The DanDrive Bonk Machine is a signature fuzz pedal from DanDrive, made with and for the Canadian guitarist Joey Landreth. It is an analog fuzz built on the Zonk Machine circuit, a 1960s design, and uses three temperature-stable germanium transistors. DanDrive describes its range as running "From soft, reedy tones to all-out gnarly fuzz, the Bonk captures the essence of the Zonk while adding Joey and Dan's unique spin."12
What it does
The Bonk Machine keeps things simple with Level and Fuzz controls, which DanDrive says allows you to focus on your playing. Its compact size and top-mounted jacks are aimed at saving space on a pedalboard.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the pedal's output level |
| Fuzz | Sets the amount of fuzz; DanDrive suggests dialling it low for classic Zonk tones "and let the magic unfold"1 |
For classic Zonk tones, the maker suggests dialling the Fuzz knob low.1
The Zonk Machine it is based on
The Bonk Machine pays homage to the Zonk Machine, a design that RockBoard's PedalPedia says holds a special place in the hearts of players and collectors.1 The original is a classic fuzz pedal known for its unique sound and vintage appeal, producing a warm, vintage-style fuzz that can range from a mild overdrive to a more aggressive distortion depending on the settings.3 Zonk Machine fuzz boxes were manufactured during the mid-to-late 1960s.2
Writing on MusicRadar, Jonathan Horsley described the original's character:
"The Zonk Machine was a notoriously bright-sounding fuzz, which is part of its charm. It had a more puckish treble than the Tone Bender."
TONEHOME lists the John Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine as one of the more famous Tone Bender MKI influenced fuzz boxes.4
Who it is for
RockBoard's PedalPedia says the Bonk Machine was designed with gigging musicians in mind, and the temperature-stable germanium transistors are part of that.1 The pedal is sold as the Joey Landreth Signature Fuzz, and RockBoard's PedalPedia says it is the result of the combined expertise and creativity of Joey Landreth and DanDrive.1
Germanium-based fuzzes behave differently from silicon ones, and the Bonk Machine's germanium transistors are specified as temperature-stable to suit gigging use.1
Players interested in DanDrive's take on other classic fuzz circuits can also read about the DanDrive Austin Pride, the maker's Fuzz Face recreation, or the original John Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine and Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine I.
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Questions
What is the DanDrive Bonk Machine based on?
The Bonk Machine pays homage to the Zonk Machine, a fuzz design from the mid-to-late 1960s that DanDrive says holds a special place in the hearts of players and collectors. The original was a notoriously bright-sounding fuzz with a puckish treble, more sustain and bite than the Maestro FZ-1, and it could range from a mild overdrive to a more aggressive distortion depending on the settings.
Is the DanDrive Bonk Machine analog?
Yes. DanDrive lists the Bonk Machine as an analog circuit, built with three temperature-stable germanium transistors, which is in keeping with the vintage Zonk Machine design it is based on.
Does the Bonk Machine use germanium transistors?
It does. DanDrive specifies three temperature-stable germanium transistors, a choice aimed at gigging musicians, since temperature-stable parts hold their character better on stage than ordinary germanium.
How many knobs does the Bonk Machine have?
Two. The Bonk Machine keeps things simple with Level and Fuzz controls. DanDrive suggests dialling the Fuzz knob low for classic Zonk tones, and the simple layout is meant to let you focus on playing.
Who designed the DanDrive Bonk Machine?
DanDrive says the Bonk Machine is the result of the combined expertise and creativity of Joey Landreth and DanDrive. It is sold as the Joey Landreth Signature Fuzz.
Sources (4)
- Bonk Machine by Dandrive, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- John Hornby Skewes Zonk Machine • Fuzzboxes, Fuzzboxes.org, 2021-05-14
- Creation of Zonk Machine Fuzz, tru-fi.com
- Blammo Electronics' new Skronk Machine is a more user-friendly Zonk Machine for a new generation of vintage fuzz freaks, MusicRadar, 2024-02-09
Joey Landreth
