Welcome back! In this episode of Golden Age of Gear, we dive deep into one of the most polarizing fuzz pedals out there – the Zonk Machine. Joe and Derek explore the raw, gated glory of this vintage fuzz, famously revived in popularity by Doyle Bramhall.
We compare an original Zonk Machine (on loan from our buddy at Dominion Fuzz) with a vintage-modded clone from Zero Amplification. What makes this pedal so unique? Is it truly a Tone Bender Mk I clone? Does it actually sound good through a clean amp? Does anyone really know who used to own this thing?
From nerding out over transistor biasing to laughing about the internet's fuzz obsession, we unpack what makes the Zonk such a misunderstood gem. Plus, we talk tone evolution, stacking fuzz, and the ever-elusive quest for that perfect lead tone.