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BOSS Blues Driver BD-2
List: $190
There is always a ready following for good overdrive pedals, no matter how derivative it is. The various Ibanez Tubescreamer incarnations prove just that. BOSS’ Blues Driver is a stomp box of this nature but the good thing is it isn’t trying to out-shine the immortal Tubescreamer.
Build/ Features
If you aren’t privy to BOSS’ array of effects pedal offerings by now, be informed that the chassis & housing are very gig-resistant. This is the very reason why there still exist decade old Japanese issues in the market. Fortunately for BOSS fans, the current Taiwanese incarnations inherited the tank grade make, hence durability isn’t the manufacturer’s Achilles’ heel. Battery access is still via the lift-up foot switch cover, the only cumbersome issue being the need to turn the screw-type catch each & every time a dead unit requires replacement. Imagine doing that in gig darkness & losing the aforementioned catch in the process…
The 3-knob feature here (Level/ Tone/ Gain) is nincompoop-proof to say the least. In fact, this layout mimics many simple & effective drive-type pedals, the Tubescreamer being the obvious example.
Tone
The BD-2 isn’t exclusively for the blues proponent (forgive the very unimaginative moniker); nevertheless, it might be the preferred pedal for this melancholic bunch. Top draw here is definitely the slightly sizzling crunch which differs itself substantially from the super smooth mild drive typified by an Ibanez Tubescreamer & excessive bite of a distortion unit. What you get is an in-between tone, adequately sculptured by the ‘tone’ knob on board. Together with the ‘Level’ knob, the drive on offer is rather expansive, more marked if played at higher amplifier volume levels. The drive sweep isn’t as wide- ranging as one would expect but this is a good thing; anything too intense (drive-wise) & the pedal looses its drive charm. It’d then become a mild distortion unit, a task better performed by the pedal’s sibling, BOSS’ DS-1 unit.
If you intend the BD-1 to be your primary drive source, do not expect excessive intensity for the pedal was incarnated to be in the mild selection. What you get is a very snappy response more so with single coil pickups.
The BD-2, boosted by another mild-type drive pedal, would oblige the user a fuzz-type tone. Nevertheless, do not expect a Big Muff in the mix. In use with a mildly driven amp, the BD-2 becomes a hot booster; do understand the excessive noise it generates.
Last say
In this saturated overdrive market, BOSS has wisely offered drive fans a pedal which is arguably unique & useful. This reviewer is still holding on to his dear BD-2 bought in 1998; the pedal’s performance, in conjunction with his menacing Ibanez ValBee tube amp, remain to be ear candy. A blue pedal beyond blues applications; definitely.
Rating: 9/10
Likes:
• Tone
• Build
• Feature simplicity
Dislikes:
• The typical BOSS battery access…
Worthy competitor:
• Digitech Screamin’ Blues
