Multiple tonebender versions in one pedal?

[frigid midget]

I'm just feeding my geeky curiousity here, I'm already spending more than I should, so I'm not really shopping for another fuzz at this moment...

But someone mensioned the Ramble Effects Twin Bender in another thread. Checked it, love it, at least based on what I hear/read. Got me wondering, they can't be the only company out there doing this concept, right? I just assumed the different tonebender types were mostly about slight compontent values, but since most clones out there are either MK II or MK III, maybxe there might be more to it?

What's out there that I'm overlooking? If I ever *finally* buy me somekind of tonebender or buzzaround, it'd be cool if I wouldn't have to make it even harder on myself to decided which era/type...

[rustywire]

I want a D*A*M 1965, 1966 and like everything else

But I'm going to get one of these first
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Electric- ... 2099000455

[insubordination]

The Function f(x) Clusterfuzz is kinda MKII TB-ish to my ears to begin with, and all the clipping options plus the 8-bit knob can help you dial in some tones that are in the ballpark of MKI-III, though not exactly like any of them, still has its own unique flavor. Doesn't get as gatey as an MKI, as Fuzzfacey as the MK 1.5, as woolly as an MKIII...but, you know, in the ballpark. IMO.

But that's the only thing I can think of off the top of my head.

[frigid midget]

The Function f(x) Clusterfuzz is kinda MKII TB-ish to my ears to begin with, and all the clipping options plus the 8-bit knob can help you dial in some tones that are in the ballpark of MKI-III, though not exactly like any of them, still has its own unique flavor. Doesn't get as gatey as an MKI, as Fuzzfacey as the MK 1.5, as woolly as an MKIII...but, you know, in the ballpark. IMO.

But that's the only thing I can think of off the top of my head.

Funny you mension the clusterfuzz. That's actually the fuzz pedal that's on #1 on my little wish list, and the reason why I can't afford to keep shopping for even more stuff :s

Going on the demos, it does sound tonebender-ish, maybe indeed even enough to silence my GAS for something that's actually marketed as a TB clone

[nightraven]

I just assumed the different tonebender types were mostly about slight compontent values, but since most clones out there are either MK II or MK III, maybxe there might be more to it?

Nah, the "Mk I", MkII and MkIII are all distinctly different circuits. The thing that's toggle-able on some of the boutweaker designs out there is MkII for "Mk1.5", as the three-transistor MkII was basically an extra gain stage in front of the earlier two-transistor fuzz that's over time unofficially become known as "Mk1.5". It's not an outrageously blasphemous feature either, as there's evidence suggesting that the earliest Sola Sound branded MkII Tone Benders in 1966 were upgraded "Mk1.5" pedals, but AFAIK the extra transistor was built on the end of the circuit rather than in front, and the thing was modified accordingly. It probably works alright in modern pedals though. Hope that sort of makes sense.

[The Mad Titan]

I just assumed the different tonebender types were mostly about slight compontent values, but since most clones out there are either MK II or MK III, maybxe there might be more to it?

Nah, the "Mk I", MkII and MkIII are all distinctly different circuits. The thing that's toggle-able on some of the boutweaker designs out there is MkII for "Mk1.5", as the three-transistor MkII was basically an extra gain stage in front of the earlier two-transistor fuzz that's over time unofficially become known as "Mk1.5". It's not an outrageously blasphemous feature either, as there's evidence suggesting that the earliest Sola Sound branded MkII Tone Benders in 1966 were upgraded "Mk1.5" pedals, but AFAIK the extra transistor was built on the end of the circuit rather than in front, and the thing was modified accordingly. It probably works alright in modern pedals though. Hope that sort of makes sense.

Sounds about right to me. Another common mod is switching the input cap to allow in more lows/low mids which takes it straight into Fuzz Face territory as the circuits for the Mk I, Mk I.V, and Fuzz Face are not that far removed.

Btw, I'm the dude that mentioned the Twin Bender. It's by far my favorite fuzz I've had. Not saying I'm the fuzz junky some of you are, but I nailed the big three with little fucking around involved: V7C Bubble Font Muff, Analog Man Sunface White Dot NKT275, BAT LSTR, and the Twin Bender, so it's had some stiff competition for that honor.

[whoismarykelly]

From the long long ago - MKII and MK1.5 in the same box with a rotary switch for three tones - MKII, MK1.5 bright, MK1.5 fat

[frigid midget]

Tonebender-ish or not, I just pulled the trigger on a Clusterfuzz...

[coupleonapkins]

Reuss has one forthcoming this summer (via their instagram):

[Chankgeez]

Tonebender-ish or not, I just pulled the trigger on a Clusterfuzz...

Nice.

Lots of good suggestions in this thread.

I'll add the Basic Audio Scarab Deluxe to the lot. Tone-benderish, but like all of John's pedals, not a completely accurate version. It's got some versatility in there.

[reusseffects]

Reuss has one forthcoming this summer (via their instagram):

Yep, that one features two complete Tone Bender mk IIIs. A germanium version built with OC140 transistors (NPN germaniums = pedalboard powersupply friendly) and a silicon version built with BC108s. The three controls are all dual (stereo) potentiometers, making this pedal possible without having six controls. There's no shared components between the two circuits.

The issue with making a single pedal with one MK II and one MK III tone bender circuit is that the 'Attack' control of the MK II have a completely different potentiometer value and taper, so that pedal would need at least four controls (the volume could be shared using a stereo pot). A single footswitch could do it too. Actually, I'd be happy to build one as a custom job. Could be pretty cool and versatile.

Cheers,


Anders / Reuss