Sola Sound Tone Bender MKIV built by D*A*M - Reverb.com Exclusive direct from Sola Sound UK

Sola Sound Tone Bender MKIV – The Reverb Exclusive

Old school chassis, new school engine. Sola Sound Tone Bender MKIV Reverb exclusive built for us by the fine people at D*A*M, AKA the orange monster. An authentic reproduction of the mighty MKIV Tone Bender sporting the classic 1970s Sola Sound décor and housing a finely tuned thoroughly researched replication of the now legendary three stage Darlington fuzz circuit.

Assembled to exacting specifications with longevity and ruggedness in mind - but with the means to deliver classic and vintage fuzz tones - the Tone Bender MKIV features the use of high tolerance metal oxide resistors, metalized polyester and polystyrene capacitors.

These quality passive components combined with the use of Omeg potentiometers, Cliff jack sockets, custom manufactured Cliff control knobs and a heavy duty Carling DPDT footswitch make for a fuzz device that will not only perform flawlessly but will also withstand daily use either on the road in a studio environment.

At the heart of the Tone Bender MKIV are three gain selected and thoroughly tested OC75 germanium transistors and a single glass capsule germanium diode.

The combination of these components deliver an intense fuzz tone capable of thick searing high gain distortion but also more subtle and dynamic low gain drive tones. With the addition of an onboard tone control further exploration into the realms of classic British fuzz can be discovered.

The Tone Bender MKIV is an honest replication of the original units produced by Sola sound over four decades ago, with the this in mind it should be noted that the ‘Fuzz’ control works in reverse, as in maximum distortion is obtained at a full left setting. Also note that that Input and Output sockets are also orientated in the opposite fashion that is commonly used today.

The only sonic alterations made in this modern recreation is a very gentle lift in the output volume and a slight tweak to the tone control making the extreme Treble setting less shrill and brittle sounding. These are subtle changes that make the Tone Bender MKIV a little more flexible for modern usage; it is still to be viewed very much as a vintage fuzz box in both tonality and appearance.

All Tone Bender MK IV specimens in this project were set-up, tested and assembled by David A. Main.

Specifications: 

• Custom manufactured reproduction stainless steel enclosure with era correct artwork
• Authentic reproduction PCB
• Cliff 1⁄4 jack sockets with Ni-Ag® self cleaning contacts
• Carling heavy duty DPDT footswitch
• Custom manufactured Cliff K5 control knobs
• Omeg conductive polymer potentiometers
• Metalized polyester and polystyrene audio capacitors
• High tolerance metal oxide resistors
• Gain selected black glass OC75 germanium transistors
• Auditioned 1N60 germanium diode
• Authentic wiring technique

Anthony and Steve Macari’s aim is to make the finest fuzz pedals available to mankind using the same honesty and integrity employed by our fathers Larry and Joe who founded the company in 1965.

There are no secrets about out circuits, and no parts that cannot be replaced. Our hope is that none of our products will ever end up in landfill.

We take it as a huge compliment that people copy and clone our products but we do take exception to using our Trade Marks and Product names. If you see ‘Tone Bender’ on a non Sola Sound or licensed product them be sure that it is being used against our express wishes.