The Beetronics Overhive Icelandic is a Custom Series edition of the Overhive, which the maker describes as "an extremely versatile medium gain overdrive." Like the standard Overhive and its other editions such as the Overhive "Transylvania" and Overhive Unchained, it sits in the overdrive territory between a light crunch and a dynamic, touch-sensitive drive, and it is aimed at players who want a mid-gain pedal that works with the amp rather than replacing it1.
Beetronics describes the sound this way:
"It's round and warm tone respects your amp, enhancing it's best qualities while dynamically reacting to your playing."
The pedal was listed as sold out on Beetronics' product page as of 25 October 2026, and it does not include a power supply, so a 9VDC center negative adapter is needed separately1.
Controls
The Overhive Icelandic keeps the standard Overhive control layout: a gain-style control, a tone control, a master volume, and two switches that shape the character of the drive1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Honey | Beetronics says it "just adds the sugar": roll it down for a nice and smooth crunch, or roll it up for a smooth and dynamic drive, where your hands dictate the breakup1 |
| Tone | Tone control1 |
| Master volume | Master volume1 |
| Hive switch | Can make you sound bigger and fatter, or tighter and thinner1 |
| Body switch | Low end boost, described as great for switching guitars on a set or just adding a low end boost1 |
The Honey control is the heart of the pedal. In Beetronics' own words: "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"1. Together with the Hive switch, which shifts the pedal between a bigger, fatter voice and a tighter, thinner one, it gives the player a good deal of shaping before the tone control and master volume even come into play.
The Icelandic Custom Series
The Icelandic edition is part of Beetronics' Custom Series, the line in which the company gives its standard circuits distinct cosmetic treatments. Functionally it is the same medium gain overdrive as the regular Overhive; the Custom Series designation refers to the enclosure artwork and finish rather than a different circuit1.
Power, size and shipping
The Overhive Icelandic requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative plug, and it does not come with one in the box1. Physically it measures 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" including knobs and switches, with an enclosure of 5.5" x 3.25" x 2", and it weighs 1 lbs (0.5 kilos). The shipping package measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" and weighs 1 lbs 8 oz (0.75 kilos)1.
Beetronics backs the pedal with its 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, shipping not included. To return one, you email the company within 30 business days of receiving your order for an RMA form, then aim to have the item back within 7 days of receiving that form. For a full refund the product should be returned in new condition in its original packaging; otherwise a restocking fee of 15% may apply, or the possibility of receiving store credit instead. The refund is processed within 5 business days of the return arriving. Products labeled as Scratch and Dent cannot be returned for a refund1.
Where it sits
For players comparing mid-gain overdrives, the Overhive Icelandic belongs to the same family as Beetronics' other overdrives, including the Fatbee line and the dual Wannabee Beelateral Buzz. If you are new to overdrive as an effect type, the overdrive pedal type page explains how these circuits differ from distortion and fuzz, and the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison covers two of the classic reference points in the category.
Questions
What does the Hive switch do on the Overhive?
According to Beetronics, the Hive switch changes the character of the drive: it can make you sound bigger and fatter, or tighter and thinner. It works alongside the Body switch, which the maker describes as a low end boost that is useful when switching guitars on a set or when you simply want to add low end to your tone.
What power supply does the Beetronics Overhive need?
Beetronics specifies a 9VDC power supply with a center negative plug. The pedal does not include a power supply in the box, so you will need to provide your own 9VDC center negative adapter or a matching output from a pedalboard power supply.
What is the Icelandic Custom Series?
The Overhive Icelandic is a Custom Series edition of the Overhive, Beetronics' medium gain overdrive. Custom Series pedals take the standard circuit and give it a distinct cosmetic treatment, in this case the Icelandic look, while keeping the same controls and features as the regular Overhive.
Does the Overhive come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the product page that the pedal does not include a power supply. A 9VDC center negative supply is required and must be purchased separately.
Sources (1)
- Overhive, Beetronics
