The Beetronics OctaHive High Octave Fuzz Custom Shop Dual FS is a high gain fuzz with a well pronounced high pitch octave. Beetronics describes it as "super high gain fuzz with a well pronounced high pitch octave," and says the circuit was based on the 1970s Tycobrahe Octavia, an octave fuzz from the early days of the effect. The Custom Shop Dual FS is one edition of the OctaHive, carrying the model code OH19951.
The pedal is listed as sold out on Beetronics' product page, and the regular price shown there is £216.00 GBP1. Beetronics also notes the pedal does not include a power supply, so a 9VDC center negative supply is needed to run it1.
What it does to your sound
The OctaHive has two personalities. In octave mode, Beetronics says "things can get really nasty, splashy and gated," and suggests it for high gain leads, especially when played above the 12th fret. At low gain settings, the company says it produces ring modulator style overtones. With a low HONEY setting, Beetronics says you can get "that 'purple haze' tone," a reference to the classic octave fuzz sound of the late 1960s1.
With the octave off, the pedal changes character. Beetronics says the toggle switch turns the octave off, "turning it into a warmer and thicker fuzz pedal," and describes the octave off tone as more versatile and chord friendly1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| PRE | Gain control. Beetronics says the best way to get a well pronounced octave sound is by rolling off the PRE gain and the tone control on your instrument1 |
| HONEY | Works against PRE. Beetronics says "the balance between PRE and Honey is the key to achieve a variety of sounds"1 |
| Toggle switch | Turns the octave off, producing a warmer and thicker fuzz tone1 |
The Custom Shop Dual FS version
The Custom Shop Dual FS is a version of the OctaHive High Octave Fuzz, identified on the product page as "Octahive High Octave Fuzz, Custom Shop Dual FS, OH1995"1. Beetronics has built the OctaHive circuit into a number of editions, including the later Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz and other Custom Shop and limited runs1.
Size, power and buying details
The pedal measures 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" including knobs and switches, in a 5.5" x 3.25" x 2" enclosure, and weighs 1 lbs (0.5 kilos). The package measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" and weighs 1 lbs 8 oz (0.75 kilos)1.
It requires a 9VDC center negative power supply, which is not included1.
Beetronics backs the pedal with its 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, shipping not included, with an RMA process; the page also shows a 14-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee return policy heading. If a returned product shows wear or is missing accessories, Beetronics says there might be a restocking fee of 15%, or the possibility of receiving store credit instead, with refunds processed within 5 business days after the return arrives1.
Questions
Can you turn the octave off on the Beetronics OctaHive?
Yes. A toggle switch turns the octave off, and Beetronics says this turns the pedal into a warmer and thicker fuzz, making it more versatile and chord friendly. With the octave engaged, the pedal gets nasty, splashy and gated, which Beetronics suggests for high gain leads played above the 12th fret.
What does the HONEY knob do on the OctaHive?
HONEY works together with the PRE gain control. Beetronics says the balance between PRE and Honey is the key to achieving a variety of sounds, and that rolling back the PRE gain and your guitar's tone control is the best way to get a well pronounced octave sound.
What is the Custom Shop Dual FS version?
The Custom Shop Dual FS is a version of the OctaHive High Octave Fuzz, carrying the model code OH1995. It is one of several OctaHive editions Beetronics has offered, alongside the standard OctaHive and the later Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz.
Does the OctaHive come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics notes on the product page that the pedal does not include a power supply. It requires a 9VDC supply with a center negative connector.
Is the OctaHive based on the Tycobrahe Octavia?
Yes. According to Beetronics, the OctaHive was based on the 1970s Tycobrahe Octavia, and the company says it can produce both classic and modern sounds.
Sources (1)
- Octahive High Octave Fuzz Custom Shop Dual FS OH1995, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
