Boss BD-2 vs OD-3

[ErikH]

I've A/B'd them both at a rehearsal before. Artie let me borrow his Keeley modified BD-2. I can't remember the exact mods that were done. There's a thread that I discuss my thoughts about the two of them in. While I like the BD-2, I prefer the OD-3 for my sound. Not to say I wouldn't use the BD-2 if I had to because I could make it work. Both are great overdrives.

 

[Gold star]

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:

A lot of guitar parts you think are heavily over driven are not. The SD1 is commonly used, even by pros, the DS1 takes things into overdriven sustain. Fuzz effects I feel can get confused with overdrive. it's a different effect character ...

 

[jeremy]

i like the od3 and think it sounds great when playing alone, but i find the sd1 and bd2 cut better live

 

[Aceman]

Hmm. According to this chart, if I have both an SD-1 and a BD-2, maybe I don’t need an OD-3.

Need is such an extreme word....

 

[Demanic]

Whatever gets it shipped.

Try "want" instead.

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[Demanic]

Anytime we’re talking about a Boss overdrive pedal, I think the case can be made for medical necessity.

Just can't embrace selfishness, can you?

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[JamesPaul]

... Check the graph below (found it on TGP) for an impression how these Boss overdrive and distortion pedals relate:

We are seriously hurting in that Rough-Natural quadrant. At least that is what the engineer in me thinks. Then again, this may be why I am not much for pedals.

 

[GuitarStv]

Wouldn't Rough-Natural be a fuzz?

 

[Aceman]

Rough and natural: The Boss RN-2 Unshaven

 

[Simon_F]

i like the od3 and think it sounds great when playing alone, but i find the sd1 and bd2 cut better live

This has absolutely been my experience too. I love BOSS pedals and have SD-1, BD-2 and OD-3.

When I'm playing alone at home I love the OD-3. It's very full sounding and amp-like. When I take it out and use it with a band I find it a little too bassy and it doesn't seem to cut through a mix.

The SD-1 cuts through and is quite middy. Trims the bass like a tube screamer. In some contexts can sound a bit nasal.

The BD-2 also cuts through. It's a pretty versatile pedal going from slight boost through medium gain OD into fuzz territory. It retains the low end but can be pretty bright. Some call it fizzy. It works for me if I keep the tone control at 10 o'clock or lower.

I currently have the BD-2 on my board but am thinking about putting the SD-1 on there too because I love them both in different contexts.

I like the OD-3 but the other two work better for me live. I don't hear the OD-3 as a "better" BD-2 - they are pretty different.

I'm currently considering a Waza BD-2, just to try the custom mode which I hear is a little fatter and bassier. I have the Waza SD-1 and the custom mode is nice with a little extra bass and gain whilst retaining the basic character of the original.