Benadrian Kowloon Walled Bunny (KWB) Distortion
The Benadrian Kowloon Walled Bunny (KWB) Distortion is a boutique pedal designed by Ben Adrian in collaboration with Scott Evans of the band Kowloon Walled City. Introduced in the early 2000s, the KWB was inspired by a broken MXR Distortion+ pedal that Evans preferred for its unique sound. Adrian reverse-engineered and refined the circuit, adding innovative features for tonal flexibility. The result is a versatile distortion pedal that offers a balance of raw grit and smooth overdrive, tailored for heavy, dynamic rock tones.
History and Design
- Origins: The KWB was born out of Evans' discovery that his favorite MXR Distortion+ pedal had a broken clipping diode, which gave it a distinctive sound. Adrian designed the KWB to replicate and expand on this "broken" tone, incorporating larger coupling capacitors for enhanced low-end response and socketed diodes for user-configurable clipping.
- Features: The standout feature of the KWB is its Clip knob, which adjusts the degree of "broken-ness" in the clipping circuit, offering a wide range of textures from smooth overdrive to gritty distortion. It also uses high-quality components to ensure clarity and dynamic response.
- Limited Production: Adrian built only a small number of these pedals, making them rare and highly sought after. A digital model of the KWB was later included in Line 6's Helix platform.
Popular Settings
- Classic Rock Distortion: Clip knob at noon, Gain at 11 o'clock, Level slightly above unity. Produces balanced distortion with rich harmonics.
- Heavy Rhythm: Clip knob at 2 o'clock, Gain at 1 o'clock, Level boosted. Delivers tight low-end with aggressive mids.
- Fuzzy Lead: Clip knob maxed out, Gain at 3 o'clock, Level adjusted for output. Creates thick, saturated tones with a fuzzy edge.
Notable Players
- Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City): The pedal was custom-built for Evans and has been integral to his guitar tone in both live and studio settings.
- Russell Hall (United Sons of Toil): Early inspiration for the pedal's design due to his use of similar circuits like the Ross Distortion.
Legacy
The Benadrian Kowloon Walled Bunny Distortion stands out as a creative reimagining of classic distortion circuits, blending vintage-inspired tones with modern versatility. Its association with Kowloon Walled City and its rarity have made it a cult favorite among fans of heavy, experimental rock music. The inclusion of its digital model in Line 6's Helix has ensured its influence extends beyond its limited physical production.