The Collateral FX Ge-Bendz is a germanium fuzz pedal with what Guitar Pedal X describes as "a really lovely harmonic grit to its profile - almost like a sort of subtle rasp"1. The example reviewed there wears orange and gold graphics on a hammered black enclosure texture, and the Ge-Bendz plus shipping came to $3201.
Controls and circuit
The Ge-Bendz keeps the control layout simple, with three knobs on the top surface1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets output level |
| Treble ↔ Bass | Tones the fuzz between brighter and darker |
| Fuzz | Sets the amount of fuzz |
The circuit is built the old way. Guitar Pedal X describes it as a perfboard construction featuring 21 premium through-hole tone components, wired by hand1. The gain devices are all germanium:
- 2 x Texas Instruments 2N404 germanium transistors
- 1 x Toshiba 2SB54 germanium transistor
- 1 x 1N270 germanium diode
- 10 x resistors and 7 x capacitors among the 21 tone components1
The enclosure carries orange and gold graphics on a hammered black texture1.
Power
The pedal runs on a 9V battery or an isolated power supply. A battery clip is fitted inside and there is a fixture on the base plate for attaching the battery, so it can be powered without a supply at all. The reviewer notes he typically prefers to use an isolated power supply1.
What reviewers said
The Ge-Bendz's first published review is Stefan Karlsson's on Guitar Pedal X (October 2026). He describes the sound as having "a really lovely harmonic grit to its profile - almost like a sort of subtle rasp", and calls the pedal easy to dial in, sounding best with all knobs at 3 o'clock1.
"This one is really easy to dial in, while not quite as versatile or as expansive as the ThorpyFX EAO"
He compares it with the ThorpyFX EAO, finding the EAO smoother while the Ge-Bendz is grittier overall1. If you are weighing a germanium fuzz against other fuzz types, the Fuzz Pedals page sets the Ge-Bendz's Tone Bender style alongside the broader field.
Buying one
Because the Ge-Bendz is always made on commission or special order, a build takes time. Guitar Pedal X notes that some builders quote a minimum of 8 weeks for each commission or special order1. The reviewed unit cost $320 plus shipping, with UK customs duties and fees of £47 ($62) bringing the total to $382 / £2891. There is also a silicon sibling, the Bendz Fuzz, in a yellow colourway, made on commission in the same way1.
Videos
Collateral FX
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-10-08
