The Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz is a Benson Amps fuzz pedal, currently around $289. Close alternatives include the Zvex Vexter Series Fuzz Factory and the JHS Pedals JHS 1966 Italy Tone Bender. It pairs well with the Magnatone 280 and the Gibson Les Paul LP-1 Preamp.
Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz
Benson Amps · pedal
The Benson Amps STÖRKN B0kš is a limited-edition oscillating germanium fuzz pedal created in collaboration with guitarist and composer David Torn. An augmented version of the Benson Stonk Box, the STÖRKN adds more bass frequency content and a diode network in an oscillation path that produces sub tones, synthy filter sounds, and what Benson describes as the ability to ruin a perfectly good set with the press of a button. Uses NOS 2N404 or 2N527 germanium transistors with automatic thermal bias that gently warms the germanium to a preset operating point using analog components. Requires 2-3 minutes after power-on to sound correct. 9V DC only, no battery. 250 units worldwide. $289.
What stands out
“The automatic thermal bias circuit from Benson solves the classic germanium temperature instability problem, while the diode oscillation path adds a capability that standard germanium fuzzes simply do”
— from the reviews
“An augmented version of the Benson Stonk Box, the STÖRKN adds more bass frequency content and a diode network in an oscillation path that produces sub tones, synthy filter sounds, and what Benson describes as the ability to ruin a perfectly…”
— from the listing
“Standout strength: the diode network oscillation path producing synthy sub tones and filter sounds is a distinct capability that places it beyond standard germanium fuzz pedals into experimental synthesis territory”
— from the community notes
“Tone: wild germanium fuzz ranging from gnarly gated and crushing fuzz tones through sub tones and synthy filter sounds when the oscillation path is engaged; the thermal bias circuit ensures consistent germanium operating point across differ…”
— from the community notes
“Uses NOS 2N404 or 2N527 germanium transistors with automatic thermal bias that gently warms the germanium to a preset operating point using analog components”
— from the listing
Trade-offs
“the thermal bias circuit ensures consistent germanium operating point across different temperatures”
— from the community notes
- germanium
- filter
- sub
- diode
- germanium fuzz
- transistor
- stage
- experimental
Price updated Oct 24, 2026
Genres the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz is commonly used in
- Experimental
Amps that pair well with the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz
Magnatone 280
Magnatone
19% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor. (fuzzy → modulated)
Magnatone 280 layers modulated onto an already fuzzy signal
Comes later in the signal chain
Gibson Les Paul LP-1 Preamp
Gibson
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Gibson Les Paul LP-1 Preamp stacks modulated on top of the fuzzy already here
Magnatone 510
Magnatone
tonal matchComes later in the signal chain
Magnatone 510 stacks modulated on top of the fuzzy already here
Pedals that stack with the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz
Catalinbread STS-88
Catalinbread
21% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor. (fuzzy → modulated)
Put Catalinbread STS-88 after Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz in the signal chain, clear of Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz's own gain stage
Comes later in the signal chain
Walrus Audio Ages
Walrus Audio
19% matchgain stackingStacks two gain stages for more saturation than either produces alone. (fuzzy → clean boost)
Run fuzzy into Walrus Audio Ages for more clean boost on top
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Fender Blender
Fender
19% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor. (fuzzy → octave)
Fender Blender layers octave onto an already fuzzy signal
Walrus Audio Melee Wall of Noise Black
Walrus Audio
12% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor. (fuzzy → octave)
Run Walrus Audio Melee Wall of Noise Black after Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz in the signal chain, clear of Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz's own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Hungry Robot The Borderland
Hungry Robot
12% matchsits in the right chain slotPlaced for where it does its job cleanly in the chain, not for a tonal interaction with the anchor. (fuzzy → modulated)
Put Hungry Robot The Borderland after Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz in the signal chain, clear of Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz's own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Comes later in the signal chain
Jackson Audio Bloom V2 Compressor/EQ
Jackson Audio
10% matchshapes the dynamic responseShapes how the tone responds to picking dynamics rather than its frequency or gain.
Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz's own germanium character is the real reason this is worth trying
Comes earlier in the signal chain
Subdecay Octave Theory Octave Modulator Synthesizer
Subdecay
tonal matchComes earlier in the signal chain
Subdecay Octave Theory Octave Modulator Synthesizer goes in front of Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz — pitch tracking is cleanest before anything colours the note
EarthQuaker Devices Swiss Things
EarthQuaker Devices
Cheaper alternatives
Benson Amps Stonk BOX
Benson Amps
61% similarity“An augmented version of the Benson Stonk Box, the STÖRKN adds more bass frequency content and a diode network in an oscillation path”
Dunlop Fuzz Face Mini Germanium
Dunlop
60% similarityShared character: noise, fuzz
ZVEX Fuzz Factory
Zvex
57% similarityShared character: noise, fuzz
EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Germanium
EarthQuaker Devices
56% similarityShared character: fuzz
Benson Amps Stonk Box Automatic Thermal Bias Fuzz
Benson Amps
56% similarityShared character: filter
Beetronics Abelha
Beetronics
55% similarityShared character: filter, fuzz
Similar charactersee all similar tone character →
Zvex Vexter Series Fuzz Factory
pedal
60% similarityShared character: noise, fuzz
JHS Pedals JHS 1966 Italy Tone Bender
JHS Pedals
58% similaritySimilar voicing: germanium, fuzzy
Crazy Tube Circuits Constellation Germanium Fuzz/Booster
Crazy Tube Circuits
57% similarityShared character: live performances, noise, fuzz
Dunlop Joe Bonamassa Fuzz Face JB-F3 Copper Top
Dunlop
54% similarityShared character: fuzz
Crazy Tube Circuits Constellation OC41
Crazy Tube Circuits
53% similarityShared character: fuzz
JHS Fuzz Mary-K
JHS Pedals
52% similarityShared character: stage
See all alternatives to the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz?+
The closest matches in character are the Zvex Vexter Series Fuzz Factory, the JHS Pedals JHS 1966 Italy Tone Bender, the Crazy Tube Circuits Constellation Germanium Fuzz/Booster. Budget picks: Benson Amps Stonk BOX, Dunlop Fuzz Face Mini Germanium, ZVEX Fuzz Factory.
What pairs well with the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Magnatone 280, Gibson Les Paul LP-1 Preamp, Magnatone 510 — Magnatone 280 layers modulated onto an already fuzzy signal.
How much does the Benson Amps STÖRKN Fuzz cost?+
Around $289 (live listing price, updated Oct 24, 2026).