Balls MkII

The Balls MkII is a high quality replica of the original Sola Sound Tone Bender MkII Professional.  If you dont know what these are, the MKII Professional Tone Bender is one of the most iconic British fuzzes ever produced, notably used by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Mick Ronson, and a ton more.  It’s saturated, thick, and juicy and just sounds like fuzz heaven.  It’s the sound of the first Led Zeppelin record and one cant really say more than that about how wonderful they sound.

These replicas are built using the original Sola Sound layout and modern high-end parts.  The transistors used are germanium Soviet old-stock (MП38A) and each is hand selected for appropriate gain range and leakage and tested in the circuit before chosen.  These transistors are quality pieces that when tested and used appropriately, sound every bit as good as the Mullards used in the original units. Everything in the unit is primo quality using Vishay/Sprague film capacitors, Vishay/BC electrolytics, Xicon carbon film resistors, Carling foot switches, and topped off with a pair Davies dakaware chicken head knobs.  I’ve tried to select a blend of old-school approach with modern equivalents of the high end parts that would have been used back in the day.  Additionally, i’ve added the modern touch of a 9VDC (center negative) power jack so this can be used with a standard pedal power supply, should you want to.

Demonstration of the Balls MkII as performed by Kelly Doyle:

 

Additional demo of the Balls MkII by K. Campbell in the solo following the second chorus in his song “Summer Dress”

 

And a video demo by the incomparable Gearmanndude

 

Balls MkII units are currently non-stocked items, but may be available upon request. Contact me for purchase inquiry or any questions thedoctor@ballseffects.com