Build your own premium fuzz kit. Now shipping with vintage caps, carbon comps, and new old stock germanium transistors.
In 1965 electronics engineer Gary Hurst designed the first Tone Bender fuzz, colloquially referred to as the MKI. This three transistor circuit is distinct from the later MKII, MK1.5, and MKIII and known for its singing sustain and raw character. The MK-1 is derived from the FZ-1 fuzz that appeared on “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” but changes to the bias and supply voltage give this pedal a pleasantly raw and harmonically rich fuzz tone. The circuit is relatively high gain but maintains clarity, even when playing chords. The MKI is surprisingly reactive to pickups, exhibiting a tasteful chime with singles, and a unique gating effect that is particularly prominent in the lower registers with higher output pickups.
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is tuned with an amp / breadboard and shipped with the same eyelet board construction and components as our custom pedals. Kits include an in-depth build document with diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and build photos. There is also a supplemental overview of modifications for those looking to mod and further tune their pedal. This section includes mods lifted from vintage and boutique 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 circuits.
Included in kit:
Instructions to build the 1965 Sola Sound MK1 Tone Bender
Germanium transistors: now shipping with new old stock Mullards and 70's soviet UFO's.
Vintage polyester film capacitors and carbon comp resistors
Pre-drilled / powder coated enclosure
Alpha pots
Vintage style jacks
FK footswitch
Eyelet board
LED / metal bezel
Your choice of knobs
9V power jack or internal battery power options available
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or considerations for a custom build. More than happy to accommodate requests regarding transistor options, component selection, graphics, enclosure color / type, and more.
Build your own premium fuzz kit. Now shipping with vintage caps, carbon comps, and new old stock germanium transistors.
In 1965 electronics engineer Gary Hurst designed the first Tone Bender fuzz, colloquially referred to as the MKI. This three transistor circuit is distinct from the later MKII, MK1.5, and MKIII and known for its singing sustain and raw character. The MK-1 is derived from the FZ-1 fuzz that appeared on “Can’t Get No Satisfaction” but changes to the bias and supply voltage give this pedal a pleasantly raw and harmonically rich fuzz tone. The circuit is relatively high gain but maintains clarity, even when playing chords. The MKI is surprisingly reactive to pickups, exhibiting a tasteful chime with singles, and a unique gating effect that is particularly prominent in the lower registers with higher output pickups.
No expense spared in selecting parts for this build. Each transistor set is tuned with an amp / breadboard and shipped with the same eyelet board construction and components as our custom pedals. Kits include an in-depth build document with diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and build photos. There is also a supplemental overview of modifications for those looking to mod and further tune their pedal. This section includes mods lifted from vintage and boutique 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 circuits.
Included in kit:
Instructions to build the 1965 Sola Sound MK1 Tone Bender
Germanium transistors: now shipping with new old stock Mullards and 70's soviet UFO's.
Vintage polyester film capacitors and carbon comp resistors
Pre-drilled / powder coated enclosure
Alpha pots
Vintage style jacks
FK footswitch
Eyelet board
LED / metal bezel
Your choice of knobs
9V power jack or internal battery power options available
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or considerations for a custom build. More than happy to accommodate requests regarding transistor options, component selection, graphics, enclosure color / type, and more.
