GEAR REVIEW
WARM AUDIO ’ S WARM BENDER PEDAL | Michael Hodge
Austin-based Warm Audio has a knack for finding unique out-of-production pedals and bringing them back to life . Another example ? Enter Warm Audio ’ s Warm Bender . The Warm Bender has three independent circuits . The NOS76 setting gives a cutting , present tone , and the NOS75 setting is for Mark II Professional- Tone Bender fuzz tones . A third option is a three-transistor circuit that creates a more modern tone . Each circuit can engage the SAG switch , which drops the voltage to 6v DC .
OUT OF THE BOX : The Warm Bender comes tightly packed in a foam-formed protector . Included is a printed manual in several languages . The pedal is shaped like a classic Tone Bender but with a smaller 6 ” x 2.25 ” x 3.5 ” pedalboard-friendly size . It weighs in at 1.5 lbs . It ’ s got a familiar classic-style custom case with a hammered metal powder coat finish . It comes with rubber feet that most of us will remove and replace with Velcro , etc . On top is a foot switch and three knobs : Attack , Level , and the Circuit Version switch . You can choose from NOS76 , NOS 75 , or Silicon circuits here . On the back are the Input and Output jacks , a typical BOSS type 9vDC jack , and the SAG switch .
IN USE : There are a lot of new fuzz pedals out . The fuzz ” sound has made a proper comeback as guitarists search for a tone that sticks out and conveys authority and creativity . This pedal will look great on my pedalboard . I usually always have a fuzz pedal at the beginning of my signal chain . While plugging into the Warm Bender , I noticed a battery must be inside because the indicator LED lit up . After taking off the bottom four screws , I removed it and put some electrical tape around the connector . I usually use the original battery terminal covers , but this will do for now . While open , you can see a nice
DPDT switch for true bypass . The wiring looks clean and very professional . Next , I registered it on the Warm Audio site to take advantage of the product warranty .
There are three individual circuits , each with the SAG option . Starting with the Germanium NOS 76 , think “ Crossroads ” by John Mayer and maybe some Hendrix vibes . It cleans up well by rolling the volume back on the guitar . Engaging the SAG switch gives you the feeling that “ something is about to blow up ” sound , and it ’ s fantastic . I especially liked the maximum gain in this setting with the SAG on . The Germanium NOS 75 setting is noticeably louder . It has a three-transistor circuit . More low-end and nails the classic “ Spirit in the Sky ” single-note vibe . With the SAG switch on , you will lose some of that low end , and the sound gets nastier . If you crank the Attack , you get a ton of sustain . Chords lose their harmonic notes in these two modes , mostly leaving roots and fifths . The Silicon mode is a three-transistor circuit using Silicon instead of germanium transistors . This is the loudest of the three . The SAG setting loses some low-end volume and gets a thinner , nastier vibe . Cranked , you will get a ton of sustain and compression , and I even hear an octave up , especially on high notes . It ’ s very cool . This one is my favorite for the worship stuff we play at church .
MY TAKEAWAY : The Warm Bender does a great job of giving you an unmistakable classic fuzz .
Adding the three separate circuits and the SAG switch offers many tonal options . I ’ ve reviewed several fuzz pedals , and this one has the most authentic look and sound that will cover all your fuzz needs . It ’ s slightly heavy at 1½ lbs . but it looks fantastic . Place it at the beginning of your signal chain for best results . It ’ s a true bypass pedal , so there shouldn ’ t be any loading issues . Also , if you are using a pedalboard power supply , be sure to remove the battery so it won ’ t catch you off guard when it dies . Warm Audio did another great job resurrecting the look , feel , and sound of the Tone Bender . It was clever to add the three circuit options , too . I give it a big thumbs up .
• Faithful reproduction of Classic Tone Bender Fuzz
• Three Separate Germanium and Silicon circuits
• All NOS Germanium Transistors OC76 , SFT337 and OC75
• True Bypass
KEY FEATURES
• Authentic Vintage Hammered Metal Powder Finish
• Built-in Sag control to 6vDC
$ 199.00 WarmAudio . com
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