First Impressions – HomeToneBlog.com

12th January 202611th January 2026

First Impressions: Palmer PCABM

I recently bought a Palmer PCABM.

This is a photo of the Palmer PCABM.

The top of the PCABM is visible, but facing away from us (so that the cables plugged into the PCABM are facing the back of my amplifier).

There are two cables plugged into the PCABM: one in the "Series In" input (from my amplifier), and one in the "Cab 1" output (to the Two Notes Captor).

At the very top of the photo, there is a blue tag around each cable. Yes, dear regular reader, I finally started labelling my cables! Why didn't I do this sooner?!? — The Palmer PCABM, sat on top of my Two Notes Captor.

What do I think of it? Here are my first impressions.

25th December 202525th December 2025

First Impressions: Wampler tcd Distortion Pedal

Father Christmas left me a new pedal under the tree!

This is a photo of Wampler's tcd drive pedal.

The pedal enclosure itself is painted in a white metallic paint. Combined with the use of lower-case sans-serif fonts, it gives the pedal a futuristic vibe. — Wampler’s tcd drive pedal, on my pedalboard.

What do I think of it? Here are my very first impressions.

27th November 202527th November 2025

First Impressions: Blackstar Debut 100RH Amp Head

I recently bought a Blackstar Debut 100RH amp head.

This is going to be an additional pedal platform amp. Read on for my first impressions.

26th November 202526th November 2025

First Impressions: Mad Professor The Green Wonder Overdrive Pedal

I recently picked up a pedal called The Green Wonder, by Mad Professor.

The Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem, next to the Mad Professor The Green Wonder, on my pedalboard.

What do I think of it? Here are my first impressions.

18th November 202517th November 2025

#TweedTone First Impressions: NUX 59 Bassguy Overdrive Pedal

I recently bought a brand new NUX 59 Bassguy overdrive pedal.

What do I think of it so far? Read on for my First Impressions.

27th October 202526th October 2025

First Impressions: Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive (Hand-wired 2025 Edition)

I recently bought another Sweet Honey Overdrive pedal.

The o.g. Sweet Honey Overdrive, the 2025-edition Sweet Honey Overdrive, and the Arc Effects Klone v2 on my pedalboard.

What do I think of it? Read on for my First Impressions.

30th September 202529th September 2025

First Impressions: Fender Vintera II Road Worn 60’s Telecaster In Blonde

I’ve just bought myself one of the new Road Worn 60’s Telecasters.

Now that I’ve had it for a full week, what do I think of it? Does it live up to the hype? Read on for my first impressions of my new guitar, which I’ve named Jody.

13th August 202512th August 2025

First Impressions: Origin Effects Deluxe55 Tweed Recreation

Back in June, I bought a Deluxe55 amp-in-a-box pedal by Origin Effects.

This is a photo of my pedalboard.

There are 3 pedals on the board. From left to right, they are:

- Origin Effects Deluxe55
- Lazy J Cruiser Deuce
- Arc Effects Klone v2 — Origin Effects Deluxe55, Lazy J Cruiser Deuce and Arc Effects Klone v2 on my pedalboard.

What do I think of it? Here are my first impressions.

28th July 202527th July 2025

First Impressions: BJFe Honey Bee OD Retro

Earlier this month, I picked up one of my holy grail pedals: a Honey Bee OD made by BJFe.

This is a photo of three guitar effects pedals on the author's pedalboard.

On the far-left, is the BJFe-in-your-hand series Honey Bee Overdrive by One Control. It's a distinctive warm honey colour, with four control knobs on the top surface.

In the middle is the BJFe Honey Bee OD Retro, by BJFe. This pedal is a lighter shade, almost yellow. It has three control knobs on its top surface.

On the right-hand side is the Klone v2 by Arc Effects. This pedal has a metallic gold finish. It spots the Klon's distinctive control knobs.

What do I think of it? Read on for my First Impressions.

8th July 20255th July 2025

First Impressions: One Control Honey Bee OD 4K Mini Standard

I recently bought the Honey Bee OD 4K Mini Standard, from One Control.

This is a photo of three mini-sized guitar effects pedals on my pedalboard

On the left, in blue, is the One Control Blue Bee OD 4K Mini (BBOD4K-mini for short).

In the middle, in yellow, is the One Control Honey Bee OD 4K Mini Standard (HBOD4K-mini-standard for short). This review is about this pedal.

On the right, in a crimson red, is the One Control Honey Bee OD 4K Mini Custom (HBOD4k-mini-custom for short).

Each mini pedal has four control knobs, for Volume, Gain, Bass and Treble.

Although all part of the same family, and based on the same circuit design, all three pedals sound quite different.

What do I think of it? I’ve made my photo of it the wallpaper on my phone …