The Elektrika

The JDM Elektrika takes the classic Tone Bender MKI circuit into the 21st century.

We stick with the classic circuit in all it's fuzzy, sparkling, crackling glory and add a few features to make it both more flexible and pedal board-friendly.

The circuit is built with vintage germanium transistors, as were the originals. But unlike those hit-or-miss 60's fuzz pedals, we test every transistor for noise levels and select low noise. In addition to selecting transistors carefully, we also have added an analog voltage inverter so the pedal can be powered on standard +9vDC (center negative) power supplies. Top jacks also make for a neat fit on pedal boards.

The original Tone Bender MKI has just two controls - Attack (Fuzz) and Volume.

We have added "Tone" and "Gate" controls: 

The "Tone" control is a strictly passive hi cut circuit implemented in a way that does not affect the behavior of the fuzz circuit. Turn this all the way up and it's as if it is not there - you have the original MK1 circuit.

The "Gate" control affects the bias to the main "fuzz" transistor. With this you can vary the response from a sputtery, "gated" fuzz, to a perfectly biased MK1 sound with a mean, gritty edge, to a smoother, more overdrive-like sustain.

With Lumberg jacks, top quality pots & switches and these absolutely rippin’ transistors, this will be a pedal board mainstay for life.