Deimos

Aion FX from Des Moines, IA has helped guitarists build studio-quality effects since 2011. Their germanium fuzz PCBs include extensive biasing guidance for this temperamental circuit topology.

The Deimos recreates the Sola Sound Tone Bender Professional Mk. II (1966), produced by Macaris in London. This version added a single-transistor boost/buffer stage compared to earlier Tone Benders, distinguishing it from Fuzz Face-style circuits it superficially resembles.

Page, Clapton, and Beck all used Tone Benders to define the British blues-rock sound. The three-transistor germanium circuit delivers thick, creamy fuzz with superb touch sensitivity. Temperature-sensitive germanium transistors make these pedals finicky, but the Aion PCB includes detailed biasing instructions and component selection guidance.