Build Your Own: Tone Bender MKI
Everything you need to build your own true to spec 1965 Tone Bender MK1
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. The 50's military style eyelet layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document for this kit 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 Circuit
New old stock germanium transistors (Mullard, New Market, Texas Instruments, RCA). Sorted for gain and leakage and tuned with an amp to sound true to the original.
Polyester film capacitors
Pre-drilled enclosure (color and custom options available: Gold, Hammered Copper, Grey, Black, Military green, custom enclosure, no graphic, etc.)
High tolerance carbon film resistors
Alpha pots (level, attack)
Vintage style jacks
Heavy duty foot switch (rated 30,000+ cycles)
Eyelet board
9V power jack
LED and bezel
MK1 repro knobs
Everything you need to build your own true to spec 1965 Tone Bender MK1
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. The 50's military style eyelet layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document for this kit 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 Circuit
New old stock germanium transistors (Mullard, New Market, Texas Instruments, RCA). Sorted for gain and leakage and tuned with an amp to sound true to the original.
Polyester film capacitors
Pre-drilled enclosure (color and custom options available: Gold, Hammered Copper, Grey, Black, Military green, custom enclosure, no graphic, etc.)
High tolerance carbon film resistors
Alpha pots (level, attack)
Vintage style jacks
Heavy duty foot switch (rated 30,000+ cycles)
Eyelet board
9V power jack
LED and bezel
MK1 repro knobs
Everything you need to build your own true to spec 1965 Tone Bender MK1
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. The 50's military style eyelet layout and quality components will ensure this circuit will be blowing out your eardrums for years to come! The build document for this kit 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 Circuit
New old stock germanium transistors (Mullard, New Market, Texas Instruments, RCA). Sorted for gain and leakage and tuned with an amp to sound true to the original.
Polyester film capacitors
Pre-drilled enclosure (color and custom options available: Gold, Hammered Copper, Grey, Black, Military green, custom enclosure, no graphic, etc.)
High tolerance carbon film resistors
Alpha pots (level, attack)
Vintage style jacks
Heavy duty foot switch (rated 30,000+ cycles)
Eyelet board
9V power jack
LED and bezel
MK1 repro knobs