The team's opinion: The MXR Shin-Juku Drive is part of the Custom Shop series from MXR! These are effects pedals manufactured in limited series and offering unusual characteristics.
This overdrive pedal is the joint work of the MXR Custom Shop and Shin Suzuki, a specialist in pedals and amps, and more specifically the legendary Dumble. But yes you know this legendary amp, prized by many stars like John Mayer and renowned for its crystalline clean/overdrive!
As you will have understood, this effect pedal is intended for lovers of Blues and Classic Rock! Sound level the Shin-Juku is a success in terms of dynamics. Although it is a so-called low-gain overdrive, it is able to offer a fairly “pushed” saturation. Its little “dark” switch will do wonders with a guitar that's a bit shiny like a fender telecaster.
Its great strength is its ability to combine with other overdrives to create interesting combinations. The MXR Shin-Juku Drive is a small success! Custom Shop series obliges, it is limited to 2500 copies. It is therefore a fairly rare model.
If you prefer a Tubescreamer-style drive, I invite you to watch the MXR Il Diavolo.