The Behringer Fuzz Bender, a popular budget-friendly fuzz pedal, is a prime candidate for modification. This article explores whether upgrading its capacitors with vintage components can truly deliver a boutique-level tone or if such efforts are in vain.
Can Mods Save the Fuzz Bender?
This project by Hello Sailor Effects focused on the Fuzz Bender, often considered the best affordable fuzz pedal, to see if vintage and “mojo” components could unlock classic sounds.
Guitar Bomb has already reviewed the fuzz, and we found it perfect for anyone wanting to get into vintage fuzz tones on a budget. However, if you want to tweak yours, then here is what you can expect from modding the circuit.
Well Made, Solid Enclosure
Its well-built enclosure, reminiscent of a mini Mark II Tone Bender, provided a solid foundation.
Disassembly revealed a mix of modern through-hole components, making modification feasible. However, the switch’s connection to the PCB, using spikes instead of traditional wiring, was a point of concern and a potential area for improvement.
Before any modifications, the original enclosure was set aside for a cosmetic upgrade, including a nitrocellulose lacquer finish and custom artwork. This demonstrated a focus on both sonic and visual enhancements.
Can Vintage Capacitors Transform the Fuzz Bender?
The modification process involved systematically replacing the modern components with vintage alternatives, including Soviet Green Drop and Mullard mustard capacitors.
The goal was to evaluate the sonic impact and challenge the assumption that modern capacitors are constantly superior. This required careful measurement and replacement of each component.
Modding with Tagboard
Finding exact vintage capacitor values proved challenging, often requiring creative solutions like stacking capacitors in parallel. The wiring became increasingly complex, necessitating the use of a tagboard to manage the additional components. Heat shrinking and secure mechanical connections were crucial for the project’s longevity.
Reassembly was meticulous, but the process wasn’t without its hiccups. Intermittent sound issues required troubleshooting, eventually revealing a faulty wire that was promptly replaced.
New Knobs
The modded Fuzz Bender, now sporting new knobs to complement its revamped look, was finally ready for a sound test. The question remained: would the vintage capacitors make a noticeable difference?
This modification project, while challenging, highlighted the rewarding nature of personalizing music gear. While the perceived tonal improvements are subjective, the project underscores the enduring appeal of DIY modifications.
Whether you modify your pedals or enjoy them in their original state, the Fuzz Bender offers a great entry point into the world of affordable fuzz.
Ultimately, this experiment suggests that while modifications can be fulfilling, sometimes the best approach is to appreciate the pedal’s original design.
- Behringer Fuzz Bender at Andertons
- Behringer Fuzz Bender at Gear4Music
- Behringer Fuzz Bender at Sweetwater
- Behringer Fuzz Bender at Thomann
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