing a thicker and more saturated response.

This is useful for:

• Lead boosts

• Heavier rhythm tones

• Increased sustain

• More compressed high-gain sounds

BUILT-IN NOISE GATE

The EVH 5150 Overdrive includes an onboard noise gate.

Turning the Gate control clockwise engages the gate and raises its threshold.

The Gate knob illuminates when the gate is active.

Turning it fully anticlockwise switches the gate off.

This makes the pedal particularly effective for:

• High-gain rhythm

• Tight stop/start riffs

• Heavily driven amplifiers

• Noisy pedalboards

• Humbucker-equipped guitars

TRUE HARDWIRE BYPASS

The EVH 5150 Overdrive uses true hardwire bypass.

When bypassed, the effect circuit is removed from the signal path.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive is particularly well suited to:

• Hard rock guitarists

• High-gain players

• EVH fans

• Metal players

• Classic rock musicians

• Modern rock guitarists

• Players wanting amp-like distortion from a pedal

• Guitarists who need onboard noise control

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The EVH 5150 Overdrive works particularly well for:

• Hard rock

• Classic rock

• Metal

• Alternative

• Heavy rhythm

• Lead guitar

• High-gain riffs

• Studio recording

• Live performance

• Amp boosting

HOW IT COMPARES

EVH 5150 vs Basic Overdrive

A basic overdrive may provide only Gain, Tone and Level.

The EVH 5150 adds a full 3-band EQ, Boost and noise gate, making it significantly more flexible.

EVH 5150 vs Distortion Pedal

A conventional distortion often provides a more fixed EQ response.

The EVH 5150 behaves more like a dedicated high-gain preamp section, with much greater control over bass, mids and treble.

EVH 5150 vs Amp Gain Channel

The pedal can provide a convincing high-gain foundation into a clean amplifier, making it useful for players who need a consistent core drive sound across different rigs.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Guitar Effects Pedal
Brand	MXR
Model	EVH 5150 Overdrive
Effect Type	High-Gain Overdrive / Distortion
Controls	Output, Bass, Mid, Treble, Gain, Gate
Boost	Switchable
Boost Gain	Approx. +6dB
Bass EQ	Approx. ±5dB
Mid EQ	Approx. ±5dB at 650Hz
Treble EQ	Approx. ±5dB
Noise Gate	Yes
Gate Threshold	Adjustable
Input Impedance	740kΩ
Output Impedance	1kΩ
Bypass	True Hardwire
Power	9V DC / 9V Battery
Current Draw	Approx. 12.5mA Bypassed / 14.5mA Effect On with Gate
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive can be powered by:

• 9V battery

• 9V DC power supply

Current draw is approximately 14.5mA with the effect and gate engaged.

A suitable regulated pedal power supply should be used.

No power supply is included with this Pre-Owned pedal.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players wanting a full, amp-like high-gain drive sound with onboard EQ, extra boost and built-in noise control.

Customers usually upgrade from: Basic overdrive pedals, entry-level distortion pedals and amplifier gain channels with limited EQ control.

Most commonly paired with: High-headroom clean amps, delay, reverb, modulation and modern pedalboard setups.

Our tip: Start with the EQ controls around noon and the Gate fully off. Dial in the core gain sound first, then bring the gate up only enough to control unwanted noise.

Showroom feedback: The EVH 5150 Overdrive feels much more like a preamp channel than a conventional stompbox. The full EQ and onboard gate make it especially useful for players who want a tight, controlled high-gain sound without relying entirely on the amplifier.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive is an excellent way to add a premium high-gain drive pedal with extensive tone shaping to your rig.

This example is in Very Good condition.

No power supply is included.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Pre-Owned effects pedals

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current pedals, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges effects, guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own effects pedals or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess them for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing gear to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned example in Very Good condition.

Is it an overdrive or distortion pedal?

It can cover both, but it is designed primarily as a high-gain overdrive / distortion.

Does it have a 3-band EQ?

Yes. It has Bass, Mid and Treble controls.

Does it have a boost?

Yes.

How much boost does it add?

Approximately 6dB of additional preamp gain.

Does the Boost increase compression?

Yes.

Does it have a built-in noise gate?

Yes.

Can the gate threshold be adjusted?

Yes.

Can the gate be turned off?

Yes. Turning the Gate control fully anticlockwise switches it off.

Is it true bypass?

Yes. It uses true hardwire bypass.

Can it run from a battery?

Yes. It can use a standard 9V battery.

What power supply does it need?

A suitable 9V DC pedal power supply.

How much current does it draw?

Approximately 14.5mA with the effect and gate engaged.

Is a power supply included?

No. No power supply is included.

What condition is it in?

It is in Very Good condition.

Can I part-exchange another pedal against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers effects pedals and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.