Magnetic Effects Solar Bender MkII

Submitted on July 3, 2013

Information

Magnetic Effects

The Solar Bender is a clone of the famous Tonebender MK II complete with NOS PNP germanium transistors and Reverse Polarity Circuit.

A classic fuzz and for good reason! The Tonebender MKII is a wonderful fuzz, with a great saturated tone, that slips into controllable feedback easily. Most notably used to great effect by Jimmy Page on the early Led Zeppelin records.

In addition to the regular Attack and Level controls that the original had, the Solar Bender features a bias knob. The bias knob allows you to compensate for temperature changes that can sometimes affect germanium transistors. Also, the bias knob can be used to alter the tone slightly, or to intentionally mis-bias the transistors, to create broken or gated types of tones.

The Fat switch enhances the bass response of the pedal for a fuller low end.

The Solar Bender uses three selected and tested NOS PNP germanium transistors. These transistors require a different polarity power supply than modern pedals. For your convenience, the Solar Bender features a charge pump acting as a polarity reverse circuit. This enables you to run the pedal on a standard 9V centre negative adapter and even daisy chain it with other pedals. This makes the Solar Bender a lot more practical and pedal board friendly than the original Tonebender MKII and many of its clones.

Features:

Level, Attack and Bias controls
Fat switch
Reverse polarity circuit
True bypass switching
9V DC adapter or battery powered
Top mounted DC socket
£96 plus shipping.

Magnetic Effects (v2 press release April 14, 2015)

Magnetic Effects introduce the updated Solar Bender effects pedal for guitar.

The Solar Bender is an enhanced clone of the famous Tonebender MK II fuzz complete with NOS PNP germanium transistors, Bias control and Reverse Polarity Circuit.

London, England - 14 April 2015 - Magnetic Effects are pleased to release the MK 2 version of their take on the classic Tone Bender MKII. The new version includes stunning new artwork and top mounted Jacks and DC socket.

To allow for easier integration into modern guitar set ups, the Solar Bender is fitted with a charge pump acting as a polarity reverse circuit. This enables the pedal to be powered on a standard 9V centre negative adapter and even daisy chained with other pedals while using PNP germanium transistors.

To further enhance usability, the Solar Bender is fitted with a bias control to compensate for temperature drift that can sometime affect germanium transistors. Also, a Fat switch has been fitted which enhances the bass response of the pedal to allow for greater tonal possibilities.

All these features add up to make the Solar Bender a great sounding AND easy to use fuzz that integrates well into a modern pedal board.

Features:

Level, Attack and Bias controls
Fat switch
Reverse polarity circuit
True bypass switching
9V DC adapter or battery powered
Top mounted Jacks and DC socket
Three NOS PNP germanium transistors

Retail price: $179 US plus shipping.

Magnetic Effects (v3 press release June 20, 2016)

Magnetic Effects introduce the Solar Bender effects pedal for guitar.

The Solar Bender is a Tone Bender style fuzz with modern features.

London, England - 20 June 2016 - Magnetic Effects are pleased to release the Solar Bender V2. Designed to capture the sonic flavour of an MkII Fuzz, the Solar Bender offers smooth, saturated fuzz tones with excellent harmonic overtones, sustain and an organic mid-range response.

Temperature stability, buffer friendly response and standard power 9V DC power operation make the pedal easy to use onstage and in the studio while top mounted Jacks and DC socket provide space saving convenience on a pedalboard.

Level, Attack, Bias and Tone controls provide plenty of scope for tonal variety. Carefully selected and tested Germanium and Silicon transistors are used to ensure an authentic vintage style fabulous fuzz tone.

Features: