The Menatone Hindenburg Mini is a distortion pedal built around an amp circuit rather than a conventional drive design. Menatone says the Hindenburg is based on the famous Supro Thunderbolt amp, an amplifier the maker notes was supposedly used by Jimmy Page in the early days of Led Zeppelin1. The mini version carries the same circuit as the original full-size Hindenburg, in a smaller enclosure, and is sold direct from Menatone for $1591.
Sound and what it does
Menatone describes the Hindenburg's character as "Big, Fat, Luxurious tones with a grinding midrange and plenty of bass." The gain range runs from clean boost to full rock distortion, so the pedal can sit at the low end of its range as a boost or be pushed into heavier territory1. Because the circuit comes from an amp design, it is aimed at players who want an amp-style overdrive and distortion voice on the board rather than a conventional overdrive pedal.
Same circuit as the original
The mini is not a simplified version. Menatone states that "This mini version is the exact same as the original with the same parts and circuit." The maker also points out that full-sized through-hole parts are used throughout, with no surface-mount components inside, despite the smaller footprint of 1.5" x 3.66"1.
"Full sized through hole parts are used throughout, no surface mount in here."
Power and practical notes
The Hindenburg Mini takes no battery. Menatone states that a power supply must be used, so it needs a spot on a pedalboard power supply rather than running on an internal battery1.
Buying and build time
The Hindenburg Mini is sold direct from Menatone only, which the maker says accounts for the price1. Because each pedal is made by hand, one at a time in the USA, Menatone lists an approximate build time of 2 to 5 weeks before the pedal ships1. Menatone builds other amp-inspired pedals the same way, including The King and the Thundering Revival Mini.
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Questions
Does the Menatone Hindenburg Mini take a battery?
No. Menatone states that a power supply must be used and that there is no battery option for the mini. Plan your board's power accordingly, since the pedal cannot run on an internal 9V battery the way some larger pedals can.
Is the Hindenburg Mini the same circuit as the full-size Hindenburg?
Yes. According to Menatone, the mini version is the exact same as the original, with the same parts and circuit. The maker also notes that full-sized through-hole parts are used throughout, with no surface-mount components.
Which amp is the Hindenburg Mini based on?
The Hindenburg is based on the Supro Thunderbolt amp. Menatone's product page says the amp was supposedly used by Jimmy Page in the early days of Led Zeppelin, which is where the circuit's reputation comes from.
Where can you buy a Menatone Hindenburg Mini?
Menatone sells the Hindenburg Mini direct from the company only. The maker says selling direct accounts for the price, listed at $159 on the product page.
How long does a Menatone Hindenburg Mini take to build?
Menatone lists an approximate build time of 2 to 5 weeks. Each pedal is made by hand, one at a time in the USA, which is why the wait varies.
Is the Menatone Hindenburg Mini made in the USA?
Yes. Menatone says that just like every other Menatone pedal, each Hindenburg Mini is made by hand, one at a time in the USA.
Sources (1)
- Hindenburg Mini, menatone.com
