Build Your Own: Tone Bender MKI
Everything you need to build your own 1965 Tone Bender MKI
In 1965 engineer Gary Hurst designed the Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1. This three transistor circuit was distinct from the later Tone Benders with regard to topology and sound. The MK1 is known for its singing sustain and raw character - with a considerable amount of gain and gating compared to other germanium fuzzes of the era. The MK1 was notably used by Jeff Beck of the Yardbirds, Mick Ronson of David Bowie's band, and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is meticulously tuned with an amp and breadboard to sound true to the original. The 50’s style eyelet board layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and step-by-step instructions with pictures. There is also a supplemental overview of popular boutique modifications, vintage variations like the Zonk and FZ-1, and circuit analysis for those who wish to take a deeper dive and explore the inner workings of these classic circuits.
Included in kit:
Instructions to build the 1965 Sola Sound MK1 Tone Bender
New old stock germanium transistors: Mullard, New Market, Texas Instruments, RCA
Polyester film capacitors and carbon resistors
Pre-drilled powder coated enclosure
High tolerance carbon film resistors
Alpha pots
Vintage style amp jacks
FK brand foot switch
Eyelet board
LED and bezel
Knobs
9V power jack (standard 2.1mm center negative)
Everything you need to build your own 1965 Tone Bender MKI
In 1965 engineer Gary Hurst designed the Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1. This three transistor circuit was distinct from the later Tone Benders with regard to topology and sound. The MK1 is known for its singing sustain and raw character - with a considerable amount of gain and gating compared to other germanium fuzzes of the era. The MK1 was notably used by Jeff Beck of the Yardbirds, Mick Ronson of David Bowie's band, and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is meticulously tuned with an amp and breadboard to sound true to the original. The 50’s style eyelet board layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and step-by-step instructions with pictures. There is also a supplemental overview of popular boutique modifications, vintage variations like the Zonk and FZ-1, and circuit analysis for those who wish to take a deeper dive and explore the inner workings of these classic circuits.
Included in kit:
Instructions to build the 1965 Sola Sound MK1 Tone Bender
New old stock germanium transistors: Mullard, New Market, Texas Instruments, RCA
Polyester film capacitors and carbon resistors
Pre-drilled powder coated enclosure
High tolerance carbon film resistors
Alpha pots
Vintage style amp jacks
FK brand foot switch
Eyelet board
LED and bezel
Knobs
9V power jack (standard 2.1mm center negative)
Everything you need to build your own 1965 Tone Bender MKI
In 1965 engineer Gary Hurst designed the Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1. This three transistor circuit was distinct from the later Tone Benders with regard to topology and sound. The MK1 is known for its singing sustain and raw character - with a considerable amount of gain and gating compared to other germanium fuzzes of the era. The MK1 was notably used by Jeff Beck of the Yardbirds, Mick Ronson of David Bowie's band, and Paul McCartney of the Beatles.
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is meticulously tuned with an amp and breadboard to sound true to the original. The 50’s style eyelet board layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document includes a parts list, detailed layout diagrams, and step-by-step instructions with pictures. There is also a supplemental overview of popular boutique modifications, vintage variations like the Zonk and FZ-1, and circuit analysis for those who wish to take a deeper dive and explore the inner workings of these classic circuits.
Included in kit:
Instructions to build the 1965 Sola Sound MK1 Tone Bender
New old stock germanium transistors: Mullard, New Market, Texas Instruments, RCA
Polyester film capacitors and carbon resistors
Pre-drilled powder coated enclosure
High tolerance carbon film resistors
Alpha pots
Vintage style amp jacks
FK brand foot switch
Eyelet board
LED and bezel
Knobs
9V power jack (standard 2.1mm center negative)