The Boss Blues Driver is a legendary overdrive pedal that has earned its place as a staple in the pedalboards of countless guitarists.
From blues enthusiasts to rock aficionados, the BD-2 has garnered a reputation for its warm, smooth, and expressive tone that brings out the soul and emotion in your playing. In this article, we will explore the features, versatility, and tonal range of the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver, as well as a couple of alternatives.
Introduction and Design
The pedal was first introduced in March of 1995 and was an instant succes and it still is. It is one of the best selling Boss pedals today. One of the pedals main features is that it is very dynamic, the level of overdrive is proportional to the picking strength. The BD-2 has not had any known major circuit changes until 2017 when Boss redesigned the circuit. Early revised models may have been made in Taiwan, but recent ones are made in Malaysia.
Sturdy and Compact
The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver features a sturdy and compact design, consistent with Boss’s renowned reputation for building durable pedals. Its instantly recognizable bright blue housing with bright yellow labeling makes it stand out on any pedalboard. The intuitive control layout allows for easy operation, with three main controls: Level, Tone, and Gain.
The Level control adjusts the overall volume output, while the Tone knob enables you to shape the tonal characteristics of your sound, ranging from brightness to darkness. The Gain control determines the amount of overdrive saturation, from mild breakup to mature lead tones. And like all Boss pedals, the BD-2 has a buffered bypass.
Versatility and Tonal Range
Despite its name, the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is not limited to blues tones alone. Its versatility allows it to excel in various styles, including blues, rock, country, and jazz. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to add just the right amount of gain while preserving the natural dynamics of your playing.
With the Gain control, you can achieve a wide spectrum of overdrive tones. Set it at moderate levels to achieve a smooth, dynamic breakup reminiscent of vintage tube amps, perfect for soulful blues phrases. Crank up the Gain for a more aggressive, distorted tone suitable for rock riffs.
Four classic Blues Driver sounds
Classic Blues
The BD-2 shines when it comes to recreating timeless blues tones. Set the Gain at noon to achieve a smooth, dynamic breakup reminiscent of vintage tube amps. Experiment with the Tone knob to find the perfect balance of warmth and clarity, and you’ll be able to coax soulful, singing blues phrases with ease.
Lead
Whether aiming for classic rock leads or fusion-inspired licks, the BD-2 can help your guitar soar. Set the Level control at two, and the Gain and Tone knob a little past two, and let the pedal add sustain and sparkle to your solos.
Transparent Drive
If you prefer to maintain the character of your amplifier while adding some grit, the BD-2 shines as a transparent overdrive. Set the Gain control at 11, the Level at 9, and the Tone knob to match your desired tonal balance. This way, you can achieve a natural, vintage-like overdrive without overpowering the original character of your amp.
Boost
The BD-2 can also be used as a boost pedal, pushing the front end of an already overdriven tube amp into harmonic bliss. Set the Level control high, keep the Gain low, and let the pedal add a touch of sustain and sparkle to your solos.
BD-2 Circuit
The Blues Driver circuit is similar to the Boss OD-2 Turbo Overdrive from 1988. The OD-2 is the first pedal with a “discrete op-amp” circuit topology. This circuit is famous for using two JFETs and a (PNP) transistor to create a gain stage that can be controlled like an op-amp and clips musically when hit hard. The BD has a circuit very similar to the OD-2, combined with a bass boost to the end. Boss also added a couple of clipping diodes and a tonestack for shaping the tone.
Limitations of the Boss Blues Driver
Despite being very popular the Blues Driver is not without its limitations. Especially when you turn the gain past twelve some notes may appear to be “fizzy”. And that is not all. In some occasions the low end does not work well and can be a bit overwhelming when combined with some tube amps. It is for these reasons that it is also one of the most modded pedals to date. Three mods that are very popular are the ones from JHS, Keeley and Analogman.
Boss BD-2 versus BD-2 Waza Craft
The Boss BD-2 Waza Craft is the premium version of the BD-2, offering enhanced build quality, refined circuits, and meticulous craftsmanship. While both pedals share the same basic control layout, the BD-2 Waza Craft introduces key enhancements that provide improved sound and performance. The Waza Craft offers a wider range of gain options, allowing for more versatility in tonal shaping. It also provides increased clarity and smoother response, delivering a more detailed and transparent overdrive. However, the BD-2 Waza Craft comes at a higher price point.
Which BD-2 should you choose?
When choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and budget. If you’re primarily interested in achieving classic blues tones and value affordability, the standard BD-2 is an excellent choice. Its tried-and-true design and legendary status make it a reliable option for capturing vintage-inspired overdrive. On the other hand, if you have a higher budget and desire a pedal with enhanced tonal characteristics, improved clarity, and refined craftsmanship, the BD-2 Waza Craft may be the better option for you. It offers an upgraded sound and a wider range of gain options, making it suitable for a broader range of musical styles.
Four alternatives
Keeley Muse Driver is an overdrive with everything from a clean boost to a square-wave, germanium fuzz generator. This pedal combines a three-control blues driver circuit with two switches for the voicing Drive and Tone characteristics. It can be switched between true-bypass and buffered bypass at any time. It is Andy Timmons’ signature overdrive pedal.
Keeley Super Phat Mod has the famous Blues Driver mod with amazing sounding JFETs that emulate old tube amps. If you like the mod you will definitely like this pedal. It has a natural break-up that just feels good. The dynamics make it feel alive and part of your fingers.
Kernom Ridge is an advanced overdrive based on analog morphing, a new, patented approach to electronic clipping circuits. This pedal comes pretty close to the sound and feel of a Blues Driver! Suggested settings are Mid and Post Tone at 12, Mood at 9, Pre Tone at 2. You can use the Drive knob to taste. Have fun!
Earthquaker Devices Westwood is a touch sensitive effects pedal with mild to medium-gain overdrive. Is has active EQ controls and a fairly neutral sound with loads of string separation. The unique timbre of each string cuts through easily, followed by a good amount of sustain. The flavour of the overdrive is natural and very amp-like.
Final Thoughts
The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is a popular overdrive pedal that enhances your musical performance. Whether you love blues, classic rock, or want a pedal that can produce great overdriven tones, the BD-2 is perfect. Its versatility allows it to adapt to any musical style, capturing the true essence of the blues.
With its compact build, user-friendly controls, and impressive tonal versatility, the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is a valuable asset to any guitarist’s pedalboard. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a touring professional, the BD-2’s warm overdrive and emotive distortion will surely elevate your playing to new heights. Don’t miss out on this amazing tool – add the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver to your collection today!