REDBENDER

The Missing Link / The Essence of 1966 British Fuzz

1. Design Philosophy

"For many, the MK1.5 is the Holy Grail of two-transistor circuits. With the Redbender, we didn't just want to make a transitional pedal; we wanted to capture that exact moment in 1966 when fuzz stopped being a crude effect and became an expressive instrument. It’s a circuit with fewer components than its siblings, but that simplicity is precisely what allows the soul of the germanium to breathe. It is pure, it is raw, and it possesses a dynamics that borders on the supernatural." — Antonio Martos, CEO & Lead Designer

3. General Description

The Redbender is our definitive interpretation of the legendary Mark 1.5 circuit. Historically positioned between the primitive MKI and the dense MKII, this two-transistor germanium design is responsible for some of the most iconic British rock tones of the mid-60s.

Unlike other fuzzes of the era, the Redbender stands out for its clarity and incredible cleanup capability. This is a pedal for the tone purist: it offers a saturation rich in second-order harmonics that adds a velvety texture to single notes and a classic roar to your chords. Thanks to our exhaustive component selection, we have eliminated noise and temperature-related issues, leaving only the pure tone of germanium.

3. Key Features

• Two-Transistor Purity: Based on the original 1966 architecture. A minimalist design where every component has been chosen to maximize harmonic transfer and transparency.

• NOS Germanium Heart: Equipped with a pair of New Old Stock Germanium transistors, hand-selected and meticulously matched. We seek the perfect gain balance so the pedal never sounds overly compressed.

• Legendary Cleanup: The Redbender is famous for how it interacts with your guitar’s volume pot. By rolling back the volume slightly, the fuzz cleans up into a crystalline, bell-like tone, surpassing even the best Fuzz Face circuits in definition.

• Anti-Noise Engineering: Despite its vintage design, we have implemented modern power filtering and shielding techniques to ensure the Redbender is as quiet as a modern pedal without sacrificing its organic character.

4. Master Controls

• LEVEL (Volume): Controls the total output. The Redbender possesses a considerable volume boost, allowing you to use it as a "dirty boost" to push an already driven amplifier into controlled feedback territory.

• ATTACK (Fuzz): Adjusts the amount of distortion. At lower levels, it acts as an overdrive with character; at maximum levels, it delivers that creamy, full-bodied fuzz that defined the London studio sound in '66.

• INTERNAL BIAS (Optimization): Each unit leaves our workshop calibrated to the optimal voltage, but includes an internal adjustment for experienced users who wish to explore drier textures or increase headroom depending on the ambient temperature.

5. Technical Specifications

• Topology: 2-Transistor Analog Fuzz (MK1.5 Architecture).

• Components: Carbon composition resistors and individually tested NOS Germanium transistors.

• Power Supply: 9V DC Center Negative. Includes a high-end internal polarity inverter (compatible with standard power supplies).

• Switching: True Bypass with premium low-mechanical-noise footswitch.

• Assembly: Hand-built, wired, and tested in Spain.

• Warranty: Lifetime Warranty.