ColorSound™ ToneBender™ (Mark II Professional)
This is the classic, vintage ColorSound™ ToneBender™ Mark II Professional. There are the three variations of the Mark II Professional. Options are to build it with PNP or NPN germanium transistors or with NPN silicon transistors
This same stompbox may have been sold during the same time period under the name of SolaSound™ ToneBender™ and possibly Vox™ ToneBender™. There seems to be possibly some small differences in some of the part values between the circuits inside the different brand names.
For a simple and great sounding ToneBender, build the silicon transistor version. The kit includes everything you need if you use silicon transistors. If you want to build a germanium transistor version, you can get your transistor set from Small Bear Electronics LLC and use the resistor values that he sends with the transistors. His resistor designations (R2, etc) match the designations on these projects.
The documents in this first section are shared by all versions. All versions use the same PCB and the same wiring diagram. Parts layouts and schematics for each of the versions are listed as you go down the page.
- General Build Instructions
- ToneBender™ Mark II Instructions (voltage reading reference and photos)
- ToneBender™ Mark II Ready-For-Transfer Printed Circuit Board Layout – For use only if you are a complete DIY person who wants to etch and drill your own PCB. Otherwise, we recommend you ignore this PCB mask and buy the Ready-to-Solder Printed Circuit Board or Complete Kit from the links below.
NPN Silicon Transistor Version
- ToneBender™ Mark II Bill of Materials
- ToneBender™ Mark II Schematic
- ToneBender™ Mark II Parts Layout and Wiring Diagram
PNP Germanium Transistor Version
- ToneBender™ Mark II Bill of Materials
- ToneBender™ Mark II Schematic
- ToneBender™ Mark II Parts Layout and Wiring Diagram
NPN Germanium Transistor Version
- ToneBender™ Mark II Bill of Materials
- ToneBender™ Mark II Schematic
- ToneBender™ Mark II Parts Layout and Wiring Diagram
ToneBender (Mark II Professional) PNP Germanium Transistor With Charge Pump Version
The addition of a charge pump on the input power, gives you the ability to daisy chain power to your PNP Positive ground pedal with all your other negative ground pedals! Eliminate any need for special considerations when powering your Tone Bender with the other pedals on your pedal board.
Buy a TB2 Complete Kit. Includes all the parts and materials you need to build one, all for about the price you would pay for a PCB and parts.
Would you like a Ready to Solder Circuit Board for this project? Note: If you buy the kit, the Ready-to-Solder Printed Circuit Board (RTS PCB) is included in the kit. You do not need to purchase this Ready to Solder Circuit Printed Board if you buy the kit.
YouTube Video comparing Silicon and Germanium transistor versions!