Pre-Owned Benson Stonk Box

The Benson Stonk Box: Vintage Germanium Fuzz Without the Vintage Headaches

Classic MK1 Germanium Fuzz Tone

The Benson Stonk Box takes the snarling, aggressive character of an early 1960s MK1 style fuzz and gives it a thoroughly modern attitude. There's something wonderfully unruly about vintage germanium fuzz, with its raw harmonic complexity, explosive attack, and wonderfully ragged sustain. The Stonk Box captures that personality while addressing one of the biggest frustrations of traditional germanium circuits: their tendency to change character with temperature. The result is a fuzz that delivers vintage inspired grit without demanding vintage levels of patience.

Automatic Thermal Bias Technology

Germanium transistors are notoriously sensitive to temperature, and that can make a great sounding fuzz frustratingly inconsistent. Benson tackles this problem with its Automatic Thermal Bias Technology, which gently warms the transistors to maintain their intended operating point. An amber LED indicates that the circuit is warming, while green signals that the proper bias has been reached. It's an ingenious solution that lets the Stonk Box retain the wonderfully unpredictable sonic character of vintage fuzz while making its actual operation considerably more predictable.

Four Interactive Fuzz Controls

The Stonk Box expands on the original MK1 circuit with four controls that offer considerably more flexibility than its vintage inspiration. Filter adjusts the gain and bias of the first stage, reducing low frequencies and introducing a gating effect as it's turned down. Trim adjusts the signal hitting the first two germanium transistors, allowing everything from restrained fuzz textures to the full intensity of a traditional MK1 when turned all the way up. Tone shapes the high frequency response, balancing cutting attack against the circuit's substantial body, while Volume provides plenty of output to push an amplifier. The interaction between Filter and Trim is particularly interesting, opening up a broad range of fuzz textures and dynamic responses.

Modern Pedalboard Compatibility

Unlike many vintage germanium fuzz designs, the Stonk Box isn't particularly fussy about where it sits in your signal chain. Its buffer compatibility and flexible pedal placement make it much easier to integrate into a modern pedalboard without rearranging everything else to accommodate it. Standard 9 volt center negative power compatibility further simplifies things. It's a thoughtful combination of old school sonic personality and contemporary practicality, allowing players to concentrate on finding great sounds rather than troubleshooting their signal chain.

Pre-Owned Benson Stonk Box Condition

This pre-owned Benson Stonk Box is in its original, unmodified configuration and exhibits light cosmetic wear consistent with regular use. All cosmetic wear is documented in the photoset. The original manufacturing year is unknown. The pedal includes its box, but a power supply is not included. For anyone looking to explore the distinctive voice of vintage germanium fuzz with the convenience of modern temperature regulation, this Stonk Box offers a compelling combination of character and control.

Specifications

• Brand: Benson Amps

• Model: Stonk Box

• Effect Type: Germanium Fuzz

• Circuit Inspiration: Early 1960s MK1 Style Fuzz

• Transistors: Germanium

• Bias Regulation: Automatic Thermal Bias Technology

• Controls: Filter, Volume, Tone, Trim

• Filter Control: Adjusts First Stage Gain and Bias

• Trim Control: Adjusts Input Gain to First Two Germanium Transistors

• Tone Control: Lowpass Filter

• Volume Control: Output Level

• Status Indicator: Amber and Green LED

• Buffer Compatibility: Yes

• Pedal Order Compatibility: Flexible Placement

• Power Requirements: 9 Volt DC, Center Negative

• Condition: Pre-Owned

• Manufacturing Year: Unknown

• Modifications: None, All Original

• Cosmetic Condition: Light Wear Consistent With Regular Use

• Included Accessories: Box

• Power Supply Included: No

This item is at Five Star Guitars on consignment. As a result, all sales are final.

This effects pedal ships fully insured with signature required.