The R2R Electric MKI Pro Fuzz is a compact fuzz pedal built on the company's MKI Tone Bender clone, the MKI Fuzz. Its new feature is a toggle switch that gives access to a Zonk Mode, a second voicing alongside the standard MKI circuit1. The original Tone Bender MKI circuit it draws from was, as Premier Guitar's Tom Hughes puts it in a history of the circuit, based on "Hurst's modified Maestro fuzz"2.
Zonk Mode and controls
The pedal's headline addition is a MKI / Zonk Machine switch, a toggle that switches between the standard MKI Tone Bender voicing and the Zonk Mode. According to YouTuber Edge of Breakup, as quoted by Delicious Audio, Zonk Mode "delivers a \"more angular and texturally quirky kind of fuzz\""1.
The added features, per Delicious Audio, are:
The pedal carries replica Zonk Machine knobs1.
Circuit and transistors
The MKI Pro Fuzz is built with three germanium transistors. Delicious Audio lists the transistor sets as OC75, 2G308 and 2G378B when supplies allow, with an alternative set of OC71, 2G308 and 2G3081. Because the pedal is built from vintage and NOS parts, the exact set fitted can vary with availability.
Construction follows the same approach as the rest of the range: "These pedals are still 100% vintage & NOS parts, hardwired point-to-point on eyelet board"1.
The transistor types listed are fitted "when supplies allow," so a given unit may carry the alternative set. Players buying used should expect variation between units.
Where it sits in the range
The MKI Pro Fuzz is a compact version of R2R Electric's full-size MKI Fuzz1. The maker's other Tone Bender-based pedal, the R2R Electric Supa MKII Fuzz, covers the MKII circuit, and the company has also released the R2R Electric x Waterslide Guitars Time-O-Lite Fuzz, a Fuzz Face style build in vintage darkroom timer enclosures1. For more on the effect type, see Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
Edge of Breakup 🎥 Guitars, Pickups, Amps & Pedals
Edge of Breakup 🎥 Guitars, Pickups, Amps & Pedals
Questions
What is Zonk Mode on the R2R Electric MKI Pro Fuzz?
Zonk Mode is a second voicing accessed through a toggle switch, added to the pedal alongside its standard MKI Tone Bender circuit. According to YouTuber Edge of Breakup, as quoted by Delicious Audio, it delivers a "more angular and texturally quirky kind of fuzz." The toggle is labeled MKI / Zonk Machine, and the pedal carries replica Zonk Machine knobs.
Does the R2R Electric MKI Pro Fuzz use germanium transistors?
Yes. The pedal uses three germanium transistors. Delicious Audio lists the primary set as OC75, 2G308 and 2G378B when supplies allow, with an alternative set of OC71, 2G308 and 2G308. Because these are vintage and NOS parts, the exact transistor types can vary depending on availability.
Is the R2R Electric MKI Pro Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. The pedal uses a true-bypass footswitch with pulldown resistors, which are included to eliminate popping when the pedal is switched.
What power does the R2R Electric MKI Pro Fuzz need?
The pedal is powered from a 9V DC jack, one of the added features Delicious Audio lists alongside the MKI / Zonk Machine switch, an LED on/off indicator and pulldown resistors.
Sources (2)
- R2R Electric MKI Pro Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2023-08-17
- Stompbox Classics: Tone Bender, Premier Guitar, 2009-09-18
