"Dark" HBOD option???

[duaner58]

I was just listening to some old rehearsal files I had saved on my Tascam and the early HBOD I had sounded AMAZING! It was definitely "darker" sounding and had less output than the current BF's and BJFe's bees....

Would a "dark" version ever be an option for either line? Are those parts even available anymore is probably the better question. Some of the sickest sounding alt country tones I have ever heard came out of that box.. so stupid for selling it.

[thesjkexperience]

I know what you mean. I do wish my HBOD had a treble trimmer as once you get the bass and mids dialed in it is too bright. Especially if you have the Drive cranked. I am excited to try the Honey BeesT to see if it matches Strats and Teles a bit better. It was the same with the DRD and the MP MRD where I have a hard time balancing the trebles verses mud.

[Hulakatt]

I would go for a Dark Side Bee. I usually run my hb with the nature around 9 or so, sometimes lower. That's the distintive signature of the bee as far as I'm concerned, that's what you can't get anywhere else.

[rockeroo]

I know what you mean. I do wish my HBOD had a treble trimmer as once you get the bass and mids dialed in it is too bright. Especially if you have the Drive cranked. I am excited to try the Honey BeesT to see if it matches Strats and Teles a bit better. It was the same with the DRD and the MP MRD where I have a hard time balancing the trebles verses mud.

I own one of the HBeest V1 (if you want to call it that) boxes. During research, a major change was made before the production batch(es), so I am referring to the pre-production model. I LOVE that particular pedal with my telecaster. Not completely the same flavor as an old HBOD, but man, it plays quite well with my tele. I am thinking the flavor might be a bit more trebly than you are describing, but into my AC30, the tones are very pleasing.

I wonder if Donner would consider production of that iteration of the HBOD? Hmm...

[cajone5]

The BEEST has basically has a pre-boost (IIRC) that pushes the upper mids and treble so I'm pretty sure the EQ is going the opposite direction from what you're seeking...

[duaner58]

I have had both Beests as well and I'm talking about something a little different.... I don't know there was just something really magical sounding about the early HBOD. Had the perfect amount of warmth the entire sweep of the nature knob. It def had less output then the other bees I have currently or had. Had a great jangly OD sound to it..

[musicsoma]

I searched for an older HBOD for about a year before finding one. Now I use it to stack in live situations. It helps thicken up the low end (when turning the nature know below 9 o'clock) and balance out some the really bright pedals. I often find pedals seem a bit brighter in a live situation, so the HBOD is my solution to this.

[SteveA]

Its weird, i thought all bees sounded like that. You mean to say that newer HBOD don't thicken up the low end when dialed in at the far ccw position? That's where i loved my bee!

[musicsoma]

They still get thick, just a little brighter. Both are fantastic pedals and each has their place. I just really love using the HBOD in a pedal stack to thicken and darken the overall sound.

[horsehead75]

Hi everybody,

It's interesting thing with the Honey Bees, if fact I had a chance to talk about this face-to-face with Björn and Jukka. I've had totally 6 different HBs and they have sounded all different (and yes, I love HB'ees).
Right now I have my first and best HB (#005) and second best (#032).
#032 sounds darker to my ear and there is also somekind of slight "nasal" or "throathy" to it. I run my HB's always full open, when comparison is easy of course. #005 being clearly brighter, in a "HB way" - mainly HB's are quite darkish..
I talked with Björn, if he could make exact copy of #005 - as a spare Bee..

As much I have tried out later HB's they seem to be mushier and darker somehow, compairing to my #005.

Interesting topic!