The 1990s reissue of the Italian Vox Tone Bender known as the V829 is a good pedal, but it could be improved. The first thing to do would be to replace the RCA SK transistors with original Mullard transistors.

I've done that.

The sound is fuller, more nuanced and sensitive to pick attack and volume-pot cleanup.

So, the modified V829 is a better pedal now, but the signature thin 'bees in jar' fuzz sound still isn't very versatile in a 2026 context.

I've fixed that too, adding two mini toggle switches, to give you the option to use your stock Mullard-driven fuzz and three more tonal options(switch 1, switch 2 and switches 1+2 together), each bigger and louder than the last.

All for less than the price of most of the stock V829s for sale.

Due to new costs and packaging regulations, this is not available to EU countries. US shipping includes 10% tariff paid in advance.