All Things ToneBender!

[EOengineer]

Sometimes it feels like the FuzzFace steals all the thunder when some ToneBender versions that would actually suit certain needs better flies totally under the radar.

Both of my current Benders are bastardized versions of the circuit but still awesome!

This guy is a MK1 and is absolutely gnarly gated zipper fuzz no matter what. It doesn’t clean up a ton, it is just rude and proud of it. The extra external bias knob gives you even more gating when you want it.

This one is loosely based on the MK II but I believe uses Germ diodes instead of transistors and has become my go-to when the Fuzz Face is too far and dark. Unlike the MK I, this one is super responsive to guitar volume knob moves and can cleanup from wall of fuzz back to distortion, overdrive, and eventually a beautiful edge of breakup tone.

One of these days I’d like to build or acquire a legit MKII, as I find it myself appreciating its voicing as a FuzzFace alternative due to its stronger midrange emphasis.

Let’s see some Benders!

 

[tekbow]

I prefer tone benders if im being honest.

Less spluttery at higher gain settings, and dont flub out in the low end

 

[LemonBurst&OrangeCrush]

It's probably my favourite of the traditional three* as a pure fuzz. I love the attack, and the spitting tendrils of sound. Or, alternatively, the slightly hollow, uneasy feel it can lend a song.

As a listener, I've never really liked Big Muffs as straight fuzzes. Plus they're called Big Muffs.

I want to try a Fuzz Face sometime, but they have a very specific sound that was heavily explored in a short period of time. I imagine it's hard not to sound like that period unless you're a pro, using it as part of something beyond me.

*How did it come to be three, anyway? Shouldn't the Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone make it at least four?

 

[SillyOctpuss]

Tone Bender MK1. Based on the System Tone Bender that David Main built for Macaris. The only mod is a charge pump so it can be run off a standard centre negative PSU. I spent a lot of time trying different transistors so the Attack knob is usable across its entire range.

I've been working on a Tone Bender MK1.5 with OC81D transistors and it sounds epic. Won't be getting finished until my broken wrist has healed though.

 

[keef]

I dig my Tonebenders and FFs. Although I prefer Tonebenders and Zonk Machines.

Creepy Fingers BlueMood (Marshall Supa Fuzz MKII Tonebender (fat as f##k)

Klinger Tonebender MK1 nails Zep1

BG Harding Zonk Machine

Pigdog Zonk II

 

[keef]

Tone Bender MK1. Based on the System Tone Bender that David Main built for Macaris. The only mod is a charge pump so it can be run off a standard centre negative PSU. I spent a lot of time trying different transistors so the Attack knob is usable across its entire range.

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I've been working on a Tone Bender MK1.5 with OC81D transistors and it sounds epic. Won't be getting finished until my broken wrist has healed though.

Nice Mullards in there ! MK1 is the best circuit IMO.

 

[FuzzyAce]

My only take on the TB is a BAE Hot Fuzz.

Sounds great, and even does a nice boost/overdrive tone when needed. I don't use the treble boost much but it has its place too. FF is where my heart is but I like most fuzzes, generally speaking.

 

[dronerstone]

Big fan of the mkII sound.

The Bone Tender was my first TB family fuzz, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to dip their toes in that particular water without forking out a wad of cash.

Many moons later, I ordered a V3 Twin Bender from a nearby shop that had them in stock, right after reading that Tim Krueger passed - mainly because I had severe FOMO, since the scalpers always scramble. A week later, prices were going insane.

Besides buying a Warm Bender out of curiosity (not as tweakable but decent enough, bar the shady parts), I haven't looked any further.

The Twin Bender has quickly become my favorite fuzz back then (until I went down the Super Fuzz rabbit hole, now it's a split #1 spot with the Fuzz Master General). It's not exactly "vintage-correct" but as long as you don't care, it's a wonderful mkII and can pull off legit mk1.5 and FF sounds as well.

That said, the EHX Ripped Speaker is a sleeper TB style fuzz. A secret, hidden-away offspring conceived during a short holiday fling.