Boss BD-2 vs OD-3

F

Flores_68

New member
Hello,

I've been looking for a low gain pedal which I intend to use below 12 o'clock, which is how I usually run my dirt pedals. I currently have an Ibanez ts9, a Wampler Tumnus and an EHX Hot Tubes (amazing, underrated pedal). I was looking into the Boss Blues Driver (also considering the Waza Craft version) and I saw lots of comments online about how the OD-3 is an improved version of the BD-2. I watched a few videos on YouTube but it's not easy to notice the subtle differences by watching videos. As you probably know, some people love the OD-3, some hate it, some love the BD-2 etc.... Anyway, I'd like to know if anyone has had first hand experience with both pedals and could tell me if the OD-3 is in fact an improved BD-2 or if I should just go for the BD-2, or the Waza Craft. Thanks!
 
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Don't own either of them, but have played both. (I love those Boss displays in GC/Sam Ash!)

I don't think "improved" is the right word. They are just slightly different. Really a matter of your preferences. I think anyone would be happy with either for the most part.

Much like pickups though, I'm gonna ask what is it that your current pedals do or don't give too much/too little of that is making you want another? I'd think the TS9 and Tumnus would handle your needs very well.

Can you describe what you are looking for?
 
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They are both full and gritty. I get it - maybe less of the mid hump from the TS9, less clarity than the Tumnus. Again - I say flip a coin. If bass = fullness, then either the OD3 or the Waza may do you right, as the OD3, to my memory, had a more pronounced bass response than a BD2, and I understand that is part of the mod option on the Waza.

I defer to the Waza owners. Never played one.
 
These pedals are really close to me, and I bet you can make either sound like the other. Maybe I hear the OD3 with slightly more highs? But barely.
 
I have watched a ton of Youtube, and I think the OD3 is a little more even EQ compared to the BD2, which IMO, has slightly more miss, and a little softer highs. Like I said - haven't owned them, but have played each not too long ago...

I agree with Dave. Roll off a touch of highs on the OD3 or a touch less miss on the amp with the BD2...same sound.
 
I don't own OD-3. But I really like what I hear from BD-2 (I usually use it between 9 - 2 o'clock) into klone (in my case EHX Soul Food).
 
Personally I use both BD-2 and OS-2 (instead of OD-3). Both pedals are being used separately as well as stacked. Check the graph below (found it on TGP) for an impression how these Boss overdrive and distortion pedals relate:

78f242c81799478b298812759572f6ad.jpg
 
IMO, they are similar overdrive pedals and it’s really going to come down to your guitars, amp and ears. I’d buy both used, give them both a work out with your rig, then sell the one you don’t prefer.

If you don’t want to do that, the BD-2w has two modes so I’m sure one will be more up your alley.
 
PFDarkside said:
IMO, they are similar overdrive pedals and it’s really going to come down to your guitars, amp and ears. I’d buy both used, give them both a work out with your rig, then sell the one you don’t prefer.

If you don’t want to do that, the BD-2w has two modes so I’m sure one will be more up your alley.
Click to expand...


IMHO one compliments the other. They can exist next to each other. Having both adds value, sound wise.
 
Both bd-2 and od-3 are great. I slightly prefer the bd-2, but it has the scratchy sound that some folks just don’t like. It’s a “try before you buy” type of pedal so make sure that you like that fuzzy style of gain. OD-3 is less likely to offend anyone but, to me, it lacks the character of the BD-2. These are inexpensive pedals that are easy to find. Buy both and sell the one you like less.
 
The DigiTech Screaming Blues is a clone of the BD2 but comes with two band eq built in, might be cheaper to acquire too. Consider that one in place of the BD2 as well.

Between the two I'd vote for the OD3 though.
 
OD-3 I speculate would make a great boost for pickups that are active or just very hot and compressed, like a Super3 or Slug.
 
I use my bogner blue tons more than my ts9. Any pedal with a 3 band eq runs circles around a ts9.

i love the variety all the switches provide on top too.
the boost is a nice touch too.​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​
 
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