The Catalinbread Katzenkonig, part of the Starcrash '70s Collection, is a fuzz/distortion pedal designed for replicating iconic rock tones from the 1970s. Built around a circuit based on the Tone Bender MKII, the Katzenkonig delivers everything from mild overdrive to searing distortion. With controls for volume, filter and sustain, you can shape your tone from articulate and defined to saturated distortion with endless sustain. Power it with 9 to 18 volts for different sonic flavors that retain touch sensitivity. Whether you play humbuckers or single coils, the Katzenkonig has the gain and tone-sculpting ability to inspire your vintage rock dreams.

Authentic '70s Fuzz Foundation

The Katzenkonig's circuit takes inspiration from the Tone Bender MKII, used by iconic rock guitarists of the '70s to forge memorable tones. Its three transistors provide progressively dirtier levels of gain, just like the original. The filter control, however, gives you more tone-shaping possibilities than a standard Tone Bender. Roll off highs for a wooly fuzz or boost treble for searing distortion. The sustain knob increases gain and compression, enabling endless sustain at maximum settings. This is '70s-style fuzz with modern flexibility.

Touch-Sensitive Performance

Despite its high-gain and sustain capabilities, the Katzenkonig retains excellent touch sensitivity and playing dynamics. Notes still bloom and decay naturally based on your picking intensity and volume knob adjustments. Single coils or humbuckers, the Katzenkonig responds fluidly to your playing style. And by powering the pedal at 9 or 18 volts, you can choose between two distinct feels. At 9V, the response is softer and spongier; at 18V, it's louder and firmer. Find the power setting that inspires you.

Dial in the Perfect Rock Tone

With just three controls—volume, filter and sustain—dialing in your ideal vintage rock tone is simple. Start with sustain at minimum for overdrive, then increase for progressively higher gain stages. Use the filter to shape tone from dark and bassy to bright and trebly. And use the volume control to balance the Katzenkonig's output with your amp. Whether you want the tone of early hard rock, prog, glam or proto-metal, the Katzenkonig delivers. Its dynamic, touch-sensitive performance means every guitar and playing nuance comes through, letting your personal style shine through.