The SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox is a fuzz pedal built on low-gain silicon transistors and modeled on the Tone Bender Mk II, the British fuzz circuit from the 1960s. SolidGoldFX describes it as "a modern evolution of one of the most iconic fuzz circuits ever made," pairing the classic three-transistor design with extra controls that let you shape the texture and feel of the fuzz in ways the original never allowed1. It arrived in September 2026 and is available from dealers and from SolidGoldFX directly2.
What it does to your sound
SolidGoldFX says the carefully selected low-gain silicon transistors deliver "the warmth, aggression, and touch sensitivity of classic British" fuzz, and the pedal is built for dynamic cleanup and touch-sensitive response, meaning it reacts to your guitar's volume knob and picking strength the way older fuzzes do1. Paolo De Gregorio at Delicious Audio summed up the result as "a deeply expressive, highly responsive stompbox that honors classic British fire while giving players total command over their tone"3.
The controls
The Fuzzbox carries five controls, a step beyond the two-knob layout of the original Mk II2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets output volume2 |
| Fuzz / Gain | Sets the amount of fuzz2 |
| Bias / Character | Adjusts the operating point of the third transistor, fine-tuning the fuzz from tighter and focused to softer and more compressed1 |
| Sag / Starve | Acts like a variable, fading battery, reducing the circuit voltage from 9V to 5V, moving from a firm, punchy response to a smoother, more yielding attack with natural compression1 |
| Mode / Voice | Two-position Vintage/Modern toggle2 |
The Sag control is the standout for players who like the dying-battery sound of old fuzzes: instead of an actual battery fading, you dial it in and back out at will1.
Vintage and Modern modes
The two-position toggle changes the feel and response of the pedal substantially1.
- Vintage: the raw, immediate response of a classic Mk II, maximizing direct guitar-to-circuit interaction for explosive attack3
- Modern: smooths out the input, introduces fuller low-end presence, and ensures seamless compatibility with buffers, wah pedals, and crowded boards3
In practice, Vintage mode suits a straightforward guitar-into-pedal-into-amp setup, while Modern mode is the setting to reach for if your board has a buffer or a wah in front of the fuzz3.
Power, bypass and practicalities
The Fuzzbox runs on standard 9V DC center-negative power with no battery provision, and uses relay-based true bypass switching1.
There is no battery slot, so a 9V DC center-negative supply is required. The Sag control only simulates a fading battery internally, dropping the circuit from 9V to 5V; it does not change the supply the pedal needs1.
SolidGoldFX covers the pedal with a limited three-year warranty against failure from defective parts or faulty workmanship, for the original owner, void if the pedal is modified, misused, or run from an improper power supply1.
Where it sits in the SolidGoldFX range
The Fuzzbox is one of several fuzzes in the Montreal company's lineup, which also includes the If 6 Was 9 (Fuzz Face-inspired), the 76 MKII (octave fuzz based on the Ibanez Standard Fuzz), the Imperial MKII, the Lysis (polyphonic octave fuzz), and the Spanish Castle Dual Fuzz. Among these, the Fuzzbox is the company's take on the Tone Bender Mk II specifically. For more on the effect type itself, see Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals
The Pedal Zone
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Questions
Does the SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox take a battery?
No. The Fuzzbox runs on standard 9V DC power with a center-negative plug, and SolidGoldFX states there is no battery provision. You will need a pedalboard power supply or a dedicated 9V DC adapter to use it.
Is the SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox true bypass?
Yes. SolidGoldFX specifies relay-based true bypass switching, so the pedal is removed from the signal path entirely when it is off.
What power supply does the SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox need?
The Fuzzbox needs a standard 9V DC center-negative supply. There is no battery option, so a power supply or daisy-chain output is required. Note that the Sag control simulates a fading battery by dropping the circuit voltage from 9V down to 5V internally.
Where is the SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox made?
SolidGoldFX designs and builds the Fuzzbox in Montreal, Canada, according to the maker's product page.
What is the difference between Vintage and Modern mode on the SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox?
Vintage mode delivers the raw, immediate response of a classic Mk II fuzz, maximizing direct guitar-to-circuit interaction for explosive attack. Modern mode smooths out the input, adds fuller low-end presence, and works better with wah pedals, buffers, and larger pedalboard setups.
How much does the SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox cost?
Guitar Pedal X reported a list price of $199 USD when the pedal was released in September 2026, with European pricing listed at €221 and £189.
Sources (3)
- FUZZBOX - BENDER FUZZ - SolidGoldFX, SolidGoldFX
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-09-15
- New Pedal: SolidGoldFX Fuzzbox, Delicious Audio, 2026-09-15
