Video by Wampler Pedals via YouTube
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In this video, we talk about the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver pedal and why it’s a must-have for guitarists.
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The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is a highly sought-after overdrive pedal that has been a staple in the guitar effects community for decades. Its reputation for delivering a rich, warm, and responsive sound has made it a favorite among guitarists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
In this video, we’ll take a closer look at what sets the BD-2 apart from other overdrive pedals on the market and explore some of its key features. First launched in 1995, the BD-2 was designed to emulate the sound of a vintage tube amplifier being pushed to its limits. BOSS, a renowned brand in the effects pedal industry, aimed to create a pedal that would allow guitarists to achieve that coveted tube amp sound without the need for a large, expensive amplifier. The result was a compact pedal that could be easily integrated into any setup, whether in the studio or on stage.
One of the standout features of the BD-2 is its versatility. Unlike some overdrive pedals that are designed to deliver a specific sound or effect, the BD-2 is capable of producing a wide range of tones, from subtle, gentle overdrive to intense, saturated distortion. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for guitarists who play various styles of music, as they can easily switch between sounds without having to change pedals.
Another feature that sets the BD-2 apart is its dynamic response. Unlike some overdrive pedals that can sometimes sound flat or one-dimensional, the BD-2 responds to the player’s touch in a way that feels remarkably organic. As the player increases their attack, the pedal produces a corresponding increase in gain, creating a sound that is both expressive and nuanced. This allows guitarists to manipulate the tone to suit their playing style and creates a more interactive experience.
In addition to its versatility and dynamic response, the BD-2 also boasts a simple yet effective interface. The pedal features three knobs – Level, Tone, and Drive – that allow players to quickly adjust the volume, EQ, and gain of the effect. This straightforward design makes it easy for guitarists to dial in their desired sound without having to navigate a complex array of controls.
Despite its many strengths, there are some common misconceptions about the BD-2 that have developed over the years. Some players believe that the pedal is only suitable for blues music, thanks to its name and the fact that it was originally designed to replicate the sound of vintage blues amplifiers. However, the BD-2 is capable of producing a wide variety of sounds, and players across many genres have incorporated it into their rigs.
Another myth is that the BD-2 is simply a lower-gain version of the popular Tube Screamer pedal. While both pedals share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of their tone and functionality.
For those looking to expand the capabilities of their BD-2, there are several modifications that we dive into. These modifications can breathe new life into the BD-2 and open up a world of sonic possibilities.
Wampler Reverb store: http://wampler-reverb.com (forwards to reverb.com)
Notes:
Early in the video I mention guitarists that use it. This came from the google machine, I don’t have first hand knowledge of that, but that’s what the google says 🤷♂️
song at end:
Timestamps:
00:00 Beginning
02:23 Circuit Walkthrough
03:48 Blues Driver Myths
09:35 Alternate BD-2 version and mods
11:52 Diode modifications
15:19 Can you tell a difference?
15:31 Adding 3 band EQ
18:07 Turning it into a fuzz pedal
18:54 What makes the BD-2 great?
21:04 What’s your thoughts?