The Menatone The Law Mini is a compact fuzz pedal from Menatone. The maker describes it as a unique fuzz pedal, built around two bipolar transistors and a buffer: "It utilizes two bipolar transistors and a buffer for its sonic mayhem"1. It runs on a 9V power supply through a typical 2.1mm DC jack with negative center and positive ring, and lists for $1591.
From clean boost to full fuzz
The Law Mini's range is unusually wide for a fuzz. Menatone says that "With the Fuzz and Sag controls all the way down, a clean boost is possible with most single-coil pickups," so the pedal can double as a boost on a board with single-coils1. Back the controls up and it moves into overdrive territory, then into full fuzz. The circuit itself is simple and traditional: "It utilizes two bipolar transistors and a buffer for its sonic mayhem," according to the maker's product page1.
Players who want more gain from the same basic circuit have a second option. Menatone also builds the Law Bender Deluxe, which the maker describes as based on the same circuit but with an added PORK control that turns the first gain stage from a unity gain buffer into a 12dB extra boost stage. The Law Bender Deluxe has all jacks on top and a longer build time of approximately 3 to 6 weeks2.
The controls: Vol, Tone, Fuzz and Sag
The Law Mini has four knobs, and two of them, Fuzz and Sag, each govern a separate stage of the fuzz circuit rather than working as a single gain control1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Vol | Overall volume of the pedal |
| Tone | Upper treble cut, described as great to tame pick attack |
| Fuzz | Controls the 2nd stage of the fuzz circuit, wooly and fat sounding |
| Sag | Controls the 1st stage of the fuzz circuit, sharp and aggressive |
Because Sag shapes the first stage and Fuzz shapes the second, the two knobs let a player balance an aggressive front end against a fatter, woolier back end, which is how the pedal covers everything from boost to full fuzz1.
Power and setup
The Law Mini cannot be powered by a battery. It requires a 9V power supply with a 2.1mm style DC jack, negative center and positive ring, the standard center-negative format used by most pedalboard supplies1.
The 9V center-negative requirement means any standard isolated pedalboard supply output will run it, but a battery compartment is not an option on this pedal1. Bypass is true bypass hardwired switching, so the fuzz circuit is out of the signal path entirely when the pedal is off1.
Buying and build time
The Law Mini lists for $159 USD and is built to order, with Menatone listing the build time as approximately 2 to 5 weeks1. Menatone's product pages carry the maker's own note that "All demos played poorly by Menatone unless otherwise noted," and the sound descriptions come from Menatone's own specifications rather than independent reviews1.
Questions
Is the Menatone The Law Mini true bypass?
Yes. Menatone specifies true bypass hardwired switching on The Law Mini, so when the pedal is off, the signal passes through without the fuzz circuit loading it. Because the switching is hardwired rather than buffered or relay based, the bypass path is a straightforward wired connection between the input and output jacks.
Can the Menatone The Law Mini run on a battery?
No. Menatone states the pedal cannot be powered by a battery. It requires a 9V power supply with a 2.1mm style DC jack, negative center and positive ring, which is the standard center-negative pedal supply format. A battery snap or daisy-chain arrangement that relies on battery power will not work with this pedal.
What kind of fuzz circuit is The Law Mini based on?
Menatone describes The Law Mini as a unique fuzz pedal inspired by classic FF-style fuzzes of the past. The circuit uses two bipolar transistors and a buffer, and unlike most fuzz circuits, Menatone says the Law is usable in all control positions, from clean boost to harmonically rich overdrive to full fuzz.
What do the Fuzz and Sag knobs do differently?
They control separate stages of the fuzz circuit. The Sag knob controls the first stage, which Menatone describes as sharp and aggressive, while the Fuzz knob controls the second stage, described as wooly and fat sounding. Setting both all the way down allows a clean boost with most single-coil pickups.
Can The Law Mini be used as a clean boost?
Yes, with limits. Menatone says that with the Fuzz and Sag controls all the way down, a clean boost is possible with most single-coil pickups. The pedal's range runs from that clean boost through harmonically rich overdrive up to full fuzz, so it can sit at the low end of its range as a boost.
How long does Menatone take to build a Law Mini?
Menatone lists the build time for The Law Mini as approximately 2 to 5 weeks. The pedals are built to order rather than stocked, so ordering directly from Menatone means waiting for your unit to be assembled before it ships.
Sources (2)
- The Law Mini, Menatone
- The Law Bender Deluxe, menatone.com
