I’ve been trying really hard to get these articles out on a Wednesday, but I keep failing. This week I wanted to apply an element of emergency to the article’s importance when it was placed in my real world priority list. Unfortunately Wednesday passed and the article didn’t happen. I’ve failed once again. Why is this weekly article process so difficult? I’ve had kidney stones that have passed with greater ease than these blog posts.
Actually, that’s an exaggeration. I’ll tell you one thing though, I wouldn’t pass an offer to play through the ThroBak Stone Bender. That would be cooler than writing about it. Still, I’ll do that now.
The Stone Bender is a recreation of the Tone Bender pedal that Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page used back in the 60s. 1960s that is. I need to remind myself that some people never experienced the 20th century. Without that century, we wouldn’t have the foundation for pedals such as the Stone Bender.
For example, the Stone Bender adds a pre-gain switch that allows you to use the pedal as either an overdrive pedal or a fuzz pedal. On top of that is the tone switch. Or should I say beside that on account of the switch’s location on the pedal—it’s on the side of the pedal near the guitar input. The tone switch allows you to remove some of the treble edge from your guitar tone.
The marvels of modern technology. Speaking of which, the official website lists a few cool technological wonders that probably excite people who understand such things. For example:
- Low noise Germanium transistors
- Internally adjustable bias pot
- Mallory M-150 polyester transistors
- Socketed transistors
Whoosh! The sound of terminology going over my head. What I do understand is tone. If it sounds good, it sounds good. I think it sounds good. Listen (and look if you like the visual component of an audio/visual display).
Not convinced? Well how about this? Pro Guitar Shop did a lengthier demo that showcased the tone possibilities in greater details.
Rock on. Or stone on perhaps in this instance.
The Stone Bender is a pedal that seems to offer the best of two centuries. The basic yet awesome tones from the original Tone Bender pedal (which requires just the level and attack controls) and the additional switches that take this pedal to that next level. Seems perfect.
Disclaimer: I’ve not played this guitar pedal. I have not experienced first-hand the sound or effects of this guitar pedal. That doesn’t matter. It looks awesome, it’s obviously played by winners and I want one.