Hand-wired version ready to order w/c March 11

The Zonk II was originally produced during the late 60’s as a more consistent alternative to the Mk1 Zonk. On paper, the circuit looks very close to the Fuzz Face or Tonebender Mk1.5, but as is often the case in the world of fuzz, small differences in the circuit greatly affect the end result. The sound is closer to the original Zonk than to the FF, featuring the characteristic crumbly gated tones Zonk players expect. Compared to the germanium version, the sound is a little more aggressive, a little less soft and chewy, but nevertheless, very Zonk.

My version features an external bias trimmer to dial in just the desired amount of gating, and when the fuzz control is dialed all the way up, that’s when it really starts to get gnarly with a slight cut on the attack of each note, similar to the swell function on the Manic Fuzz. It’s real “amp blowing up” territory. Even so, roll off the guitar volume and you can get a decently clean signal.

Unlike the original, I am using NPN silicon transistors. Despite being a silicon-based fuzz, the original Zonk 2 used PNP transistors, meaning a positive ground. This is not a problem when running the pedal off the battery, but for anyone trying to fit it onto a pedalboard, the fact of positive ground is a constant hassle, since the pedal needs its own isolated power supply. With the B.G. Harding Z II this is no longer a concern - just add it to your pedalboard and bathe in glorious sizzling Zonky fuzz!