Tools, Tones and Toys for Guitarists
This is in response to a question I saw that asked on Facebook regarding reducing the minimum amount of fuzz available on a Tone Bender MKIII / MKIV. With the fuzz pot at full, there’s almost no resistance between the first stage and Q3. The fuzz pot acts as a variable resistor, so even at … Read more
One of my older vero layouts for the Benson Preamp that I posted on Guitar FX layouts forum a while back – updated due to the bass and treble outer lugs being the wrong way around… I have previously posted the point-to-point version, but I forgot to post the vero layout at the time. I … Read more
Also known as the JHS & Ricken’s Fuzz – the JEN FZ III Fuzz is a simple silicon variation on a Tone Bender MKII. First things first – this is reported to be very bright, so maybe increase the 10n capacitors to something a little larger to let more lows through, or add a 10n to … Read more
It’s worth noting that none of the source material claims that equivalent equates to identical – there will be differences, it will largely come down to what you are trying to build in a lot of cases. I’ve only listed transistors commonly sought after for guitar pedals, as this is what I’m usually trying to … Read more
CV Transistors are UK military spec valves, transistors and diodes (CV stands for common valve, as it predates semiconductors). CV transistors were made by several different manufacturers on contract and produced to the UK military’s specifications. These can be, and quite often are, common commercial transistors made to military specification and renumbered. Here are a few pedal-friendly transistors … Read more
These are now available from sunetec_au on ebay. I previously purchased a couple of wedge enclosures from them, and they are really well-made. It’s the right size, and it’s made from decent steel. Shipping was free and fast from Hong Kong. It has rubber feet instead of pressed metal bumps – think I prefer rubber … Read more
And more Tone Bending… just make sure you add a decent size capacitor to decouple the output, I doubt anyone wants / needs stray DC escaping your fuzz. MARSHALL SUPAFUZZ PROTOTYPE – TAG BOARD LAYOUT MARSHALL SUPAFUZZ PROTOTYPE – VIDEO
Just to continue on Tone Benders for a little longer… Marshall SupaFuzz on tag board. MARSHALL SUPAFUZZ – TAG BOARD LAYOUT
Off-board wiring for any Tone Bender MKIII or MKIV – this is just how I do it; it’s not exactly vintage correct. The cable with a grey offshoot is shielded. Note where shields are not connected. I’ve grounded the enclosure via a pot; this is only sometimes necessary or recommended, depending on the style … Read more
This is the early version of the Marshall SupaFuzz based on a Tone Bender MKI – it’s close to the original layout used. Strangely it never had a coupling cap on the output, so best to add something decent sized there. I’ve also seen a couple of photos with a power cap across V+ … Read more