Tonebender clone advice

Cookiemonster

OK.  So I am looking for a tonebender clone.

Is it worth building my own. Any advice on where to get a kit 

Or is there a lower priced copy out there somewhere 

ThorpyFX

Cookiemonster said:

OK.  So I am looking for a tonebender clone.

Is it worth building my own. Any advice on where to get a kit 

Or is there a lower priced copy out there somewhere 

yes build your own, go to http://www.madbeanpedals.com, guitarpcb.com for a PCB or buy a full kit from here:


http://www.vibe-o-tronic.co.uk/desc_pop.php?prod_id=mk2_esv

Cookiemonster

I think I will get the kit. I am totally new to this. Is this a decent first pedal to make ? I think I need something simple.

Magnetic_Effects

Testing, selecting and biasing the Germanium transistors for a Tone Bender can be a little bit tricky for a first build. If you are looking for something simple I would suggest a different pedal. Maybe a Boost of some kind.

Ben8010

Fuzzdog does some good kits and is great to deal with.

http://shop.pedalparts.co.uk/Tone_Bender_Pro_MkII/p847124_5136753.aspx

http://shop.pedalparts.co.uk/Tone_Bender_Mk_III/p847124_13120925.aspx

ICBM

They're pretty simple to make, but if you decide you want a pre-built one, a friend of mine is selling an assembled kit one.

DarnWeight

Cheeky interjection to tout the Maxon Wind fuzz I'm currently hawking...

http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/103786/fs-maxon-wind-fuzz-mid-fi-demo-tape-fuzz-sold-1590a-clark-gainster-clone-sold

...there's a pretty good Burgs demo vid out there if you wanted to check it out.

english_bob

Magnetic_Effects said:

Testing, selecting and biasing the Germanium transistors for a Tone Bender can be a little bit tricky for a first build.

Yep, but places like Fuzzdog and BYOC (via Vibe-O-Tronic) are class acts and include matched sets of transistors in their kits. As you say, it's tricky to do this yourself so it's worth the extra cash if you don't know how, or can't be arsed to test Ge transistors.

Bear in mind that the Mk I, Mk 1.5, Mk 2 and Mk 3/4 Tonebenders are quite significantly different, so make sure you know which you want before you part with your cash.

Cookiemonster

OK can someone explain the versions. I was after a sixties style but something that can be quite agressive as well 

I have used lots of muffs and a fuzz face and wanted something different 

Here's my band. 

It's a rat type pedal and here's a live one. It's a big muff 

Needs to play nice with a wah.

ThorpyFX

Cookiemonster said:

OK can someone explain the versions. I was after a sixties style but something that can be quite agressive as well 

I have used lots of muffs and a fuzz face and wanted something different 

Here's my band. 

It's a rat type pedal and here's a live one. It's a big muff 

Needs to play nice with a wah.

Germanium will not play nice with a wah. 

Cookiemonster

Ah. Is it perhaps a buffer that's needed. 

Cookiemonster

This looks cool https://buildyourownclone.com/products/esvfuzz2knob

juansolo

Cookiemonster said:

Ah. Is it perhaps a buffer that's needed. 

With a FF or TB the guitar is essentially part of the fuzz circuit. Putting a buffer in the way will stop that happening. Not to mention most of them run on the opposite polarity so can't share the same power source as a regular pedal.

Ge fuzzes are a pain in the arse.

ThorpyFX

Cookiemonster said:

This looks cool https://buildyourownclone.com/products/esvfuzz2knob

That's the one I sent you. The uk dist is vibe o tronic 

Cookiemonster

Thanks thorpy. I meant the video clip sounds cool. 

In yours and juansolos opinion would this be a good first build

juansolo

Build a fet booster of some description or if you want to make a fuzz, make something silicon... Ge fuzzes look simple but can be awkward.

ThorpyFX

Cookiemonster said:

Thanks thorpy. I meant the video clip sounds cool. 

In yours and juansolos opinion would this be a good first build

So same place (Byoc) start with a simple booster to get your eye in. Then go for the fuzz. Feel free to pm me though if you want help

Cookiemonster

OK thanks. I like the SHO and coloursound boosters

The Sho looks easier. 

Adam_MD

Cookiemonster said:

OK thanks. I like the SHO and coloursound boosters

The Sho looks easier. 

It doesn't get much easier than an SHO.

Musicman20

Magnetic Effects Solar Bender? I love this pedal....

http://www.magneticeffects.net/solar-bender/