Just picked up this affordable Tonebender Mark II clone from a local builder last weekend:
After trying so many oddball fuzz flavors, I figured it was time for another trial run with one of "the classics." This particular Tonebender has germanium transistors and controls for output level, bias, and fuzz. The enclosure features mystical, laser-etched graphics done by the builder and extra-snazzy amp-style knobs. I had previous experience with the Tonebender Mark II mode on the Big Tone Music Brewery Anthology fuzz and some idea of what to expect. The Bias knob affects both the gain character and EQ of the pedal and ranges from more sputtery and crunchy textures when set counterclockwise to fatter and more focused medium gain tones when closer to dimed. There is plenty of fuzz and sustain on tap, and the output level seems to reach unity around 1:00 and varies a bit depending upon where the bias is set. I've been able to dial in everything from warm and jangly classic-rock-style leads to proto-doom-tinged rhythm tones with various guitars. Additionally, it plays well with other gain sources including my Ampeg Scrambler, Green Ringer, and Rangemaster clones. Strong work overall for a relatively new builder.
Looks tight. When you're stacking, is it picky with placement? I'm finding all my favorite fuzzes seem to need to be first to really act how I want them to, including my tonebender clone.
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I can wire up my amp modeler and USB audio interface at some point during the coming weekend to record additional clips if there is interest.
PeteeBee wrote:Looks tight. When you're stacking, is it picky with placement? I'm finding all my favorite fuzzes seem to need to be first to really act how I want them to, including my tonebender clone.
It sounds a bit too boomy for my taste when cascaded into other medium to high gain sources I have on hand presently, but sounds most excellent fed into the "drive" setting of channel 2 on my Boss GL-100 (which is relatively clean) and when placed after a treble booster and low gain octave fuzzes. There may be an undiscovered bias sweet spot that allows it to be a more functional overdrive. I also have yet to experiment with bitcrushing and sample rate reduction and have a feeling the latter of the two will sound better with this pedal.
