DAM 1966 - Tone Bender Replica

Submitted on September 30, 2005

Pictures

2009 Starlight Red
10 pcs Ltd Edition
2009 Starlight Red
10 pcs Ltd Edition

The D*A*M "1966" is a replica of the Vox Tone Bender that was produced between 1966-68 that features the grey hammerite casing with the large logo black face plate. Maybe the most iconic Tone Bender of all, say the words Tone Bender and this is the pedal most will think of. Originally made in 1966 the Vox Tone Bender had one of the longest runs of any Tone Bender variant and was still being made in some form or another into the mid to late 1970's. Even though these pedals were branded as Vox units they were not UK made items. These Tone Benders were actually made in Italy. It could have been possible that the earliest units were made in England, as with the early Vox Wah pedals, but there is no direct proof for this. The very first Vox Tone Benders did have slightly different component values but most obvious of all had an OC76 transistor in the second position within the circuit. These early Vox units were fitted with a SFT337 and an OC76 and also had the input capacitor mounted beneath the circuit board. Models from approx 1967 still used the SFT337 but in place of the OC76 used a SFT363E and featured a top mounted input capacitor.

The 1966 is usually fitted with either an AC125,OC75 or SFT353 in the first stage which ensures lower noise levels and an OC76 in the second stage to guarantee those splendid raspy fuzz tones of the original. Very special gain selected pairs are used to produce a wide dynamic response with creamy organic overtones and a strong output level. The tone produced by this circuit can be a little shocking at first if you are expecting a deep brick wall type of fuzz tone. The treble content could be considered quite high for a fuzz pedal of this type but it does make for a very unique sounding effect and an excellent pedal to be used with dark sounding British valve amplifiers. This also is an excellent device to use when you require a fuzz box that has greater articulation,clearer dynamics and tighter string definition than say a standard Fuzz Face type circuit.

Original Vox Tone Benders usually sound pretty fantastic but due to the rigours of age some old timers can sound a little hit & miss. Also as the Vox Tone Bender is now a collector's item it is not uncommon to pay upwards of £400-500+ for an original. The 1966 is a great alternative to a owning a vintage Vox unit if you favour reliability and don't desire to spend big bucks that vintage equipment can command.

The D*A*M "1966" features...

High quality gain selected pair of germanium transistors that are correctly set up to produce a bold clear dynamic tone with a good amount of sustain. An OC76 is just always used in the second position of the circuit. The transistor in the first position will vary depending on stock levels usually an AC125, OC75 or a SFT353 will be used.
High grade parts including Ero Vishay metallised polyester film capacitors, BC components Electrolytic capacitors, carbon film resistors, Audio grade Alpha potentiometers, Daka-ware Chicken head knobs and Cliff jack sockets.
A heavy duty UK made cast aluminium enclosure finished in a highly durable stove enamelled hammer tone paint job.
A unique two position rotary tone switch for numerous flavours of fuzz and tone control, from the original "wasp in a jam jar" tone to a bolder and more full bodied "Super Bee" fuzz tone
An easy access tool free slide out battery drawer that makes battery change overs a breeze.
Low noise circuitry featuring the heavy use of internal shielded cable, short signal paths and single point grounding.

Tone Control at the flip of a switch

"66" mode, with this switch setting the 1966 is running exactly like an original Vox Tone Bender. This setting works at its best with vintage voiced or low to medium gain pick-ups and a dark voiced tube amplifier. The output level won't be so strong with high output pick-ups.

"Super Bee"" with this switch setting the circuitry is running into a larger value output capacitor. This gives the '66 a fuller range bass response, more sustain and a healthier output level. If you want the 60's fuzzy rasp but with more volume just run the '66 in "Super Bee" mode but with the level control backed off some.

For the very best results we recommend the use of Zinc type batteries.