Tonebenders-can someone give me a thumbnail?

[vintage66]

I'm confused as to the various versions-I, II, III, I.5, whatnot....

What are the basic differences and what did Clapton play in Cream-isn't that the sound most associated with it? Which version is the Soulbender, the B.Y.O.C, the GGG (do they make one?), etc. Basically, what should I look for? I don' want to spend a lot so the Byoc/GGG are my most likely suspects, or the Stonebender (which version is that?).

[tjmicsak]

http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/vox.php

[vintage66]

Originally Posted by tjmicsak

http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/vox.php

Cool, bookmarked.

[zerorez]

Add this bookmark also for Mr Dave Main at D*A*M stompboxes

http://www.stompboxes.co.uk/History.html

[Wheeler004]

The Soul-Bender is an MKIII variant.

[wingwalker]

Originally Posted by vintage66

I'm confused as to the various versions-I, II, III, I.5, whatnot....

What are the basic differences and what did Clapton play in Cream-isn't that the sound most associated with it? Which version is the Soulbender, the B.Y.O.C, the GGG (do they make one?), etc. Basically, what should I look for? I don' want to spend a lot so the Byoc/GGG are my most likely suspects, or the Stonebender (which version is that?).

This is really a loaded question and someone could go on for days and days...and days on all this.

The MK I came first, it was based on a modded by Gary Hurst Maestro Fuzztone...if you want to hear a MK I listen to either Jeff Beck or Jimmy Page in the Yardbirds as well as Mick Ronson.

The MK 1.5 came next and didn't last long...it was a departure from the MK I in several ways, mostly that it used 2 transistors where the MK I used 3...they have a VERY different sound than what a typical Tonebender has. The circiut is close in ways to a Fuzz Face. The Beatles used a MK 1.5 Teonebender on Rubber Soul.

Then there was the MK II...the MK II's went back to 3 trannys...these are very gainy and have a decent amount of lowend. Classic MK II sounds are early Zep, LZ I is FULL of MK II Tonebender.

Then there was the MK III...these have a little less gain and are less aggressive than a MK II and they also have a tone control...Imnot sure where to point you to hear a MK III...sorry.

There is a lot more to it than this but this will give you a starting point...

As far as Clapton in Cream goes there is a HUGE depate about if he even used a Fuzz...I am of the opinion that he DID indeed use a fuzz now and then in the studio...those tones simply do not exist in a stock plexi Marshall...

However I have never gotten a Tonebender of any kind to really sound like Clapton, however a good Germanium Fuzz Face will NAIL lots of Cream tones!

[vintage66]

Thanks, lots of good info-I'm thinking the MkII is the closest to what I'm looking for, but I'll have to mess with my London Fuzz for those hidden Cream tones. I wasn't all that impressed with the Soulbender I heard someone demo at a store (before they were discontinued). Is there a big difference between that and a MkII?

[wingwalker]

Originally Posted by vintage66

Thanks, lots of good info-I'm thinking the MkII is the closest to what I'm looking for, but I'll have to mess with my London Fuzz for those hidden Cream tones. I wasn't all that impressed with the Soulbender I heard someone demo at a store (before they were discontinued). Is there a big difference between that and a MkII?

Between a MK II and a Soulbender??

Lots IMHO...the Soulbender is based on a MK III but it's not an exact clone...

[Burgs]

Originally Posted by wingwalker

This is really a loaded question and someone could go on for days and days...and days on all this.

The MK I came first, it was based on a modded by Gary Hurst Maestro Fuzztone...if you want to hear a MK I listen to either Jeff Beck or Jimmy Page in the Yardbirds as well as Mick Ronson.

The MK 1.5 came next and didn't last long...it was a departure from the MK I in several ways, mostly that it used 2 transistors where the MK I used 3...they have a VERY different sound than what a typical Tonebender has. The circiut is close in ways to a Fuzz Face. The Beatles used a MK 1.5 Teonebender on Rubber Soul.

Then there was the MK II...the MK II's went back to 3 trannys...these are very gainy and have a decent amount of lowend. Classic MK II sounds are early Zep, LZ I is FULL of MK II Tonebender.

Then there was the MK III...these have a little less gain and are less aggressive than a MK II and they also have a tone control...Imnot sure where to point you to hear a MK III...sorry.

There is a lot more to it than this but this will give you a starting point...

As far as Clapton in Cream goes there is a HUGE depate about if he even used a Fuzz...I am of the opinion that he DID indeed use a fuzz now and then in the studio...those tones simply do not exist in a stock plexi Marshall...

However I have never gotten a Tonebender of any kind to really sound like Clapton, however a good Germanium Fuzz Face will NAIL lots of Cream tones!

Beautifully put. Should almost be a sticky. I'm at a loss for a seminal MKIII reference, too. Pity really because I just ordered one from TGP'er KosmicBlues. On a whim.

[wingwalker]

Originally Posted by Burger666

Beautifully put. Should almost be a sticky. I'm at a loss for a seminal MKIII reference, too. Pity really because I just ordered one from TGP'er KosmicBlues. On a whim.

Why thank you!

I hate that MK III thing BTW...I really need to dig until I find a good one that Im positive is a MK III!

Good luck with your MK III.

[Burgs]

Originally Posted by wingwalker

Why thank you!

I hate that MK III thing BTW...I really need to dig until I find a good one that Im positive is a MK III!

Good luck with your MK III.

Thanks. I'll post a video once she's landed. Can't wait.

[wingwalker]

Originally Posted by Burger666

Thanks. I'll post a video once she's landed. Can't wait.

Please do! I need to get my hands on a good MK III and a MK I...I have a JMI MK II and Supa Fuzz but I'd like to flesh out my Tonebender collection a bit...

[dudelove]

Originally Posted by Burger666

Thanks. I'll post a video once she's landed. Can't wait.

are u refering to kosmic blues tonebender?? when will u be getting urs? cant wait for ur video, they're exceptionally great

i just ordered one a couple of days back! really really looking forward to it. its gonna be my first ever tonebender mkII!

[Curly]

the MKIII circuit is a bit different than a MKII in the first two tranny positions -- fuzzcentral is a good source for details regarding that

the majority of comments I see from people say they prefer the rawer, more aggressive nature of a MK II. I think some will like the added tone control, depending on the rest of their rig. Both types tend to vary a bit due to the nature of germanium trannies ... that is, the gain varies within a range of values.

I like two knob version a little more, but I have good sounding MK IIIs too. I think two knob tonebenders, like regular two knob fuzz faces, are just a little more dynamic and interactive with the guitar.

Yes, the Soulbender is a tweaked version of the MK III circuit. The Prescription Yardbox is close to the original circuit (according to fuzzcentral), with the addition of a Gain pot instead of a fixed resistor.

I've built good sounding MK II and IIIs using GGGs board and documentation, plus small bear trannies. It's a good learning experience, but unfortunately, GGG is currently revamping their board layouts.

[charless]

I tried a MKII style pedal, an MJM BritBender and found it to be too harsh with my Tele and Deluxe Reverb. Had I ordered a 3 knob BritBender (MK III) with the added Tone control I might be singing a different tune.