What is it?
Mars-Tronic is the brainchild of Ben Marshall, a young gent I first encountered when I was writing about his nifty Treblemaker variable treble bleed circuit on PJD Guitars’ first run of Apprentice models.
Working with PJD on a custom build last year, I’d specified an active level boost and the team commissioned Ben to sort that out, too. Called the Deci-Boost, that add-on should be a part of the Mars-Tronic line-up later on this year.
In the meantime, Ben’s latest lil’ circuit is this Perfecto Clean Switch. “Developed in partnership with legendary guitarist Perfecto de Castro,” says the website, “this circuit ensures a seamless transition to a cleaner sound without sacrificing clarity or dynamics.”
Basically, it allows you to dial in a reduced volume setting, and switch between that and your full output. You might be thinking, “Why on earth do you need a switch to turn your guitar down – and with it perhaps clean up your amp sound – when we already have that good old volume control?”
Well, Perfecto’s idea is pretty valid: finding that perfect rolled-back volume level isn’t always easy, so why not have a switch as well?
Basically, it allows you to dial in a reduced volume setting, and switch between that and your full output
And that’s only one part of the Clean Switch’s capabilities. It also includes that variable Treblemaker circuit, so you can subtly tailor the notched-back sound. The standard Clean Switch, with mini-switch, has a pre-wired 1nF capacitor, and both series and parallel placed variable resistors.
The Pro version has six capacitors to experiment with, but you’ll need to wire it to a switch or a pull/push switched pot; the Standard version’s switch is going to need a hole.
Usability and sounds
To listen to the circuit, I pulled out an old Dean Leslie West Signature that we last used to discuss the DiMarzio Super Distortion/Dual Sound, which seems like a good pickup to clean up.
Placing the new circuit in the larger tone control hole (you’ll need a couple of larger washers, but it’s doable) and just a volume with the DiMarzio wired as a series humbucker, we’re good to go.
As I said, the circuit board is small, and the volume, series and parallel resistor trim pots and the three micro-switches (to select parallel, series or both placement of the resistors in the circuit) are very small, although the kit does come with a micro-sized screwdriver.
So bear in mind that you might need some reading glasses, too, although it’s not the sort of thing you’d want to constantly fiddle with. Once set, you’d leave it alone.
Verdict
It certainly works, providing that switchable ‘clean’ tone instantly, instead of rolling back your volume control in search of the sweet spot.
Of course, you can set up your amp so the ‘clean’ tone is a little crunchy, then when you flick the switch the full output sounds like a level boost.
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Guitar World verdict: So if you like tinkering with your tone, then these considered and flexible little circuits might well help your endeavours. Keep an eye on Mars‑Tronic!
Specs
Product: Mars-Tronic Perfecto Clean Switch
Cost: £25
Origin: Designed in UK; made in China
Type: Pre-set volume reduction with variable treble bleed circuit. Includes board‑mounted mini-switch, pre-wired 1nF capacitor, variable volume, series and parallel resistor value (10k to 500k)
Options: Perfecto Clean Switch Pro (also £25) includes 6 capacitors (470pF to 1.5nF) for the treble bleed circuit but no switch
Skill level: Only requires basic soldering and somewhere to mount on your guitar
Contact: Mars-Tronic
