Sola Sound - Tonebender MkIII  [schematic]

Discussion regarding early stompbox technology: 1960-1975 Please keep discussion focused and contribute what info you have...
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The Rotagilla
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Post by The Rotagilla »

Would this be the standard three knob ToneBender version like the GGG project or Fulltone Soul Bender?



I ask because I think the one in the video sounds outrageous. Thanks.
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Sickle
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Post by Sickle »

Its either an MK III or MK IV.

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Post by The Rotagilla »

Sickle wrote:Its either an MK III or MK IV.

But would these fall under the 3 knob Tone Bender category?
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Post by Sickle »

Yep. The MK II only has Level and Attack.

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Post by The Rotagilla »

I've been looking for a bit now but I'm having trouble finding the differences between the Mk.III and a Mk.IV versions. I'm also assuming that the project at Fuzz Central can be used as a jump off point? Thanks.
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Post by Sickle »

I'm no circuit expert, but I work for one of the best Tone Bender builders around. David Main has said the differences between the two circuits are fairly subtle, so I'm not surprised you're having trouble.

Analogguru is your man on this forum to make the differences clear between the two, but the first schematic posted on your link looks like a good starting point.

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Post by The Rotagilla »

Cool, thank you very much. Any recommendations for mojofied transistors?
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Post by Sickle »

The transistors aren't as important as the gain values you go with. When in doubt, fall back on the AC128. Far as the hfe values on an MK III/VI circuit , I'm not really sure myself. I'm pretty sure I've seen some MK III threads here, lemme do a search real quick.

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Post by Sickle »

De Nada..I couldn't find shit.

Good luck!

:popcorn:

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Post by The Rotagilla »

Sickle wrote:De Nada..I couldn't find shit.

Good luck!

:popcorn:
Thanks for the help. I built GGG's Boutique Bender years ago but don't recall it sounding like the one it that YouTube video. Why does fuzz have to be so damn addictive? :mrgreen:
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Post by Kregg »

My guess is the guy's playing through a small amp which is sweetening the sound significantly.
Would a '73 be colorsound?
I prefer the MK 1.5 with two OC75's to the other benders, but that wouldn't stop me from playing any one of them.

This might get you close, http://www.macaris.co.uk/product_full.a ... 27&catID=5

Here's a clip of the yellow,
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Post by phibes »

Gains aren't too important as they would be on a MKII. Q1 and Q2 are a darlington pair. I've had good luck using two low gain transistors for Q1 and Q2 and then something higher for Q3. You can probably shoot for gains of 50-80 for Q1 and Q2 and then something around 80-110 for Q3 if you need numbers. It'll just come down to the transistors you use. I used a OC81d for Q1, OC45 for Q2 and another OC81d for Q3 and I didn't have to adjust anything. OC71's and OC78's play really nice too. I've never played a MKIV but the MKIII I breadboarded sounded very similar to the video so definitely mess around with the MKIII.

Is there a schematic floating around for the MKIV? I don't think I've ever seen one but I hear it's close to the MKIII.
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Post by Electric Warrior »

I guess some MKIIIs and MKIVs are identical, circuitwise. Check the pictures at the D*A*M forum http://www.stompboxes.co.uk/forum/viewt ... f=23&t=181

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Post by Kregg »

I think the components (at least) vary from batch to batch. I'd like to see the trace side.
http://www.effectsdatabase.com/model/so ... ender/mkiv
http://www.effectsdatabase.com/model/so ... nder/mkiii

Just think how fk'd up the future generation of collectors will be with all of us cloners. :wink:
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Post by phibes »

Both sport the .22uf/.1uf capacitors so if there are any differences, my guess would be a few resistors but those seem to match up too. The pcb has to be the same for both. It looks like some of the pcb's were reversed (maybe someone fucked up on the negative process) from looking at the D*A*M link. I doubt the trace side would be any different. Looking at the parts used my guess would be one was made in a different country as I think I remember reading about some of the Sola stuff being made in Italy. I'm no expert though. One thing I've learned with the Tone Bender stuff is it's easy to over complicate.
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Post by Kregg »

phibes wrote: It looks like some of the pcb's were reversed ...
Check out this one: http://www.fuzzeffect.com/fuzzeffect_008.htm
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Post by Sickle »

That pedal is worth an absolute shitload of dough..

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Post by phibes »

That one seems to have the same values as the Vox MKIII.
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Post by Kregg »

phibes wrote:That one seems to have the same values as the Vox MKIII.
You can tell from a blurry photo ???? Image ???? 'cause I can't make it out with 20/20 and a 50" plazma.
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Post by Electric Warrior »

phibes wrote:That one seems to have the same values as the Vox MKIII.
but which Vox MKIII? :wink:
there's so many different versions.. some even have silicon transistors.

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