For a pedal with such a clear impact on the sound of rock ‘n’ roll, the Tone Bender has a somewhat fuzzy history. Elements of its origin and evolution are a little mysterious, and from the mid-1960s to late 1970s, the pedal was released under a sometimes-dizzying array of names, brands and iterations. But the core Tone Bender sound, in all its focused, sustain-drenched, woolly glory, is immediately identifiable, and the records and stages that it appeared on shaped the sound of 1960s British blues rock.
So, what is it about the mythic Tone Benders and their straight-forward circuits that inspires so many modern tributes and high-priced vintage listings?
Table of Contents
The Origins of the Tone Bender
Tone Bender Timeline: Milestones and Models
Original Tone Bender Comparison Chart
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkI
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkI.5
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkII
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkIII and MkIV
Comparing the Sound Characteristics of Tone Bender Models
Tone Benders of the '70s
The '90s Tone Bender Resurgence to Today
The Best Tone Bender-Style Pedals Available Today
Choosing Your Tone Bender
The Origins of the Tone Bender
The story goes that in the year 1965, a British session guitarist—who some say was Vic Flick of James Bond theme fame, and others contend was session man Jim Sullivan—brought a Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone pedal to engineer Gary Hurst, seeking a tweak that would give it more sustain. Hurst, who had earlier cut his teeth working for Jennings Musical Industries, the then-parent company of VOX, quickly set to work.
Hurst improved upon the Fuzz-Tone, most notably by increasing sustain and bassy oomph, while tripling the pedal’s power from three volts to nine. The sound was massive and new, and Hurst was soon hand-building custom orders.
Hurst built the first models at home and at the Macari Brother’s famous Macari’s Music Exchange, located on London’s music shop heaven, Denmark Street. The initial pedals were housed in wooden cases built by Hurst’s brother, and ended up in the hands of Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, among others. There were very few of these built, with the disputed estimate in the 60–100 units range. The boxes were a little delicate (Beck reportedly went through a few), and soon Hurst was housing his circuits in metal boxes. The Macaris and Hurst joined forces to release the Tone Bender through the Macaris’ Sola Sound brand. And here’s where the story gets really interesting.
Tone Bender Timeline: Milestones and Models
- 1965: The original Tone Bender MkI, featuring germanium transistors, hits the scene—loud, aggressive and utterly unique.
- 1966: What’s now known as the “Mk1.5” is built, refining the design with a smoother, more musical fuzz character. Also released that year was the Tone Bender MkII, with its legendary sustain.
- 1968: The MkIII and its variants introduce tone control, enhancing versatility and bringing the Tone Bender into broader musical contexts
- 1970: The Tone Bender MkIV is released, offering a similar layout and character to the MkIII, plus some bold aesthetic flourishes.
Original Tone Bender Comparison Chart
|
Model |
Brand(s)* |
Year Released |
Tonal Characteristics |
Transistor Type |
|
Tone Bender MkI |
Sola Sound |
1965 |
Raw, aggressive, sharp attack; saturated fuzz |
3 germanium transistors |
|
Tone Bender Mk1.5 |
Sola Sound, Rotosound, Rangemaster Fuzzbug, VOX (made in Italy) |
1966 |
Warm, mid-focused fuzz with smooth sustain |
2 germanium transistors |
|
Tone Bender MkII |
Sola Sound, VOX, Marshall, Rotosound and Rangemaster Fuzz |
1966 |
Rich, creamy sustain, harmonically complex fuzz |
3 germanium transistors |
|
Tone Bender MkIII |
Sola Sound, VOX, Park Fuzz Sound, Rotosound Fuzz Box |
1968 |
Versatile fuzz with tone control, refined sound |
3 silicon transistors |
|
Tone Bender MkIV |
Carlsbro Fuzz, Park Fuzz Sound, CSL Super Fuzz |
1970 |
Smoother saturation, broader EQ range |
3 silicon transistors |
While the circuits were manufactured by Sola Sound, Tone Bender pedals were branded and sold by various companies, including Sola Sound itself until Tone Bender MkIII*
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkI
The granddaddy of all Tone Benders, the Sola Sound Tone Bender MkI hit the market in 1965. Featuring a circuit based around three germanium transistors, two control knobs, nine volts of power and buckets of sustain, it’s a massive gold-topped beauty that pumps out big lows and raw power.
Fuzz took the rock world by storm in 1965, and the Tone Bender MkI had a crucial part to play when Jeff Beck used it on the Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul,” and Steve Winwood broke it out for the Spencer Davis Group’s recording of “Keep on Running.” Soon, the Tone Bender was in high demand, with ads from the time proclaiming that the MkI was used by The Who, The Yardbirds, The Merseybeats and more.
Another important fan of the MkI was Mick Ronson, who paired it with a wah pedal and a 200-watt Marshall Major to create the squashed, growling tone he made famous playing with David Bowie in the early ’70s.
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkI.5
This is one of many interesting twists in the Tone Bender story. The Tone Bender MkI.5 was built in 1966 but not actually known as the MkI.5 until decades later, when a collector opened up what he thought was a MkII to see that it only had two transistors instead of the three found in both the MkI and MkII models. He had a mystery on his hands, and began referring to it as the MkI.5. The nickname stuck.
Pictured: Vintage VOX V828 Tone Bender
The story around the creation of these two-transistor MkI.5s is difficult to confirm, as there are multiple accounts and nobody was exactly running around keeping detailed records for posterity. Was it inspired by the circuit topology of the VOX T-60 bass amp? Was the contemporary VOX Distortion Booster based on it, or the other way around? Or was this simply a variation on a somewhat common design that, for a short period, made its way into some Sola Sound Tone Bender enclosures?
Given the pace that amp and effects technology was developing at, it’s tough to say. What is known is that there was a small batch of these pedals produced in early 1966. Today, it’s coveted by collectors and very, very rare.
The Arbiter Fuzz Face, made famous by Jimi Hendrix, came out soon after and was very similar to this two-transistor Tone Bender. However, the MkI.5 carried less bottom end than either the MkI or the Fuzz Face. It was a little more controllable, and its brightness cut through any mix.
Notably, this period saw the arrival of the first Tone Bender released under a different brand name. JMI and Thomas Organ, the then-U.S. distributor of VOX products, partnered with Italian manufacturer JEN to create a VOX Tone Bender (pictured above) bearing a very close resemblance to the MkI.5 circuit. Note, the two-transistor design in one of our vintage units pictured below. This unit is also known as the VOX V828.
Pictured: VOX Tone Bender Circuit (Made in Italy)
Sold throughout the United States and elsewhere during the rock boom of the ’60s, this is perhaps the best-known Tone Bender as well as the model that you'll likely encounter when vintage shopping in the U.S. Though highly sought after and a collector’s item in its own right, this model should not be confused with the three-transistor, U.K.-made Sola Sound models sold under a variety of brand names throughout the ’60s and ’70s.
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkII
Mere months after the introduction of the short-lived Sola Sound MK1.5 model, the Tone Bender MkII was also released in 1966. With a return to three transistors and the original full-bodied, saturated fuzz, this pedal rocketed to fame, in large part thanks to Sola Sound’s savvy business tactics and the burgeoning career of legendary guitarist Jimmy Page.
It’s widely believed that Jimmy Page first began to use the Tone Bender MkII with The Yardbirds and then played it on the first Led Zeppelin record. The sound of Page’s Fender Telecaster running through a Tone Bender into a Supro amp was a shot heard ’round the world. That piercing, slippery, howling sound on “How Many More Times” and “Dazed and Confused” inspired a new generation of guitarists. More than five decades later, Page’s guitar tone on Zeppelin’s debut album is still held up as one of the finest electric guitar recordings ever made.
Pictured: Led Zeppelin I
As this exciting fuzz sound grew in popularity, Sola Sound partnered with multiple brands to release the Tone Bender MkII under different names, including the Marshall Supa Fuzz (used by Pete Townshend), the VOX Tone Bender (not to be confused with the above made-in-Italy model) and the Rotosound Fuzz Box. Generally speaking, each model featured the same circuit and components, although small variations arose over time.
A Closer Look at the Tone Bender MkIII and MkIV
The Tone Bender MkIII, released in 1968, was a big step away from its predecessors. It featured a different fuzz circuit and added a third control knob for tone adjustment. This pedal offered a wider range of fuzz sounds and a tighter, more mid-focused tone. The MkIII circuit was also released under the Rotosound, VOX and Park brands. Pictured below is a vintage Park Fuzz owned by Jamie Stillman of EarthQuaker Devices.
Pictured: Vintage Park Fuzz Sound
The MkIV was essentially the same pedal with some cosmetic changes, including more colorful graphics. It remained in production until 1976.
Comparing the Sound Characteristics of Tone Bender Models
|
Model |
Sound Characteristics |
|
MkI |
Aggressive fuzz, strong attack, raw, vintage grit |
|
Mk1.5 |
Slightly smoother fuzz, warm tone, easier to control |
|
MkII |
Legendary sustain, creamy fuzz saturation, punchy mids |
|
MkIII/IV |
Versatile fuzz, added tone control, broad tonal palette |
Tone Benders of the ’70s
In 1970, Sola Sound began to release pedals under the Colorsound moniker, and in 1973, they released a very different Tone Bender known as the Supa Tone Bender. Despite its name, this model was actually closer in sound and circuitry to the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff. And, just in case it wasn’t hard enough to keep track, Colorsound then released the Jumbo Tone Bender in 1975—which was … the Supa Tone Bender renamed. Much like the Italian-made VOX Tone Bender, the Supa Tone Bender and Jumbo Tone Bender should not be mistaken for the earlier three-transistor designs.
The ’90s Tone Bender Resurgence to Today
Fuzz fell out of favor in the 1980s as tastes changed and effects lifted from the floor to racks. However, in the 1990s, as grunge artists and other rock bands built their setups and walls of guitar with vintage gear, the effect hit hard again.
In 1994, Colorsound rose to the challenge and reissued the Jumbo Tone Bender. Other Sola Sound Tone Benders were reissued during this period as well, like the one pictured below, recently sold in our Seattle store. Around the same time, VOX reissued their own Tone Bender, the V829, based on the earlier V828, and made it in the USA.
Sola Sound Tone Bender ('90s Reissue)
In 2007, Macari’s Ltd officially trademarked the Tone Bender name for use in the EU and the U.K. Their impeccable contemporary U.K. reissue of the Sola Sound Tone Bender line does great justice to the name and its legacy. In December of 2020, pedal giant BOSS announced a collaboration with the Macari's/Sola Sound team to release the BOSS Waza Craft TB-2W Tone Bender. Part of their highly regarded Waza Craft line of pedals, the TB-2W was based on the revered MkII and, like the original, features germanium transistors at the heart of its circuit. Due to component availability, it was made in extremely limited numbers and sold out almost immediately upon its release in 2021.
Pictured: Sola Sound Tone Bender ('90s Reissue)
Vintage pedals, like classic cars, can be both beautiful and challenging. Each one comes with its own unique quirks—thanks to the way it has aged—its particular components, as well as how it may have been modified or repaired over the years. A vintage Tone Bender is a worthy investment, but if you’re not quite ready for that, there are plenty of great modern options inspired by its classic sound to consider.
The Best Tone Bender-Style Pedals Available Today
Modern pedals inspired by the Tone Bender come in a big variety, with some pinpointed to recall a certain sound or period, and others built to put the whole fuzz world at your fingertips. Like the Fuzz Face and the Big Muff, the original run of Tone Benders has inspired a wide field of tributes from some of the best names in modern pedal design.
Comparing Modern Tone Bender-Style Pedals
|
Pedal Model |
Tonal Characteristics |
Transistor Type |
Key Features |
|
Vintage, creamy fuzz |
Silicon |
Warm, classic tone |
|
|
Authentic Tone Bender recreation |
Germanium |
Premium build and components |
|
|
Old-school fuzz and a hotter mode |
Germanium |
Traditional tone, rugged build |
|
|
Bold, aggressive fuzz with flexible tone shaping |
Silicon |
High-energy saturation |
|
|
Hybrid fuzz/distortion |
Silicon/germanium |
Versatile hybrid circuit |
|
|
Vintage-style British fuzz |
Germanium |
Authentic vintage tone |
|
|
Versatile fuzz with active EQ |
Germanium/silicon |
Highly adaptable tones |
|
|
Classic warm fuzz in compact form |
Germanium |
Compact design, authentic tone |
Animals Pedal Sunday Afternoon Is Infinity Bender V2
Why We’re Buzzing About It: This vintage-flavored fuzz makes your guitar tone feel like a lazy, saturated afternoon jam session.
Things to Consider:
- Classic germanium-like fuzz tone, using silicon transistors
- Surprisingly affordable
- Gets its juice from a 9V battery or power supply (not included)
Shop Now: Animals Pedal Sunday Afternoon Is Infinity Bender V2 Effects Pedal
The Sunday Afternoon Is Infinity Bender from Animals Pedal effortlessly evokes the warm, creamy fuzz of vintage Tone Bender pedals—particularly the VOX-made Mk1.5. Its controls give you easy, responsive tone shaping, letting you dial in smooth, singing sustain to biting fuzz when you need the extra grit. This pedal suits bluesy rock, indie and classic psychedelic tones beautifully—old-school mojo in a minimalist-designed, compact form factor.
Warm Audio Warm Bender
Why We’re Buzzing About It: It’s a meticulously crafted fuzz that faithfully recreates three iconic Tone Bender models’ much sought-after character.
Things to Consider:
- Choose between three circuits for different flavors of Tone Bender
- Premium build quality and vintage-accurate components
- Compatible with a 9V power supply or battery
Shop Now: Warm Audio Warm Bender Fuzz Effects Pedal Silver
Can’t decide on which Tone Bender you want to channel? Warm Bender by Warm Audio has you covered with emulations of the original Tone Bender lineup, having carefully recreated its germanium transistor-driven sound. It gives you the option between OC75, OC76 with SF337 all-NOS germanium transistors, and a more modern-sounding silicon transistor setting. No matter your preference, Warm Bender’s rich, harmonically saturated fuzz sits beautifully in the mix.
Maxon Fuzz Elements Wind
Why We’re Buzzing About It: If you’re after fuzz tones inspired by vintage Tone Bender MkII pedals, this stomp’s perfect for adding that beloved grit and expressiveness to your sound.
Things to Consider:
- Vintage mode gives you MkII vibe
- Hot setting serves up even more drive and sustain
- Includes selectable input buffer and true-bypass switching
Shop Now: Maxon FW10 Fuzz Elements Wind Effects Pedal
Capturing the essence of the Tone Bender MkII and a few of its fellow famous fuzz pedal contemporaries, the Maxon Fuzz Elements Wind wields that archetypical midrange sizzle and responsiveness, thanks to its germanium transistor-based design. Its straightforward, two-knob control design lets you find your ideal expressive fuzz tones quickly and intuitively.
Daredevil Pedals Supernova V2
Why We’re Buzzing About It: It’s loaded with high-energy fuzz tones with versatile tonal shaping in a very rare finish—perfect for guitarists with a flair for the unique.
Things to Consider:
- Handbuilt, signed and dated in Chicago
- Rich harmonics and bold fuzz saturation channeling vintage VOX Tone Benders
- Vintage gold finish limited to a production run of 100 pedals
Shop Now: Daredevil Pedals Supernova Fuzz Effects Pedal in Gold
A limited-run Guitar Center exclusive, the Daredevil Pedals Supernova V2 fuzz pedal delivers robust, full-bodied fuzz perfect for players seeking dynamic intensity and irresistible character. The Supernova’s responsive controls give you the flexibility to shape your tone from warm, saturated glow to searing, aggressive lead work.
Catalinbread Katzenkönig
Why We’re Buzzing About It: A unique hybrid fuzz-distortion pedal, it combines the classic Tone Bender fuzz with a bone-crushing distortion circuit.
Things to Consider:
- Hybrid fuzz-distortion tone
- Powerful, punchy sound with versatile controls
- A wise choice for rock, metal and experimental styles
Shop Now: Catalinbread Katzenkonig Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal
With exceptional breadth, the Catalinbread Katzenkönig blends the classic tone of a Tone Bender MkII fuzz with a modern, high-gain distortion circuit akin to the rabid bite of the ProCo RAT. This unique combination yields thick, saturated fuzz tones that cut through dense mixes. Enough of a chameleon to dish out classic rock, alternative and even heavier styles with ease, it’s a stompbox for adventurous guitarists who pay no mind to traditional boundaries.
EarthQuaker Devices Park Fuzz Sound
Why We’re Buzzing About It: A nod to the Tone Bender MkIII and other eminent fuzzes, Park Fuzz yields that classic germanium-driven dynamic, responsive saturation.
Things to Consider:
- Can dish out a brighter, distortion-like fuzz factor
- Germanium transistor circuit
- Cranks out classic rock and blues-rock excellence
Shop Now: EarthQuaker Devices Park Fuzz Sound
EarthQuaker Devices has released a number of Bender-inspired pedals over the years. Their Hoof Reaper was a kind of Frankenstein’s monster of fuzz. It’s part Tone Reaper, a silicon/germanium hybrid tribute to the three-knob, MKIII fuzz, and part Hoof, a love letter to those green Soviet fuzz boxes. That combination came with all the stupendous sound and endless sustain you’d expect, plus an octave-up switch to send your solos into the stratosphere. EarthQuaker Devices also joined forces with Park Amplifiers to recreate the Park Fuzz Sound, the original of which was a Tone Bender MkIII under a different name. The new Park Fuzz was designed to reproduce the sound and performance of the exact vintage unit owned by EQD's Jamie Stillman, with lower noise and a wider range of fuzz control.Learn more about EarthQuaker's love of all things vintage fuzz in our exclusive interview with Jamie Stillman.
Keeley Fuzz Bender
Why We’re Buzzing About It: Blending transistor types, this fuzz features active EQ and a generous boost/cut for fun tone shaping.
Things to Consider:
- Hybrid germanium and silicon fuzz circuit
- Active EQ provides detailed tonal control
- Bias control lets you mutate your sound from fat square waves to angular fuzz
Shop Now: Keeley Electronics Fuzz Bender
The Keeley Fuzz Bender is another big, bold pedal capable of conjuring the sound of classic fuzzes of the ’60s with a modern twist. It features a combination of silicon and germanium transistors, chosen to blend gain with creaminess, in addition to active EQ and bias control to tweak attack and decay.
Dunlop Germanium Fuzz Face Mini
Why We’re Buzzing About It: While it’s technically a Fuzz Face re-creation, it’s got Mk1.5-style germanium magic in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format.
Things to Consider:
- Mismatched germanium transistor tone
- Small footprint for crowded pedalboards
- Well rounded for classic rock, blues and indie-rock styles
Shop Now: Dunlop FFM2 Germanium Fuzz Face Mini
Remember how we mentioned the similarities between the Tone Bender MkI.5 and the Arbiter Fuzz Face? The modern Dunlop Germanium Fuzz Face Mini nails the sound of that first run of Fuzz Faces and will get you in that MKI.5 ballpark thanks to its duo of mismatched germanium transistors. Just tap your foot and you’ll be transported to the sound of London in the late ’60s. Browse our guide to the best Fuzz Face pedals to find the perfect Fuzz Face for your pedalboard. You can also check out the Wren & Cuff Your Face ‘60s for more classic germanium fuzz sounds with some modern upgrades.
Choosing Your Tone Bender
Don’t be afraid to ask our associates at your nearest Guitar Center store for help. Even if you’ve spent plenty of time researching, you’re not going to walk in with all of the answers. You may have questions about how to get a certain type of fuzz, or you may not know the best spot to put the pedal in your signal chain. Our associates and expert Gear Advisers can help answer your questions and explain key features or functions that you may need assistance with. You can also check out our top fuzz pedal picks for more great fuzz pedal options.