From Roland’s BOSS brand, a fuzz pedal that reconstructs the famous British Sola Sound brand “Tone Bender Mk II” has appeared. The “TB-2W” jointly developed by Roland and the Sola Sound brand will be released on April 24th as the latest model of the BOSS “Tech Craft Series”.
“Tone Bender” is a fuzz pedal created by Sola Sound, a brand of Macari’s musical instrument store in London, England. The first model appeared in the mid-1960s, and many variations have been created since then. Among them, the model that is often called the ultimate “Tone Bender” is the “Tone Bender Mk II”. Its rich overtones, dynamic sound, and smooth sustain are loved by many rock legends, and its sound can be heard on many masterpieces.
▲ In addition to the LEVEL and ATTACK knobs, a BATTERY switch is installed. You can enjoy the sound and response due to the difference in drive voltage. You can switch between buffered and true bypass with the OUTPUT switch on the rear panel.-
The “TB-2W” that appeared this time is a fuzz pedal that was created by sticking to the sound of this “Tone Bender Mk II” through joint development with BOSS and Sola Sound. For germanium transistors, which are highly rare and have a large effect on sound quality due to individual differences, we conducted long-term research and procured those that can withstand the quality standards of the boss. In addition, engineers carefully check each one and select the ones that are selected. By incorporating carefully selected germanium transistors into the circuit refined with BOSS know-how, the legendary fuzz sound is realized with high stability.
▲ “TB-2W” (right) and “Tone Bender Mk II” (left).-
The reference for this unit is the “Tone Bender Mk II” named “# 500”, which has the most “Tone Bender” sound in the huge collection owned and managed by Sola Sound. We brought back this precious “# 500” from the UK, analyzed every detail, and reproduced the sound with rich expressiveness and dynamic response by BOSS’s skillful design technology.
Many fuzz pedals, such as the “Tone Bender,” are characterized by changes in sound and response due to fluctuations in drive voltage. Although there are disadvantages that the sound changes and is not stable, the sound and nuance that change the expression depending on the situation is one of the great attractions. For “TB-2W”, the drive voltage that affects the sound and response can be selected with the “BATTERY” switch provided in the control section. By preparing three types, 9V, which is the specified voltage, 12V, which is slightly higher, and 7V, which is slightly lower, you can enjoy the unique sound and response due to the difference in drive voltage while improving stability. In addition, the bypass can be switched between true and buffered.
▲ The front is “TB-2W” and the back is “Tone Bender Mk II”. The body is compact, but the hammer tone exterior and knob shape are inherited from Tone Bender.-
The fearless looks are also a big attraction. The exterior with a hammer tone (hammer processing) with a unique texture, the impressive chicken head knob, and the finish that is exactly reminiscent of “Tone Bender”. Due to the rarity of “germanium transistors”, it will be a limited quantity product, so if you are interested, check it out early.
Product Info
◆ TB-2W
Price: Open (estimated market price around 38,500 yen including tax)
Release Date: April 24, 2021
External dimensions: 73 (width) x 129 (depth) x 59 (height) mm
Mass (including batteries): 430g
Controls: Pedal switch, BATTERY switch, OUTPUT switch (BUF / THRU switch), ATTACK knob, LEVEL knob
Indicator: CHECK indicator (also used as battery check)
Connection terminal: INPUT terminal (standard type), OUTPUT terminal (standard type), DC IN terminal
Power supply: Alkaline battery (9V type), AC adapter (sold separately)
Consumption current: 60mA
Battery life during continuous use: Approximately 4 hours with alkaline batteries * Depends on usage conditions
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