Zonk Machine
The John Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine is a highly collectible vintage fuzz pedal originally distributed in the mid-to-late 1960s. Closely related to the legendary Sola Sound Tone Bender MKI, the Zonk Machine (ZZ. 1) shares a nearly identical three-germanium-transistor circuit. It was designed by Charlie Ramskir and housed in a distinctive folded aluminum/steel enclosure, often painted a hammered teal or baby blue. The controls are simple: Fuzz and Swell, which functions as the output volume. The Zonk Machine is known for delivering a tight, aggressive, high-gain fuzz with a brighter, snappier tone than some other vintage fuzz circuits. Its searing harmonic output and unique sonic profile, sometimes featuring a subtle oscillation, have cemented its status as an iconic piece of fuzz history, leading to numerous modern reissues.