Boss TB2W Tone Bender Fuzz

Description

Boss TB2W Tone Bender Fuzz
Available in April, Pre-order now while supplies last

BOSS and Sola Sound Team Up to Recreate the Iconic Tone Bender MK II Pedal

BOSS and Sola Sound have teamed up to recreate the TB-2W Tone Bender, an authentic recreation of the iconic Tone Bender MK II fuzz pedal used by some of the greatest guitarists of all time. Featured in a myriad of classic songs from the 60s to today, the rich, full-bodied voice and smooth sustain of the Tone Bender are etched into the history of rock and pop music. Using an original Tone Bender MK II unit (serial number 500) from the Sola Sound archive as a reference, BOSS engineers have fully recreated the magical sound and expressive dynamic response of the pedal through precise Waza craftsmanship. Available in a limited production, each TB-2W features rare germanium transistors carefully selected for optimal sound, a three-position voltage selector, selectable true bypass/buffered operation, and a refined circuit design for perfectly consistent performance between pedals.

The Story of the Tone Bender TB-2W

Among the iconic fuzz pedals in music history, the Tone Bender is one of the most beloved and exclusive. Chosen by top guitarists, the sound of this pedal is an essential ingredient in some of the most influential songs created in the last half-century. Under the Sola Sound brand, Macari Musical Instruments in London produced numerous variations starting in the mid-1960s, and many consider the "MK II" version to be the definitive Tone Bender voice. When BOSS and Sola Sound first discussed collaborating on a Tone Bender MK II pedal in 2017, they realized the technical challenges involved in achieving the goal. First and foremost, the difficulty of sourcing the rare and crucial germanium transistors at the heart of the circuit. Other issues included considerations regarding power supply and resistance to environmental variations, which would be key factors in achieving the authentic Tone Bender sound while meeting strict BOSS standards. Overcoming one challenge after another, we achieved the goal without compromise, thanks to tenacious determination and attention to the smallest details. While having completely different histories, both BOSS and Sola Sound share a constant commitment to seeking the best sound. TB-2W represents our shared passions, bringing you the famous Sola Sound rock tone combined with BOSS's manufacturing expertise and legendary spirit of innovation.

Capturing the True Soul of the Tone Bender

To develop the TB-2W, Sola Sound lent BOSS their precious Tone Bender MK II with serial number 500, considered the ideal representative of the best Tone Bender experience. Over several months, BOSS engineers carefully evaluated the pedal's entire circuitry, from every angle. A central factor was the analysis of the unique properties of germanium transistors, which are key to the pedal's smooth sound and extreme sensitivity to playing dynamics and guitar volume. Germanium transistors are very difficult to source today, and BOSS searched worldwide for a quality supply. But this was only the beginning: each pedal was then rigorously tested for correct electrical performance and sound quality. In the end, we were able to source enough to create a limited production run of pedals that deliver the magic of the Tone Bender in all its glory.

Adjustable Voltage for Tonal Range

The original Tone Bender was designed to run on a 9V zinc-carbon battery, the standard of the era, and its circuit is very sensitive to voltage changes, with variations in gain, response, and tonal character as the battery gradually depletes. In the Waza Craft tradition of enhancing classic analog designs with modern innovations, the TB-2W features an adjustable voltage circuit that allows you to replicate these variations by simply adjusting a switch. Via the three-position Battery selector, you can instantly change the pedal's response, whether powered by a modern alkaline battery or an external transformer. The 9V setting offers the sound of a new battery and the unmistakable Tone Bender response. Choosing the 7V setting gives the effect of a slightly depleted battery, producing a unique gain character and response preferred by some Tone Bender fans. The 12V setting shifts everything in the opposite direction, offering an extended dynamic range not possible with the original pedal.

Selectable Output Modes

Another new feature of the TB-2W is the two output modes, which can be easily selected via a switch on the top of the pedal. The Thru mode is preferable for recreating the experience of a vintage pedal by offering true bypass operation when the pedal is disengaged and the original Tone Bender output impedance when the pedal is active. The Buffer mode activates the same high-quality output buffer circuit found in all Waza Craft pedals, optimizing the signal for subsequent connections, whether the TB-2W is on or off. In any case, you usually get the best performance when the TB-2W is the first pedal in the signal chain, with no buffered signals preceding it. This allows the pedal to fully interact with your guitar's pickups, to achieve that magical interactive response favored by fuzz effect enthusiasts.

Specifications

Authentic sound replication of the legendary 60s Tone Bender MK II fuzz

Selected germanium transistors, carefully tested to deliver superior performance

"Chicken-head" knobs, hammered gray finish, and screen-printed fonts that echo the original Tone Bender MK II

Three-position voltage selector to modify sound and response

Selectable “buffered-bypass” or “true-bypass” operation

Limited production of approximately 3,000 units (due to limited component availability)