Vox Tone Bender V828 - UK c.1960s

Here is a rare late-1960s Vox Tone Bender V828 fuzz pedal, serial number 1568004, housed in the iconic wedge-shaped grey hammerite enclosure that has become one of the most recognisable designs in vintage effects history. Built in England by Sola Sound for Vox, this is the sought-after two-transistor Germanium version closely related to the Mk1.5 and Mk2 Tone Bender circuits, and widely regarded as a direct ancestor of the legendary Arbiter Fuzz Face.

This example retains its original “VOX TONE BENDER” script badge along with the classic blue-grey chassis and rubber tread design. It is fitted with its original black control knobs and traditional side-mounted input and output jack configuration, preserving the authentic look and feel of these early British fuzz units.

Tonally, this pedal delivers the unmistakable sound that defined much of the late 1960s British rock scene—raw, dynamic, and gloriously unpredictable in the best possible way. The Germanium transistor circuit produces thick, saturated fuzz with rich harmonic texture, exceptional clean-up from the guitar volume control, and the slightly unstable edge that gives vintage fuzz pedals their unique personality and musical responsiveness.

Specifications: 

Year: Late 1960s
Country: England
Model: Vox Tone Bender V828
Serial #: 1568004
Type: Vintage germanium fuzz pedal
Circuit: Two-transistor Germanium design made by Sola Sound for Vox; closely related to the Mk1.5/Mk2 Tone Bender and early Arbiter Fuzz Face circuits
Enclosure: Iconic wedge-shaped grey hammerite chassis with blue/grey finish and rubber tread
Controls/Hardware: Original “VOX TONE BENDER” script plate, original black knobs, side-mounted input/output jack layout
Tone: Raw, highly responsive vintage fuzz with unstable germanium character, rich sustain, and dynamic cleanup typical of classic British fuzz circuits
Condition: Worn but good condition with cosmetic scuffs and age-related playwear; enclosure remains solid and logo plate still legible