The Beetronics Overhive Blood Skull is a Custom Series version of the Overhive, which the maker describes as "an extremely versatile medium gain overdrive." It sits in the overdrive lane rather than the fuzz or distortion camps, and Beetronics describes its character this way: "It's round and warm tone respects your amp, enhancing it's best qualities while dynamically reacting to your playing."1
The controls: Honey, Body and Hive
Beetronics names the Overhive's controls after its honey theme, and each one does a distinct job1:
- Honey sets the drive character. Beetronics says to "roll it down for a nice and smooth crunch, or roll it up for a smooth and dynamic drive, where your hands dictate the breakup," so picking strength shapes how hard the pedal breaks up.1
- Body is a switch that adds a low end boost. Beetronics calls it "great for when you are switching guitars on a set or just feel like adding a low end boost," which is handy when moving between single coils and humbuckers mid-gig.1
- Hive is a second switch that changes the pedal's overall voice: Beetronics says it "can make you sound bigger and fatter, or tighter and thinner."1
On top of those, the pedal carries "a tone control and master volume," so you can shape the top end and set your level independently of the drive amount.1
Size, weight and power
The Overhive is a full-sized painted enclosure, and the Blood Skull artwork is part of what sets the Custom Series apart. Beetronics gives these measurements:1
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size (including knobs, switches, etc.) | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" |
| Enclosure size | 5.5" x 3.25" x 2" |
| Pedal weight | 1 lbs / 0.5 kilos |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" |
| Package weight | 1 lbs 8 oz / 0.75 kilos |
The Overhive requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative connector, and Beetronics states that it does not include one. Plan for a standard center negative supply on your board.1
Returns and guarantee
Beetronics backs the pedal with what it calls the 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, with shipping not included. Its return policy works like this: email the company within 30 business days of receiving your order to get an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) form, return the item within 7 days of the RMA, and a full refund is issued if the pedal comes back in new condition in its original packaging. A 15% restocking fee or store credit may apply for wear or missing accessories, and the refund is processed within 5 business days.1
If you are weighing the Overhive against other drives in the same family, Beetronics also makes the Nectar Tone Sweetener, a compact overdrive and fuzz, and the Wannabee Beelateral Buzz, a dual overdrive. For a wider look at the category, see the site's Overdrive Pedals page or the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison.
Questions
Does the Overhive Blood Skull come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the product page that the pedal does not include a power supply. It requires a 9VDC supply with a center negative connector, the standard type used by most pedalboard power supplies, so a supply you already own will most likely work.
What does the Hive switch do on the Beetronics Overhive?
According to Beetronics, the Hive switch can make you sound bigger and fatter, or tighter and thinner. It works alongside the Body switch, which adds a low end boost that Beetronics describes as useful when switching guitars on a set.
How big is the Beetronics Overhive?
Beetronics lists the pedal itself at 5.5 by 3.5 by 2.75 inches including knobs and switches, with the enclosure at 5.5 by 3.25 by 2 inches. The pedal weighs 1 pound, or 0.5 kilos, and the shipping package measures 6.75 by 5.25 by 3.25 inches and weighs 1 pound 8 ounces, or 0.75 kilos.
Is the Overhive Blood Skull a limited edition?
Beetronics sells it as part of its Custom Series, a line of pedals with custom artwork and finishes rather than the standard production version. As of the maker's product page dated October 2026, the Blood Skull was listed as sold out.
Sources (1)
- Overhive, Beetronics
