Fulltone SB-2 Review

[chrismellotron]

Got it yesterday and played it at rehearsal. Very relieved how well it works with my setup. By itself, the SB-2 really does evoke the "Scatterbrain" FUZZ that Beck used quite faithfully. Really good sustain happening and quiet. Tones of gain on tap, yada-yada-yada.

What I was really happy with was how harmonious it sounded stacked with my Plimsoul. The OD adds a little mid hump & compression to the FUZZ, giving it a very thick full-bodied drive. The harmonics between the two really jived and sounded very even & musical. Effortlessly, sustained notes literally BLOOM with that sweet gently sweeping Bender decay. The attack & note articulation is very crisp and cuts through a live mix easily. The Tone pot has a good range that works in any setting.

From the demos, I assumed the SB-2 would be a little harsh & brittle compared with the 'big box'. I was surprised with the gain and how full it could get, especially stacked with an OD. I really wanted a Scarab Deluxe, but grabbed this when things fell through. I'm just grateful it jives so well with my gear without raising the noise floor much. It's a pedal that's easy to like. Practically a no-brainer.

I know I sound like a Harmony-Central reject, but dammit it's TRUE!!

[wbm68]

Got it yesterday and played it at rehearsal. Very relieved how well it works with my setup. By itself, the SB-2 really does evoke the "Scatterbrain" FUZZ that Beck used quite faithfully. Really good sustain happening and quiet. Tones of gain on tap, yada-yada-yada.

What I was really happy with was how harmonious it sounded stacked with my Plimsoul. The OD adds a little mid hump & compression to the FUZZ, giving it a very thick full-bodied drive. The harmonics between the two really jived and sounded very even & musical. Effortlessly, sustained notes literally BLOOM with that sweet gently sweeping Bender decay. The attack & note articulation is very crisp and cuts through a live mix easily. The Tone pot has a good range that works in any setting.

From the demos, I assumed the SB-2 would be a little harsh & brittle compared with the 'big box'. I was surprised with the gain and how full it could get, especially stacked with an OD. I really wanted a Scarab Deluxe, but grabbed this when things fell through. I'm just grateful it jives so well with my gear without raising the noise floor much. It's a pedal that's easy to like. Practically a no-brainer.

I know I sound like a Harmony-Central reject, but dammit it's TRUE!!

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[chrismellotron]

I was just cranking this Bender yesterday, stacked with my Timmy (a requirement for any FUZZ, IMO) and it is DEAD QUIET! It's my most silent FUZZ pedal, thus far. It really nails that Electric Prunes "Stockholm '67" Bender tone, but more refined and QUIET. Super punchy, tight controlled FUZZ with a great Tone pot, plenty of Gain and tons of output. That little sucker rocked my world Sunday and even surprised me. It cuts through in a live setting effortlessly if stacked with a transparent low-gain OD (Timmy). Great for Psychedelic Garage Rock, some Proto-Prog maybe. I really dig the lil' Soul Bender. Very crisp and cutting with a killer blooming sustain. The big box seems to have more sludge in it, a looser FUZZ that cleans up to a warm OD with the guitar's volume pot. The lil' Soul Bender doesn't really do that, but what it does is supremely bitchen. It does what a psychedelic FUZZ should, when you stop playing it shuts the **** up. It's quietude is alarming & dramatic at high volumes. It delivers great tight power chords too. I love playing "Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" with it...very LOUD!! Great stuff, man!

[AXXA]

I played one at the store recently and really liked it's zippery quality, while being smooth and thick sounding. I read a review once that compared the Soul Bender to a glass of cold milk...... seems fitting somehow!

[wbm68]

I was just cranking this Bender yesterday, stacked with my Timmy (a requirement for any FUZZ, IMO) and it is DEAD QUIET! It's my most silent FUZZ pedal, thus far. It really nails that Electric Prunes "Stockholm '67" Bender tone, but more refined and QUIET. Super punchy, tight controlled FUZZ with a great Tone pot, plenty of Gain and tons of output. That little sucker rocked my world Sunday and even surprised me. It cuts through in a live setting effortlessly if stacked with a transparent low-gain OD (Timmy). Great for Psychedelic Garage Rock, some Proto-Prog maybe. I really dig the lil' Soul Bender. Very crisp and cutting with a killer blooming sustain. The big box seems to have more sludge in it, a looser FUZZ that cleans up to a warm OD with the guitar's volume pot. The lil' Soul Bender doesn't really do that, but what it does is supremely bitchen. It does what a psychedelic FUZZ should, when you stop playing it shuts the **** up. It's quietude is alarming & dramatic at high volumes. It delivers great tight power chords too. I love playing "Too Much To Dream (Last Night)" with it...very LOUD!! Great stuff, man!

I use a MJM Britbender (3 knob) with either a Timmy or a KOT into a DRRI. Or no Timmy or KOT if the DRRI is cranked past 6.