Definitive Honey Bee history of circuit revisions

[colourtones]

Just acquired the very limited and hard to find Homey Beeatch. So far I am very impressed with range of eq, volume and gain. More observations/comparisons/contrasts to follow.

[colourtones]

So here it goes:
I am comparing/contrasting the #93 BJFE HBOD and he BF Homey Beeatch. For those unaware my desire to obtain this particular BF bee variant was due to the M(mature) and T(treble) controls described to dial in the early BJFE HB tones I dig so much.

EQ wise, the Homey is wide and stunning. The first 1/4 turn of the M knob gives all the bass/low mid content you could hope for. The remaining 3/4 shifts gradually through the middle and upper mid content in an audio taper fashion. The volume of the Homey packs a nice amplitude boost as well throughout the sweep of the knob. The drive knob goes from very light gain to a nice moderate grind. The treble knob all the way ccw feels most like the stock bee. As you continue CW it get glassier and brighter but never harsh or ice picky. It reminds me of a Matchless amplifier. These controls are extremely interactive with one another and I was astounded at my ability to go from clean to moderate drive through a very expansive equalization range. This gem has plenty of volume and eq range while having the ability to go from being a clean boost to an overdrive. The Bearfoot Homey Beeatch wins the versatility award. In many ways it falls in between a low gain Model G and an open, more HIFI early bee with broader tone control. So, with this in mind I should be able to liberate my sub #100 BJFE HB. Right? Not so fast...

As much wrangling as you can do to approximate the early HB sound with the Homey there is still a vintage, warmth sheen vibe the bjfe has that cannot be nailed down. There is a softer attack and a smoother ultra light fuzzier grind. There is a fat roundness that is unique to the honey as well. It does not get as loud or quite as open or as clean boosty as the homey but it's vintagey sweet saggy tube rectifier essence is characteristic of only the early bee. Therefore, I love and need both sounds.

I am extremely interested in the next(final?)anniversary installment of the bearfoot honey homey bee bair beest beeatch etc.. It would bee the end all bee all(pun intended)if a fifth control could adjust the parameter between the softer warm attack of the early and the tighter clarity of the beeatch. Maybe a larger box like the deluxes? I would really like to be part of the research process if possible??!!!

[colourtones]

There is one thing I failed to mention about the bjfe HB in having both of these pedals side by side:
As much interaction as the "m" and "t" controls give on the homey I am reminded of the astonishing amount of useful control there is in the nature knob of the honey bee. The chosen parameters and sweep of this control summed up. Useful and smart. Tons of utility and vintage warm vibe in the early bee. That is it.

[Skychurch]

I'm not sure where my HBOD falls within the v1 vs v2 category but it is #171. I would classify it as a bit darker which suits my very clean and bright Deluxe Reverb amp. I bought it somewhere around 2006 and it's still one of my favorite BJFE pedals.

[colourtones]

Skychurch-
If you look earlier in this thread I did a shootout which included bjfe HB #173 which I am sure is close to your #171. I also had #133 (at one time) which was (from my recollection) a bit darker/smoother than #173. Beyond 1-5, v1 pre100, v1 post 100 and v2 there are subtle individual characteristics from one bee to another. Donners advice is accurate: If you find a HB you like, keep it! For me that is #93 and the bf homey beeatch. Then there is the pedal(music gear in general) caveat venditor: Before you sell the old one, make sure the new one fully replaces it or keep both! BTW. I agree. The HB circuit is one of the most original/musical/best of any ever.

[BJF]

Hi

Thank you gentlemen for the kind words

I might try to make a complete history of Honey Bee revisions if there's interest and maybe combine that with how it was developed


Have fun
BJ

[thesjkexperience]

I'd bee interested! My Anniversary Honey Beeatch is so amazingly versatile I often take it off the board and bring it and my gold bearfoot CAF to jams as my only pedals. I am now even using the Beeatch as a dirty boost running the volume all, or most, of the way up and adjusting the other three knobs to work with specific guitar/amp/volume situation. I was always sad I missed out on the original Model G, but this 1st Anniversary Bee makes me forget all that.

[colourtones]

Bjorn and community-
Like many others, I would be very interested in all facets of the inspiration, development and metamorphosis of the HB circuit. As my experience with the various revisions has broadened, I have gravitated towards the sound of the earlier versions.

I realize much conversation has focused on the gain and equalization aspects of the various versions of the circuit. My interest has shifted somewhat. My hb realization has been the most stunning difference is also the most subtle; The change in the delicately nuanced compression softness/hardness of the attack. I understand the gain and eq play a significant role in this but there is something more going on that escapes me. The rare references to the 1-5 hb's as being more high headroom color/flavor boosts really tweaks my curiosity.

The HB is a benchmark giant amongst low gainers. In addition, it's wide compatibility with virtually any guitar/amp/pedalboard setup is unmatched. The more information out there about the history and development of the HB the better!