Guyatone - Effektpedal - Japan - 1994 (Ingen reservasjonspris)

Brand: Guyatone
Model: MM-1 METAL MONSTER
Type: Tube Hybrid Distortion Pedal
Made in: Japan
Serial number: 94090420
Colour: Purple

Complete set with original box, warranty card, and instruction manual – increasingly difficult to find.

Produced during the final two decades of Guyatone's original Japanese manufacturing era.

This is a Guyatone FLIP VALVE MM-1 METAL MONSTER, a Japanese-made tube hybrid distortion pedal manufactured in 1994.

Carefully cleaned, inspected, and fully tested, the pedal operates properly and delivers the aggressive distortion character that made the MM-1 one of the most distinctive models in the FLIP VALVE series.

What makes this example particularly attractive is its unusually complete package, including the original box, original warranty card, and original instruction manual. Surviving examples with all original accessories have become increasingly scarce over the years.

The MM-1 reflects Guyatone’s unique Japanese approach to tube-enhanced pedal design. By combining solid-state distortion circuitry with an integrated FLIP 12AX7A vacuum tube, it offers a powerful high-gain voice together with flexible tone-shaping capabilities rarely found in distortion pedals of its era.

A standout feature is its dual Middle and Middle Frequency control system. This semi-parametric style EQ allows players not only to boost or cut midrange frequencies but also to select the exact frequency range being adjusted, providing exceptional versatility for rhythm, lead, and modern high-gain applications.

Estimated Production Period

Dating is supported by the serial number prefix "94", internal component consistency, and footswitch markings that correspond with mid-1990s Japanese production.

Condition

Good vintage condition for its age.

The pedal shows scratches, paint wear, rust, dirt, and other cosmetic signs of genuine use accumulated over more than three decades. The controls operate properly, and no significant scratchiness was detected during testing.

Please refer to the photos for exact cosmetic condition.

Includes

Original box
Original warranty card
Original instruction manual

Technical Highlights

Made in Japan
FLIP VALVE series
Built-in FLIP 12AX7A vacuum tube
Compatible replacement tube types: 12AX7 / ECC83 / 7025
Compatible lower-gain alternatives: 5751, 12AT7 / ECC81
High-gain hybrid distortion design
Active High and Low EQ controls
Center-zero active Middle EQ
Sweepable Middle Frequency control (approximately 200Hz–5kHz)
Semi-parametric midrange shaping capability
DC 9V center-negative adapter operation only
Battery operation is not supported
Fully tested and working properly

Production Background

Guyatone was one of Japan’s pioneering electric instrument manufacturers and played an important role in the development of Japanese electric guitars and electronic musical equipment throughout the post-war era.

Founded by Mitsuo Matsuki, who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of electric guitar production in Japan, the company became known internationally for its innovative approach to musical instrument design and electronics.

While Guyatone produced guitars, amplifiers, and other musical equipment, the brand earned particular recognition for its effects pedals. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Guyatone developed numerous original pedal designs that combined practical engineering with distinctive tonal character.

The FLIP VALVE series represented one of the company’s more ambitious projects, incorporating real vacuum tube technology into compact pedal formats. The MM-1 METAL MONSTER was designed as a high-gain hybrid distortion pedal that combined tube coloration with flexible active equalization, reflecting Guyatone’s uniquely Japanese approach to pedal engineering.

Today, original Japanese-made Guyatone pedals are increasingly appreciated by collectors and players alike, particularly examples from the company’s final decades of production before the closure of Tokyo Sound in 2013.

The MM-1 remains one of Guyatone’s most distinctive distortion designs, combining tube coloration, flexible EQ architecture, and Japanese engineering into a pedal that continues to attract collectors and players alike.

Shipping method: Carefully packed and shipped from Japan.

Shipping is primarily carried out via EMS (Japan Post).

Please note that we only ship to countries where EMS service is available from Japan. Orders from countries where EMS shipping is not available may be cancelled.

For shipments to the United States, Yamato Transport (International TA-Q-BIN) may be used instead.

Delivery methods may vary depending on the destination country, shipping conditions, and service availability.

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By placing a bid, the buyer agrees to check and comply with all applicable import regulations and requirements in their country.

Buyers are responsible for ensuring that the selected shipping method is available in their country.

The seller cannot be held responsible for delays, refusals, or additional charges caused by customs regulations.

Orders may be cancelled if shipping or import conditions cannot be met.

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