Tone Bender Mk III

The final chapter in the classic Tone Bender series, and by far the most versatile.

Whereas previous TBs had only Volume and Fuzz controls, the MkIII adds a Treble-Bass (Tone) knob to take you from crunchy bottom-rich fuzz to all-out cat-bothering treble filth.

As healthy germanium PNP transistors are more attainable than NPN, this has the option of an onboard voltage-inverter so you can use these cans but still daisy-chain your power with standard negative-ground pedals. You can omit this and simply wire it up as positive-ground if you prefer, but you'll need a dedicated power supply. Refer to the General Build Guide for posi-gnd wiring.

There are also a few circuit variations on offer, with slight differences in specs.

If you want the PCB without parts there's a link for that at the bottom of the page.

Partial kit: PCB, all board-mounted components, pots.

Full kit: As above, plus footswitch and appropriate daughterboard/components for your selected bypass type (see Downloads section for details of those), jack sockets, DC socket, battery snap, hook-up wire, LED.

Enclosure (pre-drilled) is available as an option with full kits, and will not take a battery.

Inspired by: Tone Bender MkIII

Difficulty: Easy-Medium

PCB size: 50 x 34mm

Knobs required: 2

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct-Connect compatible (4-way)

Download INSTRUCTION PDF

Product Code: tbmkiii

Product Condition: New

Transistors* Kit type* Circuit type?* Voltage inverter parts?* Ribbon connector?*

£26.40 inc. tax

£22.00 ex. tax

? Tax based on United Kingdom.

Customer Reviews

3 review(s) posted (write review)

Superb fuzz!!
"An excellent pedal, easy build thanks to FD s PCBs - I made mine with Russian military cans, Tonebender sets can be had from a few reliable suppliers for about a fiver (hFEs 63/65/102) and they perform outstandingly here. The tone and fuzz controls are very interactive, meaning that you can go from a thick, chuggy fuzz-o-drive to a squally screaming thing, with every shade of action in between. Sometimes I like to thrash away at the Mick Ronson and Johnny Thunders songbooks, just like when I played air-guitar during my youth, but, like, with a real guitar. The TB3 is ideal for this, and many other flavours of fuzz. Most of my fuzz builds are for fun and learning but don t get boxed up this one did because she s a keeper. I miss that air guitar should never have sold it" Sir Henry - 11 May 2021

Yes!
"What a fantastic fuzz pedal this is! Built using MP38A Ge NPN transistors, this thing delivers a thick fuzz, with such a versatile tone control. Rapidly becoming my favourite fuzz (and I love the Mk2 lots!). Fuzz on full, adjust tone, tune to drop 'D', and it's on!" Ian - 21 February 2020

Sweet, smooth and vintage.
"I've had quite a few originals and this clone is spot on. Goes from thick and sweet to trebly chainsaw fuzz without ever going splatty. It's tight enough to do 70'ies power chords as well as garage punk fuzz bombs. Tons of overtones. Mobile phone taster here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xqg6B_VMTjo" Tjærand - 14 November 2014