TROUBADOUR MKI

Heres my faithful recreation of the iconic MkI Tonebender*, originally released in 1965. The Troubadour MkI resurrects the legendary tones that spearheaded an era of innovation in British music. It is manufactured using the construction methods found in original units, point-to-point components populated on hand cut, drilled & finished phenolic board, albeit with some subtle modifications to increase circuit rigidity and overall reliability. From crumbly, gated & artefact laden tones to raucous, gritty and harmonically complex fuzz, the Troubadour encompasses all that gives the Mk1 Tonebender* its legendary status. With tuning cues broad enough to allow for a dose of builders interpretation, my aim is to preserve the essence of originality, while enhancing the circuits performance for today's discerning players. Circuits will feature a curated selection of components chosen for both reliability and aesthetics. Transistors employed may vary from build to build, encompassing options such as OC71, OC73, OC75, OC76, 2G3** varieties, AC113, CV7*** varieties, and more. I meticulously test and audition each component to ensure its compatibility with the circuit. Rest assured, the writing on the transistor holds little significance in terms of its sonic performance. However, recognizing the allure of certain "mojo" parts, if you have specific requests for components, please feel free to mention them when reaching out to me. The Troubadour MkI is built using a Sheffield Steel Wedge Enclosure, made in the UK. The top section finished in house in a classic gold hammered paint & screen printed. The rear casing & battery window finished in a hard waring satin black powder coat. Custom finishes are available on request. Units are fitted with top quality hardware such as Carling foot switches, 24mm Alpha Pots, Neutrik Jacks & Shielded wire. Prices from £450. Keep an eye on my Instagram feed for upcoming batch releases. *Tonebender is a registered trademark of Sola Sound, London.