[Keyboardist Gakushi’s Review] Warm Audio Warm Bender Sound In-Depth Review

Introduction

This time, I will be taking a deep dive into reviewing Warm Audio’s new fuzz pedal: the Warm Bender!
While it’s a modern recreation of the legendary Tone Bender, how does it actually sound? How user-friendly is it?
In this review, we’ll explore its tonal character and usability, plus compare it with other fuzz pedals to help keyboard players decide whether this is the right addition to their setup.

Basic Info & Specifications

• Product Name: Warm Audio Warm Bender
• Manufacturer: Warm Audio
• Effect Type: Fuzz (3-mode switchable)
• Release Period: Around 2023–2024
• Price Range: Approx. ¥29,800
• Key Features:
  • Equipped with NOS Germanium transistors (OC76 + SFT337 / 3×OC75)
  • 3-way mode selector: NOS 76 (based on Sola Sound Tone Bender MkII),NOS 75 (3×OC75 for vintage MkI tones),Silicon (more stable modern fuzz)
  • “SAG” voltage drop switch to simulate dying battery behavior for vintage feel
  • True bypass, compatible with 9V battery or center-negative power supply

Impressions After Trying It Out (Sound Edition)

● NOS75 (MkII Mode)

• Delivers a warm, thick low-end and violin-like sustain that’s perfect for heavy distortion tones in glam rock to early proto-metal styles.
• Ideal for expressive lead parts, like the iconic fuzz on Dazed and Confused.

● NOS76 (MkI Mode)

• Lower gain with touch-sensitive dynamics that feel closer to a vintage drive pedal.
• More nuanced and articulate, making it a great match for single-coil pickups and volume knob techniques.

● Silicon Mode

• Produces a brighter, more modern-sounding fuzz with the sharp attack and bold presence that’s typical of silicon transistors.
• Activating the “SAG” switch introduces a deliberate, vintage-style voltage sag that adds quirky modulation, which is perfect for experimental sound design.

Usability & Operation

• The controls are refreshingly simple: just two main knobs—Attack (gain) and Level (volume)—plus a Version selector switch that’s easy and intuitive for players of all levels.
• The “SAG” switch that’s located toward the back of the pedal is a bit tricky to hit with your foot mid-performance, but it enables rare, vintage-style tonal quirks that are genuinely fun to explore.
• Compact 2/3-sized enclosure saves pedalboard space. One downside: changing the battery requires a screwdriver, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Comparison with Other Pedals

• Compared to Klone-style drives or other fuzzes, the wild, vintage character rooted in the Tone Bender legacy gives the Warm Bender a unique sonic identity.
• Against Tone Bender MkII clones, this pedal shines by offering both germanium and silicon modes that greatly expand the tonal range. This makes it more versatile without compromising the vintage essence.

Who is it recommended for?

• Those who want to easily achieve vintage Tone Bender sounds
• Those who want to switch between MkI, MkII, and modern silicon fuzz tones with a single pedal
• Those who prefer to keep their pedalboard compact

Videos

Using the Warm Audio WARM BENDER, I recorded demo videos with a Clavinet and Moog Little Phatty.

■ Warm Bender+Clavinet

■ Warm Bender+moog LittlePhatty

Summary & Final Thoughts

The Warm Bender packs the essence of the classic Tone Bender fuzz into three selectable modes, making it its greatest strength.
Its price point is also appealing, and for keyboardists who want to access a variety of fuzz tones in one unit, this pedal is an excellent choice.
It covers a wide sonic range that’s suitable for Funk, R&B, and Rock styles.
If you're specifically looking for a mid- to high-gain fuzz, this should definitely be on your shortlist.

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