Tone Bender MkI (wood reissue)
The Gary Hurst Tone Bender MkI (wood reissue) is a true slice of guitar effects history. Crafted in 1965 by the legendary British engineer Gary Hurst, this fuzz pedal was a game-changer for the era's guitarists seeking a bold, sustain-rich tone. When renowned session player Vic Flick of the John Barry Seven came to Hurst requesting a fuzz with more punch and sustain than the Maestro he was using, Hurst responded by designing the original Tone Bender. Housed in a distinctive wooden enclosure, the first production run of these pedals quickly found their way into the hands of trailblazing players like Jeff Beck, who used the Tone Bender on iconic recordings like "Heart Full of Soul." The reissue captures the essence of that historic design, pairing the same OC75 and Texas Instruments 2G381 transistors that gave the original its dynamic, harmonically-rich fuzz. But beyond mere vintage tones, the Tone Bender MkI delivers a remarkably responsive and expressive playing experience. Guitarists can coax everything from smooth, creamy distortion to searing, almost synth-like lead tones simply by adjusting their pick attack. With only 50 units produced worldwide, this limited-edition reissue is a rare opportunity to own a piece of British effects history. For players seeking a fuzz that can conjure the tones of rock's golden age while remaining utterly modern and musical, the Tone Bender MkI is a must-try.
