First Impressions – Page 4 – HomeToneBlog.com

30th July 2022

First Impression: Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive Pedal

This photo shows the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive pedal on my pedal board.

It has a black enclosure, with yellow print on the top. The yellow print depicts an old cinema projector.

There are four block control knobs shown.

Next to the 385 is my Archer Ikon pedal. Side by side, the 385 looks a good 25% larger in all dimensions: width, height and depth. — Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive Pedal

A couple of days ago, I finally bought a Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive pedal. It’s my first Walrus Audio pedal, and I’ve been waiting a long time to get one.

I absolutely love it. Let me explain why …

3rd July 20223rd July 2022

First Impression: PRS Paul’s Guitar (2020 Version)

Earlier this year, I bought a brand new PRS Paul’s Guitar.

So what do I think of it? What does it sound like? And why exactly has it taken four whole months to write up my First Impressions?

This is a lengthy post, so grab a fresh drink before you dive in 🙂

25th June 2022

First Impressions: Earthquaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Pedal

Towards the end of last month, I picked up one of these:

The Earthquaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Pedal

Read on for my First Impressions.

25th June 2022

First Impressions: Catalinbread Formula 55 Overdrive

I recently picked up another tweed-tone pedal: Catalinbread’s Formula 55 overdrive pedal.

The Catalinbread Formula 55 Overdrive Pedal

Is this going to be the 5e3-in-a-box pedal that I can recommend to anyone who wants the sound of a Tweed Deluxe without having to buy one of these expensive amps? Or is it going to be three out of three for disappointment with Catalinbread pedals?

Read on for my First Impressions.

15th June 202213th June 2022

First Impressions: Axe FX 3 Mark 2 As An FX Processor

I recently bought an Axe FX 3 rack unit, for use at home.

Why did I get it, and how am I getting along with it so far? Read on for my First Impressions.

20th May 202221st May 2022

First Impressions: MXR Timmy Overdrive Pedal

A couple of months back, I bought the MXR version of the legendary Timmy overdrive pedal. Since it arrived, I’ve been far too busy using it to write about it 😂

If you’d like to know a bit more, here are my First Impressions of this pedal.

6th March 20226th March 2022

First Impressions: Fender’s The Bends Compressor Pedal

I recently bought a new compressor pedal: Fender’s The Bends. It has a reputation for being a very boring compressor pedal. That’s good: I’m a boring guitar player, and I like boring gear. The question is: is it too boring?

Read on for my First Impressions.

15th February 2022

First Impressions: Bare Knuckle Pickups True Grit Telecaster Bridge Pickup

This photo is an almost top-down shot of the Bare Knuckle Pickups' True Grit Telecaster bridge pickup.

The photo shows that this pickup has six flat pole pieces (all the pole pieces are the same height). — The Bare Knuckle Pickups’ True Grit Telecaster Bridge Pickup

Last year, I picked up Hedgehog (my Squier Esquire 60’s Custom), and it quickly became one of my firm favourites. I’m on a hunt to find the right bridge pickup to bring out the best in it.

I’ve already given the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II a go. Will I be any happier with the Bare Knuckle Pickups True Grit? Read on to find out.

24th January 2022

First Impressions: Tone City Sweet Cream Overdrive

The Sweet Cream Overdrive, next to the GOAT of tweed-tone pedals.

Back in May 2021 (where did the time go?!?), I picked up a second-hand Tone City Sweet Cream Overdrive pedal. I’ve finally put it onto my pedal board, to see what it can do.

Is it a outright clone of the Sweet Honey Overdrive, or does it have something different to offer? Read on for my First Impressions.

17th January 2022

First Impressions: Mad Professor Amber Overdrive With Midas Touch

This photo is a close-up of my pedal board.

There are two pedals shown: the original Amber Drive, and the factory-modded Amber Drive with Midas Touch Mod.

The only visual way to tell the two pedals apart is the black 'CUSTOM' sticker that has been added below the footswitch on the modded pedal.

Apart from that, the two pedals look identical.

Both have 'Volume', 'Drive' and 'Tone' controls on the top, along with side jacks and a power jack next to the 'In' jack on the right-hand side of the pedal. — The Mad Professor Amber Overdrive with Midas Touch Mod, next to the original Amber Overdrive pedal.

I recently picked up a new (to me) factory-modded Amber Overdrive pedal, made by Mad Professor.

This is the third pedal in their Custom series that I’ve tried. I really enjoyed the first two. Will I enjoy this one as much? Read on for my First Impressions.