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Zonk/MK1 Fuzz - Pedalboard Edition - Sold Out!
Introducing the Zonk/MK1 Fuzz Pedalboard Edition. This version features the same circuit design, component selection and performance of its bigger wedge-shaped brother. Here you get all that tone in a smaller footprint with the addition of a LED indictor and DC power jack (note DC power operation requires an isolated power supply – most modern multi-outlet pedalboard supplies meet this requirement. No daisy chains! The internal battery is included as standard).
This latest release also features a new internal trimmer to fine tune the pedal’s upper high-end response - adding versatility for matching to your specific rig, using with buffers etc, by allowing you to add or subtract a little top end for an even more scintillating tone.
Each pedal is optimised for its set of transistors to provide the ultimate fuzz experience. This run uses a trio of premium New Old Stock transistors - Texas Instruments 2N1307 in Q1, Mullard/Valvo Black Glass OC45 in Q2 and Texas Instruments 2G308 in Q3. The sets are matched for their tonal qualities and how they interact together in the circuit. All are of the highest quality and tested by ear for low noise and great tone.
The Zonk/MK1 pays homage to two legendary fuzz boxes from the early days of loud – the Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine and the Sola Sound MK1 Tone Bender. Both these pedals hail from the UK and came into being during the mid-60s, just as rock n roll was exploding its way onto stages around the world. The circuits are very similar, having most likely borrowed their core design from the first fuzz to really make waves - the Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone – as used to ultimate effect by Keith Richards on (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
The MK1 Tone Bender and Zonk Machine were beefed up to take the now ubiquitous 9-volt power supply (the FZ-1 runs on 3 volts) and apart from some different component values here and there are largely identical in design. The biggest tonal difference occurs right up front where the MK1 input capacitor is 10 times to size of the Zonk. This translates into letting more bass and mids through the circuit, giving the MK1 a full range throaty attack. The Zonk is brighter, tighter and little less compressed but will happily tear your face off in full flight.
Both have a tactile, chewy attack, loaded with interesting overtones and some tasty gating that’s accentuated when rolling back your guitar volume or softening your attack. Always musical and inspiring to play – these are the types of effect that send you off exploring unchartered sonic territory.
Our versions of the pedals presented here are not intended as replicas - there are amazingly accurate reproductions of these fuzz boxes available if you want something as close as possible to the originals. For this run we wanted to offer something a little different, a best of both worlds experience through a custom-made pedal using the finest components and a no compromise approach to build quality.
The small switch on top toggles between Zonk and MK1 mode (left and right respectively on the switch). A simple but highly effective mod that changes out that first input capacitor - a lower value for the Zonk and higher for the MK1. Also great for matching the pedal to different guitar and amp combinations - Zonk mode will give you more cut, MK1 mode a beefier tone.
Below the mode switch are the usual Zonk/MK1 controls for Fuzz/Attack and Swell/Level - the two pedals used different names but they do the same thing. Use the left control to dial in the sweetspot for the fuzz and the right control sets the overall output of the pedal. There’s some interaction between these and having the Level higher or lower also has an impact on the tone. It’s a bit brighter at lower levels and fattens out as you turn it up. Experimentation is the key here to find where it works best with your setup.
From there the signal runs its course through the classic lineup of germanium transistors, there are three in circuit, dialled in to spew forth all the glorious raucousness these pedals are famous for.
When the completed circuit is dimed up through the workshop test amp and we can’t stop playing – we know it’s ready. The real test of course is how it makes you feel when you plug in and crank it up… We’ll let you be the judge.
All pedals come complete with a custom carry bag, signed and numbered certificate of authenticity and instruction card.
Zonk/MK1 Fuzz - Pedalboard Edition
SPECIFICATIONS
- Custom painted enclosure
- Hammered Blue/Gold Finish
- Each pedal is unique and may differ from photos
- NOS Germanium Transistors
- Premium quality components throughout
- LED indicator and DC power
- Custom carry bag (included)
- Certificate of Authenticity (included)
- Instruction Card (included)
- Handmade in New Zealand
Reviews
Imagine going back in time and getting your hands on an original Zonk Machine or Tone Bender. Except the transistors have been lovingly matched for the perfect voicing, overtones, and gated response. And, somehow, there is absolutely no noise. This is one of those pedals that is pure inspiration - the kind where you find yourself playing in new ways and getting completely lost in the best way.
Tim is an absolute master builder who instills magic into each pedal he builds and the fit, finish, and look are second to none. This particular pedal is Bramhall in a box, it scratches that itch in all the right ways.
Can’t say enough about Tim as well - always responsive and helpful. Do yourself a favor and pick one of these up! You won’t regret it.
I have been a fan of the raw, beefy Mk1 tonebender sound for ages, but nothing seemed to capture the insane lead tone I was craving with a classic two knob simplicity. That's when I discovered Cunningham Amps and their amazing pedals through Edge of Breakup on YouTube. I bought one as soon as I had the chance and have since been blown away by the ferocity of lead tones blasting through this thing. I typically like some more low end, so stick mostly with the MK1 setting, but the Zonk is perfect for that extra bit of cut when needed. On top of that, I absolutely love the look and premium build quality on display here. I own both the vintage full size version and the pedalboard version, and they both sound and look killer.
Brilliant interpretation of the original circuit, top class build quality and fantastic tones. Zonk setting adds edge and versatility. Super happy to have one in my collection.
hi,
bought the pedalboard version and thought I would need no further zonk pedal.
next day I bought the wedge version as well:-)
real beauties in both look and sound.
greetz, d
I am a Zonk fanatic and have almost ten different Zonk pedals from different brands. My holy grail for Zonk tone is that of the 1967 recording of the song "Shockwave (Hellfire)" by the South African group The Invaders. The Zonk/MK1 Fuzz - Pedalboard Edition nails that tone and has an awesome finish to boot!
What an amazing fuzz. I’ve never had a Zonk or MkI before, but this is the sound I’ve been looking for. Gritty, aggressive, with lots of bloom. It’s everything I was hoping for.
Great sounding MKI that is pedalboard friendly. Really like how lively this one is.
I love this thing. Zonk side is arguably the finest one out there. Mk1 side loves chords. Pretty insane. Tim Cunningham is a magician.
After I heard the Zonk...went on a search for the best. I may have found it. Zonky beauty. I can peel the paint off the walls with the sounds of chest hairs being ripped off of Lucifer himself. I can tickle the switch and get me some "normal" fuzzy goodness. If it gets better than this, I may be in trouble. Your mileage may vary. Like plugging your guitar into Chuck Norris and having him kick your speaker cab. Think I need that Octave one now. I bet if they touched it would open a portal for an army of T-Rexes to march through and destroy the planet.
I Love the pedal! So much texture. Range for days. The best Zonk I've ever played. If it were lost, stolen, or broken, I would definitely buy another one. Thanks so much for sharing your talent!
This is one of the absolute best fuzz pedals I've ever played from any era at any price point.
Cunningham Amps came on my radar because of a Sasha Ivantic Youtube demo, and as soon as I heard the tones, I wanted to try one. Great demo, but nothing is going to do this pedal sonic justice until you hear it, and more importantly, play it.
The tactile response on both the MK1 and Zonk side is phenomenal. MK1 delivers thick, bass-laden tones that are glorious, insistent, and biting in the pleasing way. Switch it over to Zonk and the lead tones will start to sear, cut the bass a bit, and deliver a stunning and incredibly musically useful Zonk octave vibe. It is perfect.
Where this pedal truly excels, and I can't emphasize this enough, is in its dynamics and tactility. An MK1 isn't meant to clean up, but the gated tones you can explore this all the way through the fattest, meatiest tones are musical, useful, and feel brilliant under the fingertips.
Brilliant work, Tim. Thank you!
I tried quite a few other Zonks from other builders chasing that tone we all want, and just couldn’t get there. This absolutely nailed it for me while adding a few other really useful features like the internal trimmer to tame the high end, 9v power, and a pedalboard friendly size. With just a flip of a switch you also get an amazing MKI. Not much else I’d want in a fuzz. Not to mention the pedal itself is just beautiful inside and out! Incredible craftsmanship. If I could only keep one fuzz on my board this would be it.
This was my first foray into a Zonk style pedal and I couldn’t be happier! Additionally Tim has great customer service and helped make my dreams come true with a custom color version of this pedal! This tone does everything from subtle spitty sounds when you roll the volume off to huge fuzz sounds when you really hit it hard!
I purchased the Zonk/MK1 and could not be more pleased with it. The superb quality and appearance of the pedal only scratches the surface of my delight. The tone I get from using the pedal is pure tonal bliss to my ears. I am a huge fan of the MK1 Fuzz pedals and this is amazing to me. The Zonk option is an added bonus and makes the pedal even more versatile to me. Thanks Tim
Tim’s pedals are fantastic. The tone is massive. You can’t get enough of digging them. I love them playing them and looking at them. I always go back to get more custom orders and Tim is always so happy to deliver to the expectations.
This one has it all, and in a nice compact size! I’m a Mk1 / Zonk fanatic and this is up there with the best I’ve ever played. Of course it does the Doyle stuff, but my favorite sounds are rolling back the volume and letting it gate just a little more. For funky rhythm stuff it has an almost horn like quality to it. Roll back your volume up and you’re in glorious sustain land! And for all the glory of single coils, this jumps out with humbuckers too. Semi hollow in particular do great with this!
I can't say enough about the fuzz. The tone is vintage, the functionality is modern and is just rips. Super helpful to have the option to switch between Zonk and MK1, especially with different amps and guitars. Both have their qualities and both equally as good. Mess with the tone/volume knobs and you get all sorts of cool tones. A lifetime fuzz for sure.
Just brilliant! Super musical and versatile fuzz. The most quiet fuzz I’ve ever played. It’s just a joy to play.
I discovered Cunningham pedals with the Dual Fuzz. I like it so much that I decided to go with another Cunningham build for my new Zonk pedal and I am glad I did. The is something special with this Zonk. It goes from a full and wooly sound to ripping velcro gated tones. I love how organic it sounds and how it reacts to pickups and playing. As usual, build quality is top notch. This one will never leave my pedalboard!
I am not here to tell you how amazing it is, as you may already knew, fuzz is very personal.
However there are something i really like about the pedal....
1)noise floor is excellent, it so quiet that no other fuzz of mine came close (i owned some fuzz that's more pricey)
2)i couldn't tell the difference between it is on battery or DC
3)both mode sounds different and useable
4)stacks well with other pedals
Honestly i wish to tell you more, but 500 characters is the limit here...
Just get one.