In 1965 Gary Hurst (previously employed at VOX one of the largest amplifier manufacturers) created the Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1. This pedal was influenced by the Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz Tone but used three germanium transitors to get that gritty punch and sustain the Fuzz is known for.

The Tone Bender has had various iterations throughout years that inspired future circuits in this list . The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” displays the qualities this pedal is known for.