effects pedals and music production @ fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

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Rotosound RFB1 Fuzz :

1960s, Macari’s Music was (and still is) a hugely popular musical instrument shop located in England. Moreover, having originally created a historically-significant line of FUZZ effects pedals as well (e.g. Tone Bender models, MkI – MkIII, designed by Gary S. Hurst). Those particular circuits included germanium (Ge.) transistors, which produce smooth/ warm tonal characteristics. Many legendary British guitarists of the 1960s -’70s—e.g. Mick Ronson, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page—have each fell under the fuzzy spell of a Tone Bender (generally, patched-into a Marshall MkII Lead amplifier for increased gain/ sustain).

Rotosound RFB1 Fuzz (alternate view) — Toshiba AC128 transistor-equipped circuit

Also of interesting note, particular models (e.g. Supa Fuzz + Tone Bender MkIII) were manufactured/ re-branded for other companys as well—e.g., Rotosound (legendary manufacturer of guitar/ bass strings). Pictured, are (collectible) reissue versions : 1.) Rotosound RFB1 Fuzz, 2.) JMIsound Fuzz. These (including some others), recreate the SOUND of a MkIII Tone Bender FUZZ effects pedal—and perhaps better, relative labor-of-love <3

Product-recognition : Late-1960s, Jimmy Page (Yardbirds/ Led Zeppelin fame) employed the original/ incredibly-rare Rotosound Fuzz—actually.. the entire line of Tone Bender models, prior 1970 (as Page was then, endorsed by Sola Sound to promote select products).

JMIsound Fuzz — Mullard OC75 transistor-equipped circuit

JMIsound Fuzz (alternate view) — FUZZ—says it all.

Comparing re-issues : JMI includes (NOS/ new-old-stock) Mullard transistors (3x OC75), which were also employed for the original Tone Bender series. Alternatively, Rotosound employs Toshiba AC128 (x3). Moreover, Rotosound RFB1 circuit also includes contemporary design features as well—e.g., independent trim controls to adjust both, bias and gain. One may assume OC75 produces authentic results over AC128, but this is not entirely the case; as the greater-whole of the MkIII circuit contributes to its overall TONE. In other words.. AC128 produces a very similar effect. Legendary custom effects designer, Roger Mayer, prefers AC128 transistors. Personally, I love either type; several, actually—each for their subtle differences. To learn more, visit this site’s e-book advertisement page.

This Website :

The intention of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com is to provide a reference resource; virtually sharing my gear collection, so that readers are made greater-aware of particularly good-sounding (and, in some instances), potentially collectible effects pedals. Otherwise, to also help those whom might benefit from my recording/ engineering techniques. Ultimately, as I continue to build and design this site, I will gradually introduce additional collection-based content—e.g. blog posts, image galleries, audio, video, and official manufacturer web links for your convenience. The information provided herein, is based upon biased opinion. Please, do your own research.

Ebooks :

Later . . I will offer for sale Part 1 of a series of self-authored eBooks, in relation to fuzz effects pedals; subsequently, also offering additional volumes regarding other effects types—boost, overdrive, distortion, etc—all via my private, independent collection. Moreover, these “tomes of tone” will include audio examples, color images, (in most cases) close-up circuit views, and generalized spec. information. Otherwise, said eBooks regarding fuzz effects pedals will additionally incl. generalized historical information as well. For details, please read this site’s eBook advertisement page.

Disclaimer of Copyright & Trademark :

Product names, trademarks, and artists’ names (incl. the names of builders and designers) referred to, and/ or depicted herein are the property of their respective owners, which are in NO way associated or affiliated with fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com. Said, names and trademarks are used solely to identify products whose sounds were studied during the audio production efforts for this reference resource. The use of said, names and trademarks does NOT imply any cooperation or endorsement. NO copyright, nor trademark infringement intended. Any errors, omissions or variations in the subject-matter details are unintentional.

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