Boss Pedalboard

[metropolis_4]

I am a minimalist because I am both a singer and a guitarist. My board is all Boss.

TU-3 > MD-2 > SD-1

If I only played lead and had quick reflexes, I would add an OD-3, a DD-8 and a RV-6.

I am gonna get some hate, but when I tried both an OD-3 and a BD-2, I preferred the OD-3 inspite of having more Bass.

The sound is more "full" for the lack of a better word, and the gain knob on the OD-3 has more "range".

The BD-2 sounded crackly to me, but these things are only appearent while playing alone.

In a band scenario, I have seen many people use a BD-2 and they sounded really good. Specially turning the knob 70% and more made it sound like a fuzz.

I always loved Boss when I was singing because it’s so easy to see the colors and hit the big switch when you can’t look down all the way.

I’ve heard others say they prefer the OD-3, I don’t think that’s crazy at all. I’ve even heard it recommended as an alternative to people who didn’t like the BD-2.

“You didn’t like the BD-2? Try an OD-3, it’s like a BD-2 only better”

 

[Jarick]

Decided to go off script and ordered a cheap used OD-1X. I'm intrigued by the weirdness.

 

[Los-D]

A little more time with the board and I really like the standalone looper pedal! For S&G I hooked up the HX Stomp as well as the Quad Cortex and the Boss RC-1 is just way better and easier to use. Same thing with the standalone tuner pedal, it seems a lot more solid and less twitchy than the integrated tuners in those pedals.

One other thing, the IR-2 is way easier to dial in running into the power amp and cab. I didn't bother yet with the FR-12, but running into the Amped and Orange 1x12, the Boss is warmer sounding and doesn't have the extended high end that needs to be pulled down of the other modelers. You can get the high end back by turning up the treble knob but at or just below noon it sounds really good.

I do think I'll need to get a Boss drive pedal next though. I flipped through a bunch of mine and I really like the Tumnus as a drive/boost. The classic Boss drive is an SD-1, but I have an MXR CBMOD which is supposed to be a hot rodded SD-1 and it sounds like ass. I'm kind of thinking of trying a Blues Driver?

Nice! GAS-triggering for sure. Have you tried running the few BOSS overdrives from the QC in front of your pedals to audition which ones you may like? I compared a couple of OD pedals with the QC versions a few months back and they were close enough for a quick assessment. YMMV as always.

 

[Jarick]

Nice! GAS-triggering for sure. Have you tried running the few BOSS overdrives from the QC in front of your pedals to audition which ones you may like? I compared a couple of OD pedals with the QC versions a few months back and they were close enough for a quick assessment. YMMV as always.

A little but not fully, I should try that again.

 

[the swede]

Agree with looper experience @Jarick
I was used to the Helix loopers mostly but got myself a Ditto+, much more tactile and easy to use imo. Nothing wrong really with HX Stomp looper… can’t really say why it’s easier and feels better with a looper pedal. Same goes for tuner, poly mini 3 noir.

 

[Jarick]

Agree with looper experience @Jarick
I was used to the Helix loopers mostly but got myself a Ditto+, much more tactile and easy to use imo. Nothing wrong really with HX Stomp looper… can’t really say why it’s easier and feels better with a looper pedal. Same goes for tuner, poly mini 3 noir.

Yes totally! I have a Poly Mini as well. The TU-3 isn't as cool as a Strobostomp or anything but it's reassuringly simple.

I also thought the RC-1 may be clunky to use with the switching. It's actually just fine. Now MXR style pedals feel wimpy lol. I love the single knob to adjust level, and I love the bright LED's that tell you what's happening. Very easy feedback loop. I mean it's good enough for Buk, it's more than good enough for me.

 

[BahamaDada]

I also thought the RC-1 may be clunky to use with the switching. It's actually just fine. Now MXR style pedals feel wimpy lol.

Big reason I try to do a Boss only board: the switches. Also you cannot step on the pots. The design is just tried and tested.

 

[newpedals]

Big reason I try to do a Boss only board: the switches. Also you cannot step on the pots. The design is just tried and tested.

I have posted elsewhere on this forum how I accidentally stepped on my polytune on a dark stage and broke the switch. The top piece of my heel made contact with the switch, and I sprained my ankle trying to stand up.

I bought a TU-3 as it's replacement and have been happy ever since.

 

[newpedals]

Yes totally! I have a Poly Mini as well. The TU-3 isn't as cool as a Strobostomp or anything but it's reassuringly simple.

I also thought the RC-1 may be clunky to use with the switching. It's actually just fine. Now MXR style pedals feel wimpy lol. I love the single knob to adjust level, and I love the bright LED's that tell you what's happening. Very easy feedback loop. I mean it's good enough for Buk, it's more than good enough for me.

Boss should design a new looper pedal with the same type of switches they have in their compact pedals.

First footswitch for loop start/ play/ overdub. Second one to stop. One knob for volume. Another knob for chosing from 10 saved loops. LEDs for status. Onboard 5 hour memory. USB for moving loops to computer. No screen. No bells and whistles. No sliders which have to be cleaned regularly, otherwise they collect dust. Quantize feature. And volume of each overdub is recorded automatically lower than the level of the prior one. Price the pedal at 100$ and charge additionally for those who wanna save the loops to their computer.

 

[BahamaDada]

I have posted elsewhere on this forum how I accidentally stepped on my polytune on a dark stage and broke the switch. The top piece of my heel made contact with the switch, and I sprained my ankle trying to stand up.

I bought a TU-3 as it's replacement and have been happy ever since.

Before buying a DS2 I ordered a TC Dark Matter and Mojo Mojo. Plan was to have the DM as standalone distortion and the MM as "fatten it up" lead sound.

Both (HP42 said it's called "Hammerhead series") sport these ultra short switches. Even with socks I was freightened to either change the pots with my toes or break them. I wonder what it will be with boots. Size EU43 here, so not even big feet in comparison.

 

[BahamaDada]

Finished for now. Later on, when it pops up on local classifieds, I'll see if I can get a DD7 or 8 to swap for the Analog Delay. But for now this has to do it. I like the DS2 and CH1 super close so I can stomp them with 1 foot (and a bit of aim).

Additional info: If anybody is looking for a cool battery power supply. The Joyo Power Supply 5 is really cool. Had to hook it up 3 times in 10 months. Battery time is really good for me (But I also din't have much mA consumption).

 

[Jarick]

Awesome, how do you like the Super Chorus? I used to have one of those on my first pedalboard, which also had a GE-7 and Metal Zone

 

[newpedals]

Before buying a DS2 I ordered a TC Dark Matter and Mojo Mojo. Plan was to have the DM as standalone distortion and the MM as "fatten it up" lead sound.

Both (HP42 said it's called "Hammerhead series") sport these ultra short switches. Even with socks I was freightened to either change the pots with my toes or break them. I wonder what it will be with boots. Size EU43 here, so not even big feet in comparison.

My pedalboard has somewhat similar uses.

Its TU-3 > MD-2 > SD-1

I had tried connecting it as SD-1 > MD-2 earlier but the MD-2 when activated sounded a little weird to my ears then.

 

[BahamaDada]

Awesome, how do you like the Super Chorus? I used to have one of those on my first pedalboard, which also had a GE-7 and Metal Zone

The nicest Chorus I have ever owned. Which weren't much (I guess... 3 others before, not counting multi fx?).

I dig the tone pot, which can really bring out that "80s sparkle". Still debating if I should put it in front of the distortion.

My pedalboard has somewhat similar uses.

Its TU-3 > MD-2 > SD-1

I had tried connecting it as SD-1 > MD-2 earlier but the MD-2 when activated sounded a little weird to my ears then.

Maybe it's because the MD2 already has kind of "boost" built in so the SD1 is just a touch too much.

Saw an amazing vid yesterday of a guy comparing the DS1, DS2 and MD2. He had them in front of an OD3 and it made an amazing sound. However I tried putting the DS2 in frong of an edging amp (that's what the OD3 simulated anyway?) And it sounded pretty farty.

 

[Jarick]

RV-6 incoming as well. Been playing my orange rocker that doesn’t have built in reverb and really missing some ambience.