Tell me more about the "Sweet Honey OD"

[frankiestarr]

Iv'e read a little here about it. The youtube clip with the Les paul is stunning. Never heard these kind of variations with the light/hard picking. I have the BJFE Honey Bee, and find it a little edgy, and lacking a little bottom. Actually, it doesn't seem to sound like the Les Paul demo at all.
Do you think the Sweet Honey would suit me??? Thanks.:crazy

[cedjazz]

HBOD lacking bottom? what's your setup? I've found that the HBOD, when set CCW, offers much bottom.... sometime too much depending one the speaker used.

[frankiestarr]

Usually Fender amps, PRS or Gibsons. Mine doesn't sound as smooth as some of the clips I heard on the internet. Has anyone tried more then one HBOD? Do they vary from one to the other? Mine is pretty recent, a year or two old.
Please tell me more about the Sweet Honey too ! Thanks.

[frankiestarr]

Nobody ? Geeezzzzz...

[pete james]

There are a lot of threads here about the Sweet Honey OD.

Do a search......

But,in my case,I don`t use the HBOD as an overdrive per say...I use it as a general overall tone enhancing/thickening pedal that I put BEFORE my other overdrives.For me,works a treat that way!

The Sweet Honey is more of a stand alone overdrive pedal...its not a distortion monster though!Sweet and smooth(ish!)lol.......

Hope that helps ya a bit...:drink

[ianb]

I just picked one up the other day, and I'm still experimenting.

It is without a doubt the most dynamic overdrive I have ever played, from clean to pretty raunchy controlled just with picking dynamics. I am presently comparing it to and stacking it with: MP LGW, Timmy, DLS, and NOC3 Pure Drive, in various order and combinations.

I really like the SHOD's distortion characteristics, pretty smooth, but I'm not quite sure yet about the midrange voicing, which is thick but also a little edgy. The bottom end is fine, compares favorably to the DLS. The Sweet Honey, like all the MP pedals I have tried, is somehow very warm, musical and expressive.

I tried to stack the SHOD with my beloved MP Little Green Wonder, which is my main OD at present, but that gives a lot of midrange. I think I like it better on it's own or running through my Timmy, a more open sound that way.

But, depending on amp and guitar, I do feel it is an excellent pedal. I'll report back after some more time with it.

[BuddyGuit]

I played through one for a second time at a friends house last night. I REALLY liked it! I liked the touch sensitivity of it, the sound of the hair and the way the darn thing felt.

As a point of reference right now on my board I'm using (in order) an RC Boost, Zen Drive, BB Preamp and OCD v4 into other stuff. They do fine for different jobs. By the way I also have an AC Boost, modded TS9, Keeley Blues Driver, GT-500, 80's small box Rat and a Danelectro Grilled Cheese. But the SHOD has such a different and (agreeable to me) touch sensitivity and feel that I am really thinking of getting one. The knobs seem very sensitive to small adjustments.

As I think about it I think the pedal approaches (In my mind and fingers) the Larry Carlton touch to sound thing if you know what I mean. I know that was vague.

If it matters when I horsed around with it at my friends I used my G&L ASAT Classic w/ middle pickup added through his board into his Gries 20. Don't know the speaker.

My opinion. You might hate it.

[frankiestarr]

Thanks for the input. I heard a clip comparing the Sweet Honey to the Honey Bee here, they sounded real close. But the youtube vid with the Les Paul sounded so much differant then my Honey Bee.

[Bobby D]

for me, after doing some testing, it sounds more like a tube screamer that has NO MID HUMP, keeps your bass intact, and also has some high end "zing" that is nice and stringy.

doesn't sound or feel like a honeybee :love:

but has a sound all it's own, that i do indeed enjoy with a strat.

[ianb]

for me, after doing some testing, it sounds more like a tube screamer that has NO MID HUMP, keeps your bass intact, and also has some high end "zing" that is nice and stringy.

doesn't sound or feel like a honeybee :love:

but has a sound all it's own, that i do indeed enjoy with a strat.

I wouldn't go so far as to say no mid hump at all, but certainly much less or rather different mids than a TS. The mids it does add are lower and higher, not nasally mid-mids....... very nice!

[frankiestarr]

Thanks everyone. I bit the bullet, and ordered one. I wish they were cheaper ! $314 ! Ouch !

[Bobby D]

here's a little something to hold you over until you get it :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3SlHY6LigQ

[dudinka]

I think the SHOD is a great musical tool.
I can count on it as an "always on" pedal.
it sweetens the tone a bit, little mids and some sparkle.
when I hit it - it gets very angry in a good way.
haven't played it with a strat yet.
it stacks well with the DLS and KILLS with the screwdriver.

I'm gonna stack it soon with the timmy, LGW, MRD and...FRF...!

[voojo]

here's a little something to hold you over until you get it :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3SlHY6LigQ

Sounds just great Bobby D! Both the Sweet Honey and the Little Green Wonder. Stacked they sound just killer!

[Bobby D]

Sounds just great Bobby D! Both the Sweet Honey and the Little Green Wonder. Stacked they sound just killer!

thank you! bjorn has told me he thought the LGW into the SHOD would be "interesting" -- heh -- he was RIGHT.......with the LGW, it brings a lot more MIDS into the tone, and makes it pretty darn HEAVY if you want.

i'm still experimenting with the SHOD, like it so far. i was just really tired of the standard mid heavy tube screamer sound, and wanted something with more "zing", less mid bump, and retains the bass. the SHOD does all that!

[Craise]

diggin da videos bobby d!
nice tonez!

[ianb]

Sounds just great Bobby D! Both the Sweet Honey and the Little Green Wonder. Stacked they sound just killer!

Yep, sure do! One of the best stacks I have ever heard...

[Bobby D]

diggin da videos bobby d!
nice tonez!

thank you guys....that sweet amp of George's helped a little. DAMN those MP and BJF pedals sound GREAT thru a 100 watt 4x12 rig! :Devil

[bilbal]

Bobby that video is killer. The SHOD is next man. I need one of those bad boys.

Kind of a bizarre question for ya...

How do you think it would be with a slightly driven front end, say for instance, my SLO in crunch mode with the pre around noon? Any speculation as to what that might give me?

[BuddyGuit]

Hey frankiestarr,

I'm hoping you'll post your opinion of the pedal when you've messed with it awhile.

[Bobby D]

Bobby that video is killer. The SHOD is next man. I need one of those bad boys.

Kind of a bizarre question for ya...

How do you think it would be with a slightly driven front end, say for instance, my SLO in crunch mode with the pre around noon? Any speculation as to what that might give me?

i think so! set shod to lower gain, use it as boost, and "zing", and i think you will be happy :stir

[dudinka]

I've just used my SHOD with the MRD. killer!
the SHOD focused it, made it scream!
like pouring some honey over the MRD...
AND - it keeps the bass tight and present.

I also stacked the MRD with the DLS, similar effect but crunchier and less "sweet".

[CaseyI]

I saw that SHOD in the empourium and was shocked to see factory finish flaws. I mean, if this pedal costs $300 for $20 worth of parts you figure the paint should be perfect at least. I'm sure it sounds beautiful but I was just suprised.

[frankiestarr]

Hey frankiestarr,

I'm hoping you'll post your opinion of the pedal when you've messed with it awhile.

I'll try to do that ! I'm over due for some guitar vids ! :rockin

[frankiestarr]

Hey Bobby D

Can you tell us more details on how the original Honey Bee and the Sweet Honey differ ??

[ianb]

Bobby that video is killer. The SHOD is next man. I need one of those bad boys.

Kind of a bizarre question for ya...

How do you think it would be with a slightly driven front end, say for instance, my SLO in crunch mode with the pre around noon? Any speculation as to what that might give me?

I use the Sweet Honey into my clean Fender BF channel, great for chords, as well as into my crunchy lead channel, and boy, it really sings!

I am having a real hard time deciding on which medium gain drive to use on my main board, the SWOD or the DLS. Both sound killer!

[ianb]

I saw that SHOD in the empourium and was shocked to see factory finish flaws. I mean, if this pedal costs $300 for $20 worth of parts you figure the paint should be perfect at least. I'm sure it sounds beautiful but I was just suprised.

I have several MP pedals, and they all have small finish imperfections.

But the sound......... o man!

So nothing's perfect, I guess.

[rabbit]

for me, after doing some testing, it sounds more like a tube screamer that has NO MID HUMP, keeps your bass intact, and also has some high end "zing" that is nice and stringy.

Your description reminds me of my Menatone Red Snapper. Do you know the RS? How do they compare? Thanks!

[Bobby D]

Your description reminds me of my Menatone Red Snapper. Do you know the RS? How do they compare? Thanks!


i have not had the pleasure yet of trying ANY of the menatone pedals, but they come very highly regarded. i would like to try them.


going to summer NAMM, and am gonna try to demo as much stuff as possible, do vids and interviews with the builders, and make sort of a "road trip diary" with myself and newarkwilder Mike :stir

[Bobby D]

Hey Bobby D

Can you tell us more details on how the original Honey Bee and the Sweet Honey differ ??

well, there's a LOT of speculation about the relationship between the two.

from my OWN experience -- i would say that the SHOD is more related to the sparkling yellow overdrive that bjorn made.

the honeybee is quite unique in the feel and sound. SHOD does not replace the honeybee AT ALL. it DOES have a certain chime in the upper midrange that resembles the honeybee......

and funny thing is, i complained about several things in the honeybee when i talked to bjorn about it. "this would be SO GOOD if it were tighter, had more gain, and a little brighter sounding"

lol........now i miss those very things i complained about :nuts

[JimmyR]

I just got my Sweet Honey - the pedal, that is - today. So far I am really impressed. It leaves the DLS way behind IMHO - not quite as much max gain but much bigger sounding with a much better low end. Compared with a Red Snapper, well, again it has more low-end and "oomph". To me it is a lot clearer and tighter than the Honey Bee. That is a very good thing for me.

So far I have tried it with a PRS McCarty korina, a great 335, a parts Strat and a Gretsch 6120 into a Plexi clone, a lo-po tweed Twin clone and a Bad Cat Cub IIR. It works equally well with all contenders which is highly unusual! I was surprised at how well it worked with the Gretsch because they're usually quite finicky with ODs.

It's one of the rare times when I haven't felt that I wanted more bass from a pedal. It seems perfect so far and the bass remains beautifully tight and clear even with my 335. The treble is easily and subtly tamed with the interestingly voiced tone knob.

I guess the best way I have of describing the tone is that it sounds a lot like my Bad Cat Cub's OD. That is my benchmark for ODs really - it is so touch sensitive and articulate, so clear but warm. Great midrange. It has that quality that I find rare - it just makes you want to keep playing. So what the hell am I doing on this computer??

[strings2wood]

Great clip Bobby.

I recently got a KOT4 Hi gain.

Really nice playing too.

Is there any comparison here with the SHOD or are they different pedals?

Thanks to anyone who has tried/ played/ owns both.

Simon in Melbourne.

[rabbit]

i have not had the pleasure yet of trying ANY of the menatone pedals, but they come very highly regarded. i would like to try them.


going to summer NAMM, and am gonna try to demo as much stuff as possible, do vids and interviews with the builders, and make sort of a "road trip diary" with myself and newarkwilder Mike :stir

Thanks Bobby. I´m looking forward to your vids and your diary from summer NAMM. I´m a huge fan of your pedal review videos! :)

Compared with a Red Snapper, well, again it has more low-end and "oomph".

Thank Jimmy! Bear with me if you don´t know the RS well enough, but how do the two compare regarding the gain structure/type of gain and the overall gain available. Are they different enough to justify owning both in your opinion?

[JimmyR]

I used to own a Red Snapper - well as part of a Fish Factory, anyway. They are definitely different enough to justify owning both. The SHOD is more complex sounding I guess. The RS is more of a booster, or at least that's how I used it. The RS is probably a hair smoother but I prefer the "bigger" sound of the SHOD. I guess you could say that the SHOD is a little more aggressive? Not in a metal way but in a warm most agreeable way!

Strings2wood - I also used to own a KOT and while they are in a similar ball park I think the SHOD sounds fuller. Slightly less "pedal-like", too. I find that the SHOD does have a slight mid colour, not a hump really but definitely a cool midrange thing but it's less coloured than the KOT. And more low-end.

[strings2wood]

Thanks JimmyR,

I own and love the HB, just recently got a hi-gain red side KOTV4.
The SHOD reviews have certainly peaked my interest.

[ausguitarman]

Great clip Bobby.

I recently got a KOT4 Hi gain.

Really nice playing too.

Is there any comparison here with the SHOD or are they different pedals?

Thanks to anyone who has tried/ played/ owns both.

Simon in Melbourne.

Hopefully should be able to answer this question next week :D

[JimmyR]

Seems to be a lot of Aussies in this thread - I'm in Perth. I bought my SHOD from a TGP member in Melbourne. I doubt I'll be selling it!

[strings2wood]

Hopefully should be able to answer this question next week :D

Look forward to your findings ausguitarman!

Do you already have the HB or just the KOT?

I'm the latter i.e. HB and KOT.

Cheers,

Simon in Melbourne.

[ausguitarman]

I've had a HB for some time now and a SHOD from the first batch.

KOT's in the mail.

[strings2wood]

Succumbed. SHOD on the way as well as a Rocketride Delay. (First Echo on the Moon).

[JimmyR]

Well I've had the SHOD for a couple of weeks now. I think I can say that it's a keeper. Actually I have been on a bit of an OD bender lately and the best of the best have been the SHOD and the Fetto Nord. The Fetto is slightly more Marshally and a bit smoother. The SHOD is slightly more open sounding although it does have a lot of midrange. The SHOD can get a bit ragged in the top end if you're not careful but I love the dynamics. The Fetto is almost as touch sensitive but has a slightly different EQ. Hard for me to pick a winner so I'm keeping both!

I use both pretty clean. Oh - and try both at 12V. The SHOD (and Fetto) sounds great at 12V. Just a bit firmer.

[Csapo]

Seems that Tonefactor currently has a few....

[Bobby D]

sweet honey is a REALLY good alternative to 'just another tubescreamer'

i really like it. it does not have that dynamic response like the honeybee, and is quite a different pedal

with judicious use of the focus and gain knobs (they sort of interact) one can get some higher gained stuff.

but i pretty much set the controls at noon, and that works for me with a strat.

the pedal that REALLY surprised me at NAMM was the Sky Blue OD:dude

[JimmyR]

I just got a Sky Blue OD and to be honest I was a little disappointed with it. While it has to be the best pedal I have ever heard for it's ability to clean up from the guitar, it has a fairly generic tone IMHO. It doesn't have the beautiful mids of the Sweet Honey and is a little short of low-end. And for an OD it doesn't have much range at the cleaner end. The SHOD can go from clean to dirt, but the SBO starts dirty and just gets dirtier. For that style of pedal I'll take the Fetto Nord or SHOD every time.

Bear in mind that I play a very different style from you, Bobby D, so my findings will be very different. I'm sure the SBO would suit a lot of players but not me I'm afraid. After the SHOD I guess I was expecting more.