Blammo! Electronics releases Skronk Machine Germanium Zonk fuzz

February 5, 2024 · 3 sources

Blammo! Electronics has released the Skronk Machine, a modernized version of the Zonk Machine fuzz, Delicious Audio reported on February 5, 2024¹. Guitar Pedal X described it as "a vintage-inspired Zonk variant" following the company's earlier Zonch Machine², and MusicRadar called it "essentially a Zonk Machine with a contemporary refurb"³.

The pedal uses three NOS Soviet MP38A germanium transistors². Guitar Pedal X reported that the transistors are NPN rather than PNP, which allows a standard center-negative 9V power supply². MusicRadar reported that the transistors were selected to handle power better, with each biased and checked on the circuit³. Delicious Audio described them as hand-tuned NOS Russian NPN germanium transistors¹.

Controls are Swell, Fuzz and Tone, with the Tone control acting as a high-cut filter²¹. Guitar Pedal X wrote that backing off the Tone control "takes you well into MKI Tone Bender territory"². MusicRadar described the Tone control as passive, added to roll off high-end to taste³.

MusicRadar reported that the pedal is in a smaller housing with jacks relocated to the top³. It added that the no-click relay switch can run in momentary or latching mode and remembers the last setting when powered up again³. Delicious Audio noted the footswitch can work as a momentary switch when held down rather than hit¹.

Pricing differs between the reports. Guitar Pedal X listed a MAP of $169.99², while MusicRadar said the Skronk Machine is priced $169 and is available now³. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson wrote that "these are exceptionally well priced at $170" compared with typical Zonk variants at around twice that price².