First Impressions – HomeToneBlog.com

7th April 20266th April 2026

First Impressions: Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3

I recently picked up a second-hand Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3.

This is a photo of my Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 guitar effects pedal.

The pedal comes in a metallic silver case. Input and output audio jacks are on the side. 9V power is on the left-hand side of the pedal, close to the output audio jack.

There are five controls shown on the top of the pedal:

- two large knobs at the top, for output volume and drive (a bias control for the internal FET)
- two small trim pots, one labelled "Bass" and one labelled "Treble" — The Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3, on my pedalboard.

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

23rd February 202621st February 2026

(Belated) First Impressions: Gibson USA Les Paul Junior Double Cut in Dark Walnut

Late last year, I bought a brand-new Gibson USA Les Paul Junior, in that delicious dark walnut finish.

What do I think of it? Read on for my first impressions.

3rd February 20262nd February 2026

First Impressions: Using The KAT Load*Star Speaker Attenuator With My 5e3 Tweed Deluxe Amp

I recently bought a KAT Load*Star speaker attenuator, to use with my 5e3 Tweed Deluxe amp.

The KAT Load*Star Speaker Attenuator, sat on top of my Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe amp.

I’ve only had this for 24 hours, and it’s already in the running to be my best purchase of 2026. Why? Read on for my first impressions.

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.