The F*CK Machine NPN - Tonebender MKI Zonk Machine - 2024

Inspired by the Zonk Machine and Mk1 Tonebender, I’ve made a few mods to make my favorite circuit more temperature stable and versatile. 

First, it uses a silicon transistor in the first position. This transistor is used as a buffer and should not affect the tone of the circuit, so why not use a temp stable silicon transistor?!?!

Next, I’ve used low leakage germanium transistors for Q2 and Q3 and added reversed biased germanium diodes to keep these as stable as possible. I’ve also added a bias knob for Q3 labeled “Gate” that can go from zippery velcro to wide open with volume knob clean up to a classic smooth gated tone.

I’ve added an input capacitor switch that changes from stringy Zonk Machine style tones to a larger, more compressed MK1 tone. 

Run all of this through a modified tonebender mkiii tone control and you get “The F*ck Machine”.

Why? Cuz this thing F*CKS!!!!!!

This version uses NPN transistors and a negative ground. This means it is safe to daisy chain with other pedals!!!