The Tone Cloud Tone Snifter is a fuzz pedal hand-wired in Melbourne, Australia, and inspired by the VOX Tone Bender fuzz, specifically the Italian version of that circuit. Where the vintage originals were typically two-transistor germanium fuzzes, the Tone Snifter runs on two silicon transistors, which Tone Cloud says keeps the tone stable in all atmospheric temperatures and removes the need for further biasing. Paolo De Gregorio, writing on Delicious Audio, describes the Italian Tone Benders as "a precursor to the Fuzz Face", with a sound distinct from the UK version of the circuit1.
Where the circuit comes from
The VOX Tone Bender is one of the classic fuzz designs, and the Italian-built version that inspired the Tone Snifter was typically a two-transistor germanium fuzz. Tone Cloud's take keeps the two-transistor layout but substitutes silicon, and builds the pedal with through-hole components wired point to point rather than a printed circuit board1. On the original Wooden Case Tone Bender models, players got level and bias controls to "tune in their perfect fuzz tone", as the British Pedal Company's history of the circuit puts it2. The silicon approach in the Tone Snifter does away with the biasing that germanium versions demand.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Filter knob | Acts as a high-pass filter with a beefy bass response at 100%; rolling it back filters out the bass for a more vintage vibe1 |
| Depth switch | A 3-position toggle delivering three different voices1 |
| Level and bias (on the original Wooden Case Tone Benders) | Lets the user tune in their fuzz tone2 |
The Depth switch is the pedal's main voice selector. Position one is the basic two-transistor fuzz circuit. Position two stacks the circuit with an extra gain stage, which De Gregorio says "adds an extra grunty gain stage with more sustain and fuzz grain". Position three is a vintage setting with extra presence and volume; the output is significantly louder in this setting1.
Power and battery life
The Tone Snifter runs on either a wall wart power supply or a 9V battery1.
To preserve battery life, unplug your instrument cable from the input when you are not using the pedal. Tone Cloud notes that although the Snifter can produce some pretty cool sounds with a dying battery, a fresh 9V produces the optimal signal-to-noise ratio with full fuzz and sustain1.
Videos
Tone Cloud Effects
Tone Cloud Effects
Tone Cloud Effects
Questions
Does the Tone Cloud Tone Snifter use germanium or silicon transistors?
The Tone Snifter is driven by two silicon transistors. The original Italian Tone Bender circuits it draws on typically used germanium transistors, but Tone Cloud swapped in silicon for tonal stability in all atmospheric temperatures, which also means the pedal needs no further biasing to stay in tune with the weather.
Is the Tone Snifter true bypass?
Yes. According to Delicious Audio, the Tone Snifter is wired in true bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar signal passes to your amp without going through the fuzz circuit.
Does the Tone Snifter need biasing?
No. Because it uses silicon transistors rather than the germanium types found in the vintage Italian Tone Bender circuits, Tone Cloud says the pedal is tonally stable in all atmospheric temperatures and needs no further biasing.
What does the Depth switch do on the Tone Snifter?
The Depth switch is a three-position toggle that delivers three different voices: the basic two-transistor fuzz circuit, a modded version stacked with an extra grunty gain stage for more sustain and fuzz grain, and a vintage setting with extra presence and a significantly louder output.
Where is the Tone Snifter made?
The Tone Snifter is hand-wired in Melbourne, Australia, using through-hole, higher quality components wired point to point.
How do I save battery life on the Tone Snifter?
Unplug your instrument cable from the input when you are not playing the pedal. That disconnects the battery. A fresh 9V battery also produces the optimal signal-to-noise ratio with full fuzz and sustain.
Sources (2)
- Tone Cloud Tone Snifter Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2022-05-10
- Tone Bender History, britishpedalcompany.com
