The pedal titans at BOSS have just announced their latest forward-thinking pedal: the TB-2W Tone Bender! Pedal junkies might recognize the name as a reference to the iconic Tone Bender MK II fuzz pedal, which has been used by some of the most legendary guitarists since the 1960s. The pedal features rare germanium transistors which are carefully tested for optimum tone, a three-way voltage selector, selectable true/buffered bypass operation, and a refined circuit design for ultra-consistent performance from pedal to pedal.
From BOSS:
“Among the iconic fuzz pedals in music history, the Tone Bender is one of the most revered and unique. Embraced by many of the world’s greatest guitarists, the sound of this pedal is woven into the fabric of some of the most influential music created over the last five-plus decades. Under the Sola Sound brand, Macari’s Musical Instruments in London produced numerous variations starting in the mid-1960s, and many consider the “MK II” version to be the ultimate Tone Bender voice.
When BOSS and Sola Sound first discussed collaborating on a Tone Bender MK II pedal in 2017, we realized there would be many technical challenges in achieving our goal. Foremost among them was sourcing the rare and vitally important germanium transistors at the heart of the circuit. Other problems included power supply considerations and resistance to environmental changes, which would be key to realizing both authentic Tone Bender sound and BOSS’s strict performance standards.
Working through one challenge after another, we were able to overcome them all with no compromise through dogged determination and careful attention to the finest details. While BOSS and Sola Sound have totally different histories, both companies have always strived to achieve the very best in tone. The TB-2W embodies our shared passions, bringing you Sola Sound’s famous rock voice coupled with BOSS’s committed craftsmanship and legendary spirit of innovation.”
The specs of the TB-2W Tone Bender include:
- Authentic sonic recreation of the legendary Tone Bender MK II fuzz from the 1960s
- Three-way voltage selector for shaping the overall tone and response
- Selectable true bypass or buffered bypass operation
Get more info on the BOSS TB-2W Tone Bender here.
