The Prescription Electronics Yardbox is a fuzz pedal aimed at the classic three-transistor Tone Bender circuit. Premier Guitar's reviewer describes it as most closely related to a Sola Sound MkII Tone Bender, though not an exact reproduction, and heard what they called a "vicious, resonant, rich, and complex Tone Bender voice" with an unusually large range of distortion and fuzz shades1.
Background
The Yardbox first appeared in the 1990s from the original Prescription Electronics, and the version Premier Guitar reviewed comes from the resurrected company1. The brand relaunched on 28 May 2019 with pre-orders for reissues of its 90s pedals, including The Yardbox, the C.O.B and the Experience, with the RX Overdriver and Vibe Unit to follow; Guitar.com reported pre-orders at $199.95 at that time21.
The Tone Bender circuit the Yardbox draws on has a reputation among players and builders. Writing in Premier Guitar's history of the pedal, Tom Hughes noted that "By its very nature, the germanium three-transistor circuit is a finicky design," one that sounds best with obsolete components and does not lend itself to mass production3.
Transistors and serviceability
The Yardbox's gain stage is built the traditional way. Premier Guitar's reviewer found "Three telltale new-old-stock RCA germanium can transistors are grouped on the compact through-hole circuit"1.
One practical feature sets it apart from many germanium fuzzes:
- Prescription builds the Yardbox with transistor sockets, so you can switch transistors without soldering1.
That matters because germanium Tone Bender-style circuits are known to be sensitive to the specific transistors fitted, and sockets let a player experiment with different sets without a soldering iron1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer summed the pedal up in two short verdicts: "Vicious, resonant, rich, and complex Tone Bender voice" and "Highly interactive controls"1. On the gain control specifically, the reviewer found that "the Yardbox gain control also adds bottom-end mass and a pleasingly blurry compression," and that it works interactively with the fuzz and tone controls1.
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Questions
Is the Prescription Electronics Yardbox a Tone Bender clone?
Not exactly. Premier Guitar's reviewer describes the Yardbox as most closely related to a Sola Sound MkII Tone Bender, but says it is not an exact reproduction. The pedal aims at the same family of sounds, and the reviewer heard what they called a vicious, resonant, rich, and complex Tone Bender voice with an unusually large range of distortion and fuzz shades.
What transistors does the Yardbox use?
The Yardbox uses three new-old-stock RCA germanium can transistors, grouped on a compact through-hole circuit board, according to Premier Guitar's review. Germanium parts like these are the traditional ingredient of the three-transistor Tone Bender circuit the pedal draws on.
Can you swap transistors in the Yardbox without soldering?
Yes. Premier Guitar's reviewer notes that Prescription builds the Yardbox with transistor sockets, so you can switch transistors without soldering. That matters with germanium fuzz circuits, where different transistor pairs can shift the pedal's response.
How much does the Prescription Electronics Yardbox cost?
Premier Guitar's 2023 review listed a street price of $199. When Prescription Electronics relaunched in May 2019, Guitar.com reported pre-orders for the reissued Yardbox at $199.95.
Sources (3)
- Prescription Electronics Yardbox Review, Premier Guitar, 2019-10-27
- Prescription Electronics returns, re-issues original pedals from 90s, Guitar.com, 2019-05-28
- Stompbox Classics: Tone Bender, Premier Guitar, 2009-09-18