A Blues Guitarist Tries the BOSS Blues Driver BD-2 Pedal - My Review
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- Опубліковано 31 лип 2024
- This is my review of the Boss Blues Driver BD-2. How good is this Legendary Overdrive?
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0:00 - Intro & Disclaimer (loaner)
0:33 - Jam Track with 4 Guitars
2:43 - Boss BD-2 Overview
3:47 - Stratocaster Tones
6:16 - Telecaster Tones
8:42 - My Boss Blues Driver Review
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#guitar #intheblues #effectspedals
What are your thoughts on the Boss Blues Driver? It surprised me how versatile these still are all these years later.
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Thanks for the video. Good sounding pedal!
I just bought the Limited Edition SD1. I hope it sounds good into my AC15 🤞🏻
Nice playing, what a great sounding pedal. I have the Angry Driver a combo of the Boss Blues Driver and JHS Angry Charlie but I’ve rarely switched it from the pure Blues Driver mode as it sounds great.
Shane i like the idea of going back to demoing pedals that you did years ago, especially Boss. They're available worldwide and their prices are usually reasonable. It's also refreshing to see something other than a boutique or budget pedal. Boss is simply great, Pedals makers like Analogman, JHS and Keeley started their careers by modding Boss pedals.
@Jay Knudson I bought the Keeley Aria earlier this week and then discovered the Super Phat which I will definitely grab in the next week. I love the Boss Blues Driver but opted for the J. Rocket Blue Note instead.....both are great though.
There's a reason Boss Pedals have been the industry standard for so long. They do the basics so well. And if you can't get a good sound using the basics, all the fancy pedals in the world are not going to help you.
Yeah, but it's not like they are cheap but they are ugly and I can get the same tone in more boutique variants with cool art work and a much nicer aesthetic.
@Nicko Lps I don't NEED any of this shiz. I like it. Yes, I like visual art.
@Nicko Lps Did I say I had a problem ? I have preferences, not problems.
@Nicko Lps you need more 🤣 on you comments
@Nicko Lps did I say I was hurt? YOU are hurt. People and their 1st world weakness
Thank you for the review of the Boss Blues Driver BD-2. Your demo is closer to the sounds I'm interested in than any other reviews I've seen. Thank you for the new perspective about this pedal. Please keep them coming!
Thanks for the great review. You put a lot of thought and effort making these videos, and compress it into a very informative video. nice job and such a practical selection of examples with optimal tone. Really enjoy your videos.
Just picked one up. This pedal has never really been on my radar but I was intrigued by your review. Thought I might try it as a lead boost. Love it! I was getting tired of mid boosted lead tones and this is essentially like a "more" pedal. Step on it when you need a little more but don't want to drastically alter your original tone. Thanks Shane. Cheers!
Usually I don't like blues guitarists on UA-cam, but your style is so good, I dig it mate. Useful pedal demo too. Keep it up!
You do a great job on this channel explaining in detail the subject. Love the Marshall dsl40cr awesome amplifier. I always learn what's needed to get good blues tones. Well done. Keeping them coming.
The Boss SD-1 and BD-2 are my drives of choice. And at $49-99 respectively they are the bomb diggity. Reliable and so easy to replace at almost any music store if needed. Excellent video as always!
I’ve owned the SD-1 and BD-2 for a decade now. I’ll never remove them from my board!
I was about to say the same thing. I have a lot of OD and these two are the ones on my board at the moment. The BD2 in particular is crazy versatile.
I also have both! SD-1 into BD2 Stacked together gives a beautiful lead tone
I only use my BD-2, awesome, use it to give my cigar box some depth
The quality vs price on boss pedals is amazing. Pro stuff that’s affordable.
It is my 'always on' pedal. It is really dynamic, depending on how hard you hit the strings and that is what I really like. I love it!
Nice Vid Shane! I’ve used this pedal for years now and just love it!! Great for Blues and Rock as you said. Please keep up the Good Work mate and Cheers from Salem, Ohio US.
One of the best pedals ever.
Simple as that.
That H-B Fusion sounded fantastic. Another great review Shane, thank you.
That was super useful, been thinking about one of these for a while, nice demo,thanks!👍
Great, isn’t it? I’ve got a WAZA one at the front of my board.
I just have the drive at about 2 o’clock, a bit of treble rolled off and unity gain.
With Gibson humbuckers it gets used pretty much all night!
Love it.
I think a lot of ‘classic’ pedals are either underrated or overlooked by modern guitarists, they’ve sold truckloads of these things for a reason!
@@chrise.3814 you have a problem? You must be such a poser..
Oh, wait, ‘this channel has no content’
I’m shocked.
Not
Another great review Shane, love the way you play.. think I will pick up one of those pedals
I got BD2 about a year ago and I love it. The range of sounds from sweet blues, to grungy blues and great rock tones. Linked up with my vox wahwah pedal and played through my Marshall amp, its a dream. If you want to sound like Hendrix or Cream Clapton, then this is the pedal to make that happen.
@davidburns9219 -> which Marshall amp you were mentioning? Searching for smth nice for this effect.
I have used a stock Blues Driver, always ON into a cleanish Fender Blues Jr. amp, since 2000. The brightness of the BD-2 into my darker/midrangey BJ has always been a perfect fit. The cleanup from guitar Volume is so good, that I just leave pedal ON, and set its Gain to how much distortion I want to hear when I actually do turn my guitar all the way up.
A true no-brainer for me, and it really let's any pickup combination, any guitar ( for me Fenders, Dano, SG) come through. LOVE IT!
Nice video, it made me remember those old videos of yours. It brought me back to the time when I discovered the channel with those videos of the Behringer drive pedals. I'm so happy about the direction you've taken your channel. Regards from Peru.
Thanks for the kind words and support :)
Great video. Love your playing!
I received my 1st BD2 yesterday. What a fantastic pedal. I used the DS1 and the SD1 a lot. The BD2 makes a great mariage with the SD1.
I've been using a CS-3 for most of my blues/rock applications while getting most of the mud out of my amplifier, but you've convinced me of the need for a second pedal. I'm on it. Thank you.
Shane I've been listening to you for a few years now and I can tell your playing has really gotten a lot better with just your playing. The gear aside.
Just thought I'd add that to the discussion.
Thanks, Steve. I am always trying to improve the jam tracks and stuff for the videos. :)
Well done Shane. As always a thoughtful and balanced review. Good on 'ya
Nice review once again Shane.
I'm using the BD-2 and OD-3 on my current board... sweet drive tones for days.
This a killer review Shane! I love my BD2!
Great vid Shane! I had no idea of the range of tones this pedal can generate! 🎸🔥🎸
Great video Shane I just picked one up and I haven't been able to use it yet but after this demo I must get on top of that. Have a great day Sir 👍. ☮️
This is probably my fav overdrive/distortion pedal that isnt trying to be a specific amp. Its simple but extremely versatile. From light overdrive to serious gain crunch that still sounds clear on chords.
Great video Shane. Same thing here, i personally didn't like it much when i first tried it many years ago. Maybe i wasn't mature enough as a guitar player or my tastes were different back then. Blues Driver is an amazing versatile pedal. I usually prefer it with a darker tone and gain at 1 or 2 o'clock. It also stacks great with other pedals.
I own one that is Keely Modified. Awesome pedal. Great playing Shane. Teriffic review.
Blues On....💙
Sounds good! Nicely done. Think I’m going to have to finally pick one of these up.
BD-2 and OD-3 stacked. My favorite overdrives. OD-3 is unreal
Yeah I find the OD-3 has a bit more harmonic overdrive but I use the BD-2 as booster into a DS-1 and that's just awesome fun. For straight up ballsy rock Od-3, for classic bluesy gain onto almost fuzz BD-2. BD-2 into a DS-1 is Marshally blues.
My 2 faves as well
I’ve been using an OD-3 for the longest time..I’ve bought numerous drives along the way and keep going back to the OD-3 ..
@@ghairmichaud5765 👍 it is unreal
Informative review , but I find that I’m tuning into your channel more for your playing and cool riffing and comping. Well done!
Thanks a lot Bill. :)
Great video Shane. I have been wanting to pick one of these pedals up for some time now.
6:00- I never realized the Boss Blues Driver could pull off an “Edge of Breakup” sound… great run through 👍🏻
I would say from my experience that’s it’s sweet spot.
Man - that’s it’s best feature! Ver pleasant breakup too!
Why is that?
All overdrive pedals do that.
@@richardjones2811 not really I’ve used some OD pedals that couldn’t do edge of breakup for anything.
@@thomaslthomas1506 Then you've been buying really bad pedals
Recently became interested in this pedal and of course…. Shane already had an awesome demo.
You’re the man
Some of SRV's Tube Screamer settings dialed in the Blues Driver really make the guitar sing... great video!
Wow Shane so well done... You get a warmth band sweetness out of this pedal that's very unique as it's a testament to your touch and Dynamics...tones like that are coaxed from the instrument...not just heaped on an amp...super sweet man
He continues to improve his playing and his videos. If you want to know how a pedal can sound, he is one of those reliable go-to channels to really hear it, well-demoed. Always good content. Come for the pedals or gear, and stay for tones, playing and inspiration.
@@braddietzmusic2429 been following his channel for a couple years now..he's fantastic and really nice guy..very approachable and engaging and kind and has some great ideas along w demos..🤘😁🎸🎶
Awesome Demo! I just bought that same 50's Reissue Tele and love it!!! Was looking at buying that pedal too as I've never really used pedals, I have an old analog Ibanez Delay though I do use, was looking at the RAT Overdrive/Fuzz Pedal too, but after seeing your Video I just might buy the Blues Driver and call it a day! Please do other demos on the gear you use, pedals, amps, guitars! You do a great job! Merry Christmas 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area and a very Happy 2022 as well to you and Family!!! Keep on Rockin'!!! I also bought the Standard Professional II Tele, I like the 50's better in the Butterscotch Blonde.. Love the neck and 50's Pickups, the Professional I bought in Tri Burst, slimmer neck profile and rosewood fretboard.. Nice Guitar too, just a bit different
Great playing as usual, I have the waza version and it’s my overdrive of choice. It really covers so much ground.
Shane, I have to be upfront with you: sometimes I play your reviews just for that early jam! 😅 great soulful playing!
I appreciate that! thanks mate.
Just bought one....old school pure joy....I run a Boss GE7 eq into a Boss DS1 with the tone at zero and slight gain into the BD2 and get any driven tones I want...great pedals. Been using the same 6 Boss pedals for decades
THANK YOU. You’re the only one who advised that you can use a 9v or the power supply. I know BOSS pedals usually have that option (which is why I prefer them) but I wanted to be sure before I bought one. The sound is awesome. Can’t wait to get it!
Glad I could help!
The BD 2 is the first pedal I ever bought and one of the only pedals I haven't sold that dates back so far. I still use it for the blues.Its a great pedal for the money and sounds alot better then many more expensive overdrive pedals that I bought and sold because I thought they would sound better.
I’ve played multiple overdrives over the years. Then in lockdown one here in the UK I got on eBay and got a Blues Driver. It made me question why I’d waited so long - great overdrive.
I also discovered that Mark Knopfler had one on his rig for his 2019 world tour. That’s a pretty good endorsement.
Nice video! I’ve owned one of those for years and I’m going to try your settings.
Terrific playing you're an awesome guitarist.
The pedal sounds good.Greetings from Sweden.
By the Way.
I am also lefthanded, but i cant play lefthanded guitars.
I play righthanded guitars .
You always find a way to get your optimum tone and I get the impression it wasn't so hard with the Blues Driver. I have one and you just gave me some ideas to explore.
Heck, I still use my BD2 constantly and I have had one for 20 years. First pedal I ever bought and still one of if not my favorite pedal I own
The BD-2 is my favorite drive pedal without a doubt. Great on both bass and six string. My favorite setting is with the gain and my guitar volume dimed. Sounds like a more articulate fuzz pedal.
This is a great pedal which I had years ago...I gave it as a gift to my young nephew a few years back then bought the Waza version which I don't like so I'm about to revert to the BD-2. Great review intheblues.
Really liked all the bluesy grit the pedal added to already good tone. Funny that the old pedal is superior to the new. I practice at low volume levels, so I use my (ancient) Belcat Blues Drive pedal to get my treble back. No filters for my guitars with this thing!
Such a great overdrive that can go from nice transparent boost to almost fuzzy territory. Stands right beside many boutique options easily, I prefer it to basically all Blues Breaker derived pedals.
Had my BD-2 for years. Still love it. Great for blues but also good for classic rock tones, especially when playing rhythm parts.
Great demo. I might have to get one for my reverend kingsnake tube amp.
That Les Paul special with that p90 sounded great. So did the Harley Benton. All of them did, but especially those two I thought.
Very cool.
Thanks man..
Excellent review, many thanks.
thanks Shane and always like to hear the noodling and licks you can play..nice guitar collection also...I dont own any pedals but will look at this one seriously.....
Yeah, you managed to pull some great tones out of that box. I agree with your assessment the rhythm tones were exceptional.
Yes, one of my favorite OD pedals along with the OCD and Tone City Sweet Cream...all three of them stacked sounds amazing too! Also the Liquid Sunshine by Subdecay. The Blues Driver is super versatile though, can be a clean boost, just enough for a little sauce, or a blown out 60s fuzz if you turn the gain up and tone down on your guitar. But my favorite settings are the same as yours Shane, about 1 o clock and 11 o'clock. Just a solid overdrive, great gritty tone. I've come back to this pedal like 4 times, also had modded versions and the stock just hits hard. Also it's very dynamic, very responsive to your playing, cleans up real well if you play softer.
I love the Blues Driver. I've owned it twice. It's a great all-around overdrive/boost. For whatever reason, I do not currently own one except for the modeled version in my GT-100 board which is a very close emulation (IMO).
I’ve had a BD-2 (original) for near 25 years and it’s my fav dirt box.
Another great review, Shane. As you said at the end, you can also get some great tones out of this with a dirty channel. It's a classic alright!
Good pedal, I’ve had one for a few years, also have it as an option on the Boss ME-80 multi effects unit.
always nice vids mate..thanks for that
this pedal went on my board when I got it, and it has never left.
Man, i just love and enjoy your videos
Love my BD2, it hasbeen on my board for a while now. Sounds like it inspired you to some really tasty playing!
That’s the best blues tone in that class of pedal. The Great playing Really made that pedal shine
Nice video. Many thanks. Waiting for mine to arrive. I like how you didn’t dive straight to metal and heavy rock which is where most distortion pedal reviews go.
Nice work Shane, it sounds pretty good to me!
My go to pedal. Shane nailed the tone, and I also recommend using it between 11 and 2 O'clock. I have been using the same one for many years (probably over 20 years), and cannot find anything I like better. I bought and sold a Tube Screamer as it just didn't do it for me like the BD. I have a King of Tone on my board as well, but I prefer to use the BD. A great drive pedal.
Haha I just connected my Boss BD2w to my pedalboard last night which had been out of use in favour of the Electro-Harmonix Soul Food as my main OD just to get an option in tones and was going to do some research today. So this item will be helpful at just the right time!
great demo, sounds so good , and ill tee it up with my tele...
After listening to you, my BD-2 just looked at me with disgust and asked why it was being wasted on me. Certainly my favorite pedal. My first died on me. But I had to have another. Well done Mate.
There is a trick you can use the BD2 for. I often play a PRS Core Custom 24. Sometimes it is too thick on the bridge if I need a jangly tone for let’s say an early Beatles tune. I turn down the gain, up the level and ride the guitar around 7. It is a solid state pedal so it gets bright doing this yet I can keep the tone where I like around noon. Try it. I play a lot of country as well and there are times where I am not quick enough to go back to my Tele so I do this! Great video as always!
I don't really play blues but this is my single favorite pedal. It does so many things and does them so well. Mine hardly ever comes off my board and is on more often than not.
great vid as always Shane.
Right on! That gain knob goes from blues to metal. I have the waza craft version and it is one of my go to pedals.
I've got the Angry Driver which is basically a JHS Angry Charlie distortion and Boss Blues Driver in a a single pedal. You can input one into the other or run them in parallel in just a single pedal, so the number of dirt options are incredible. But if I have in single pedal mode, it's usually the BD. It doesn't colour the tone as much as other pedals too and gain gets into classic rock territory which is nice.
Iconic pedal and sounds. I had one and sold it for one with the Keeley Mod… can’t beat the BD-2 !
This is the first pedal I ever purchased, maybe 8 or so years ago and I’m still tinkering trying to find the right tone. Found it likes my Epi with the p90’s more than my humbuckies
My very favorite OD. I upgraded to the Keeley Super Phat Mod (a proprietary version of Keeley’s modded BD-2s) for a little extra girth. But if any new guitarist is ready to explore pedals, I’ll always recommend this first.
Nice video Shane i like the blues Driver like you Said a lot a gain but sound good !
Great review! I hope see a Wampler Brent Mason and Nobels Odr 1 demos soon
Salutes from Spain!!
My BD-2 has had permanent home on my board since I got it 6-7 years ago. Definitely an awesome pedal!
I find the Blues Driver to be the real king of tone. I’ve used it for 25 years now. On my third version as I keep trying to find more expensive and fancy pedals to replace it. But it’s irreplaceable as a mild, always on OD.
i have 3 of these and luv 'em. 1 is a Keeley modded one and the other 2 are stock. very versatile and with gain turned down are one of my favorite clean boost pedals. depending on the amp they also sit right in the sweet spot for midrange frequencies... less mid-hump than a tubescreamer. keep the tone knob at about 9-10 o'clock on mine. my rule of thumb is the higher the gain setting the lower the tone setting.
I think the BD-2 is awesome! I use mine as a "stay on" pedal, with the gain at 1.00, and use my volume knob to control the drive.
Super-glued to my pedalboard.
Just as I was considering getting one of these👍🏻
I’m not even a Boss fan (although I thoroughly enjoy my Boss ME-25) but this Blues Driver just sounds SO RIGHT
A really good demo. with a range of levels and guitars. Spot on.
Here's my experience. Fattens up sound. I run mine always on, with gain at zero or near zero. Puts the slightest, almost undetectable hair on the guitar. That's through a clean amp. When I hit the crunch channel that BD2 on zero fattens the sound of the old DiMarzio's in this 1983 Hondo 335 copy, and it sounds just like Leslie West's guitar on Mississippi Queen. Or, sometimes I go like you just did. Clean amp, pedal at 50%, guitar's volume knob. A no messing around basic rig that will get anyone through most gigs.
Damn good review!
Thanks Shane Happy Thanksgiving.
I think it is the perfect distortion for most applications minus metal. But man those tones were crazy good. Great review. Thank you. Definitely on the wish list now.
that playing is nasty. great demo my dude.
I've always used two in series. For rythm & lead tone. It was a great tone. Now I use a Volta "The Blue " pedal - it's easier to handle and you have more possibilities.
Sounds killer! Need one now!
I have the angry driver jb-2 that has a bd-2 and angry charlie circuits in one pedal and the bd-2 is always on as a boost. When I need more juice I turn the Angy Charlie circuit on in parallel. Love it's sound. Bd-2 is a sure value.
Nice. I ordered a used one last weekend. Ha! Pretty great. Happy Thanksgiving from Conneticut to Melbourne (I have friends there so, this...they probably don't watch this.)
Another great demo.
again, great review.