Zonk Machine B G Harding

The original Zonk Machine was a 3-transistor germanium fuzz inspired by the Tonebender MkI and was produced briefly in the 1960s. Our updated version features a slightly altered circuit that includes a 3-way tone switch and two internal trim pots to adjust the overall gain. These trim pots are crucial for compensating for temperature fluctuations, as germanium transistors are highly sensitive to heat, which can cause an increase in gain in warmer conditions. Our Zonk is crafted using high-quality, professionally manufactured PCBs, with specific transistors chosen for their gain and leakage characteristics rather than by brand, and they may differ from the images shown. The Zonk Machine stands out as one of the more unique designs available, offering a distinct tonal character. It can shift from a gentle, reedy fuzz to a heavy, almost overdriven sound, all while maintaining a level of gating, particularly noticeable at the end of notes. Unlike a Fuzz Face, it won’t clean up with the guitar's volume control. Nevertheless, despite the gating effects, this pedal provides impressive sustain, allowing notes to linger even when they seem ready to fade.