Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $215

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

This pedal needs no introduction. If you've been a long-time fan of Bjorn Juhl (BJF/BJFe) then you know that this is one of his best creations. The Honey Bee Overdrive is renown for it's warm overdrive crunch which is easily adjustable by a twist of a knob. Over the years, there have been several revisions of this sought-after pedal. We are proud to announce that this version from One Control, is the best version yet, as it contains all the revisions and improvements from previous models.

Product specs

Brand One Control
Model Honey Bee Overdrive
Finish Gold
Year 2010s
Made In Japan
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the One Control Honey Bee Overdrive?

The One Control Honey Bee Overdrive is known for its warm, natural overdrive reminiscent of classic tube amps, offering a dynamic response that works well for blues and classic rock tones.

Is the One Control Honey Bee Overdrive suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?

Yes, the Honey Bee Overdrive provides a versatile range of overdrive tones that can enhance both rhythm and lead guitar parts, offering clarity and sustain.

How does the One Control Honey Bee Overdrive interact with other pedals in a signal chain?

The Honey Bee Overdrive is designed to stack well with other pedals, maintaining clarity and enhancing the overall tonal palette without overpowering other effects.

What power supply does the One Control Honey Bee Overdrive require?

The One Control Honey Bee Overdrive requires a standard 9V DC power supply, typical for most guitar effects pedals.

Does the One Control Honey Bee Overdrive work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Honey Bee Overdrive is compatible with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering distinct tonal characteristics that complement each pickup type.

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

One Control Honey Bee OD

Video thumbnail for One Control Honey Bee OD by Mike Hermans

One Control Honey Bee OD

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for One Control Honey Bee - demo by Hans Johansson by Hans Johansson

One Control Honey Bee - demo by Hans Johansson

Hans Johansson

Hans Johansson

Video thumbnail for Honey Bee OD Overdrive || One Control Wednesday by JayLeonardJ

Honey Bee OD Overdrive || One Control Wednesday

JayLeonardJ

JayLeonardJ

Video thumbnail for One Control Honey Bee Overdrive Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

One Control Honey Bee Overdrive Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for One Control Honey Bee Overdrive - BJFE Design by Visual Guy

One Control Honey Bee Overdrive - BJFE Design

Visual Guy

Visual Guy

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates cranked Supro sound effectively

  • Pairs well with certain amps, like Pro Junior

  • Versatile with instruments, great on bass

  • Nature knob offers broad tonal range

  • Can operate at 12v for increased headroom

  • Solid construction and durability

  • Provides clear, warm crunch

CONS

  • Limited range with some guitar and amp combinations

  • May not satisfy those seeking high gain

  • Not ideal for dark, dirty sounding amps

  • Gain might be too low for some preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about One Control Honey Bee Overdrive.

Features and functionality

  • The pedal's articulation and dynamics are heavily influenced by pick attack, similar to the response of a Fuzz Face or Boss Blues Driver.

    Source
  • The switch allows toggling between the original circuit and a higher gain mode, maintaining the tonality.

    Source
  • The pedal delivers a warm, saggy thickness to lower notes when the bass knob is fully dialed up, enhancing its tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The pedal's drive response is highly sensitive to picking attack, increasing in aggression with harder string strikes, and is recommended as the last in a drive stack.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving Neil Young-like tones, particularly when stacked with a Warm Bender for songs like "Cinnamon Girl."

    Source
  • Built to emulate the sound of an overdriven small Supro amp, it's particularly suitable for vintage American amp tones.

    Source
  • Recommended for stacking with other overdrives like the Tumnus or Tubescreamer for extra gain.

    Source
  • Functions effectively as an "amp-in-a-box," providing low to medium gain drive that mimics a cranked Supro speaker sound, ideal for edge-of-breakup tones.

    Source
  • The One Control Honey Bee can achieve classic rock tones and even verge into fuzz territory with the gain dialed up and the tone set below 9.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Noted as a unique alternative to the Boss BD-2, providing vintage amp saturation and dynamics.

    Source
  • Users suggest the Walrus 385 and JHS Superbolt for a more pronounced Supro sag sound, offering alternatives for those seeking different tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The Bearfoot Honey Bee is noted for having an extra knob, suggesting potential differences in tonal control compared to the One Control version.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate its small footprint and aesthetics, with many preferring this mini version for its compact size.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some concerns about the robustness of the mini version exist, with users considering the Bearfoot FX edition for its sturdier build.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Quick Hit: One Control Honey Bee Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The One Control Honey Bee Overdrive offers a rich palette of tones and an engaging versatility that can elevate your sound. Its vintage and modern modes provide players with a spectrum of overdrive options, seamlessly enhancing your guitar's natural voice. However, while it shines at lower gain settings, cranking up the gain can lead to a loss of dynamic range and clarity. Priced at $219, it’s an investment that promises quality, but those seeking high-gain performance might want to explore alternatives. Overall, a compelling choice for players hunting for character in their overdrive.

positive

One Control Honey Bee Overdrive - Effects - Harmony Central

harmonycentral.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

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