I love plugging straight into tube amps… but I have also fallen in love with Fuzzes. Like a mistress on the side that may not be practical, but sure is a lot of fun!
I probably should have called this section, “pedals”. But the truth is, I lose interest in pedals. Sure they are fun, but who wants to carry them around and tippy-toe on them all night. Not I.
Back in the early 90’s, I was going to Berklee and putting their Video Library to good use. Usually watching AC/DC videos, while the peeps next to me were studying John Coltrane. I stumbled on this Supershow movie of the late 60’s. The sound I heard from Jimmy page changed my life. I spent years trying find a fuzz like that. I couldn’t believe anyone sounded like that in the 60’s ..and through a tele!
The first real fuzz I purchased was a Zvex Fuzz Factory. Boy, was that a good purchase! The Fuzz tones were so interesting that I totally lost intrest in Amp distortion for a few months! But, it just made me want a ToneBender.
Next was the MJM Brit Bender. Kind of a Yardbirds era fuzz. More Jeff Beck than Jimmy Page. Very fun for leads, but not so fun for rhythm. Still, a very underrated fuzz.
Then JMI reissue. Looks like a ToneBender, smells like a ToneBender, but something wasn’t right. Turns out the transistors are pretty important. So, I kept looking.
Eventually, I got my hands on this D*A*M built Sola Sound ToneBender MKII Professional. After an 18 month waiting list, this is the pinnacle of my collection.
So far, D*A*M wins. Best Damn Fuzz I own. It only took me 20 years.
http://www.stompboxes.co.uk/sola.html
rePtile like Me 