ToneQuest Report: October 2025 – Vol. 26, No. 12

The Inside:

The Full Circuit Of Tone. Where Art meets Circuitry.

Track real-world tone across amps, strings, and circuits—from the handcrafted genius of Austen Hooks and the soul of his Projector Pedal and Space Heater amp, to the sonic wisdom of Analog Mike and trace the tube trail with Martin Myers. PK Pandey reveals how SonoTone became the string of choice for Beck, Perry, and more, while we field-test their lasting tone firsthand. Origin Effects delivers the Revival Compact Drive—a studio-grade, always on pedal praised by Eric Johanson. Ride shotgun to Allparts on the outskirts of Houston, Texas for featherweight tone— plus a discerning look at Mike Campbell’s memoir, Heartbreaker. Whether you’re building, modding, or chasing bloom, it’s all here.

ARTICLE SUMMARIES:

Austen Hooks Interview—The Austen Hooks Projector Pedal
Riverhorse

We’ve known about these amps for years—projector-based, military-built, and hauntingly good. But this is the first time Austen Hooks lets us tell the full story. From Los Angeles repair benches to stage rigs for Blake Mills, Derek Trucks, and even Keith Richards, we trace how a pedal built in a Geiger counter housing became one of the most inspiring tones we’ve heard.

The Dark Horse — A Texas Space Heater Amp
Riverhorse

When Austen Hooks offered to build us a Space Heater, we said yes—then sold a few things to make it happen. From the unique 6AQ5 power section to the simple, single-knob tone stack, we explore what it does with a Strat, a 1967 tube Echoplex, and a few well-chosen speakers. The sound? Not polite. Not typical. Very much alive.

Analog Mike — Feature
Riverhorse

We check in with Analog Mike about Chase Bliss collaborations, the state of fuzz, what still surprises him, and how he keeps rare NOS parts in rotation. There’s no marketing here—just a working shop, a lifetime of experience, and a few stories from the bench you won’t read anywhere else.

SonoTone Strings — A Conversation With PK Pandey
Scott Ulrichs

When we got our hands on a Gil Yaron LP loaded with SonoTone strings, something felt different. That led us to PK Pandey—engineer, studio builder, and the mind behind SonoTone. This one started as a hobby and ended up on tour with Joe Perry, Jeff Beck, and more. We talk materials, winding tension, and why some strings just don’t sound like they used to.

SonoTone Strings Review —It’s More Than A Feeling
Scott Ulrichs

Six months on a Gil Yaron LP, and these strings haven’t wandered. The feel is different—smoother, more consistent—and the fundamentals stay put even as harmonics remain present. Less stretching. Faster break-in. A set that might quietly change how you think about strings.

The State Of Tubes With Martin Myers
Riverhorse

Martin Myers didn’t plan on selling tubes—he just sold a few online and kept going. Now, from a barn in the Midwest, he keeps some of the best vintage glass we’ve found in rotation. We talk Telefunkens, RCAs, and what still makes NOS tubes worth the effort. For the curious: yes, there are still good ones out there.

Origin Effects Revival Compact Drive — Always On
Oscar Jordan

Eric Johanson describes it as “always on”—a pedal that gives him amp saturation and clarity at comfortable stage volumes. The Revival Compact Drive from Origin Effects offers EQ flexibility, blend control, and touch-sensitive gain. Not a high-gain box. Not a boost. Something more nuanced—especially for those chasing amp feel without amp volume.

Parts Of A Whole — Allparts Field Trip
Riverhorse

We dropped by Allparts on the outskirts of Houston, Texas for a hang with Dean Herman and to see what’s new. Roasted sugar pine, Paulownia cores, featherweight ash, and Leo Quan Tele bridges were all on hand. As usual, they’re sourcing parts we’ve trusted for years on TQR builds, and there’s more on the way. Always worth the trip.

Heartbreaker: A Memoir By Mike Campbell — Book Review
Riverhorse

This one hit close. We’ve played the records, read the stories—but Campbell’s telling brings something quieter, more human. Broadcasters, Goldtops, Blonde Bassmans—they’re all here, along with the weight of life on the road. We say grab a copy and take a ride for a few days. Oh, my my, oh, hell yes… it’s exactly what you need right now.