Keeley modded BD-2 …I like it!

[AFKAEjay(retired)]

Into a clean amp, then into a dirty one, recorded with an IPad in between my speakers, so you’ll have to hear passed that.
Great pedal imho!

 

[maguchi]

Yeah the BD-2 been one of my favorite pedals for a long time. They add some liquid molasses or syrup to the sound. Mine's been modified, but I can't remember if it's been modified by Keeley or Analog.Man

 

[norminal]

Big fan of the BD-2 here. I modded mine to Keeley’s specs a while back and really helped tame the tone knob and noise.

 

[metropolis_4]

The Keeley mods are great. The Wampler mods are also worth checking out sometime if you like BD-2’s. That’s the one Brian made for Brent Mason that he used quite a bit

 

[newpedals]

I was considering buying a (stock) BD2 some time back. They are transparent-ish and the low gain sounds are amazing. But whether they will work depends on the rig.

It is quite a bright sounding pedal. If your amp is also bright, it wouldn't be usable. I think the mods will help solve this issue. Some mods may also remove the slight fizzle and crackle on the note decay which is associated with the character of the pedal.

Some use it for low gain sounds, but I also know a friend who uses it as a pseudo-fuzz.

Some mods may also add some bass frequencies back to the sound. The phat mod does solve this issue according to a friend.

Some people prefer the OD3 because it has more low end, and use something else with more mids when they need to cut through (maybe for solos).

Some use pedals like the TC Mojo Mojo or MXR Gran Torino because they have dedicated Bass knobs and can be tweaked as needed.

 

[saarangnarayan]

Some use it for low gain sounds, but I also know a friend who uses it as a pseudo-fuzz.

Some mods may also add some bass frequencies back to the sound. The phat mod does solve this issue according to a friend.

I use the Waza version which is essentially the Keeley mod on the custom mode. It absolutely kills as a fuzz! IIRC, the idea behind the BD-2 was to have a Fender style amp that was cranked; IMO, cranked up fenders make for excellent fuzz tones.

 

[Aelred]

I have a BD-2w and an Angry Driver, fwiw. I like both of them.

 

[Stone]

Currently using the BD in the Fractal, it what works for what I'm doing

 

[norminal]

Currently using the BD in the Fractal, it what works for what I'm doing

Wait, what? When was it added?

 

[Blix]

Wait, what? When was it added?

There isn't one, Stone must be on shrooms again.

 

[newpedals]

I have a BD-2w and an Angry Driver, fwiw. I like both of them.

Mooer people have a Blues Crab which is clone of Blues driver modified by someone.

There won't be any issue while using mini pedals, unless you have feet like mine (definitely not small).

 

[Stone]

Wait, what? When was it added?

Correction Im using the Blues OD Lol (Marshall Blue's Breaker)

 

[FuzzyAce]

Correction Im using the Blues OD Lol (Marshall Blue's Breaker)

 

[FuzzyAce]

I use one on the rare occasion. I did a cap mod on it years ago, but don't remember which mod I referenced. It basically made it a little more balanced in the eq.

 

[eggpl@nt]

I've been flirting hard with a BD-2 lately, but haven't been able to decide which version - vanilla, Waza, Angry Charlie, Phat Mod, Timmons flavored, Mooer Blue Mood - there are quite a few. Then there's the possibility of building one - either stock or with the Galaxy mod.

 

[itchyfingers]

My first OD pedal that wasn't a TS clone! Love that BD2 sound. My stash; stock, 50th anniversary, & Keeley Mod...

 

[norminal]

Correction Im using the Blues OD Lol (Marshall Blue's Breaker)

Be sure to try the Morning Glory model if you’re digging the Blues Breaker.

 

[saarangnarayan]

I've been flirting hard with a BD-2 lately, but haven't been able to decide which version - vanilla, Waza, Angry Charlie, Phat Mod, Timmons flavored, Mooer Blue Mood - there are quite a few. Then there's the possibility of building one - either stock or with the Galaxy mod.

Keeley mod, phat mod, and Waza custom mode are supposed to be the same thing

 

[BluesDriver]

Best pure stock overdrive ever made IMO. Owned multiple versions in some form or fashion since 2002. I’ve had my Keeley modded version for almost 20 years now and also have a near mint stock from the the late 90’s that’s staying in its box. My 10 year old son will get it when he gets older if he’s still interested in guitar. Want to get a Waza and new SMT stock version down the road to own them all.

Just got a BK Butler Tube Driver finally after years of wanting one to “replace” my BD-2 on my Gilmour board and it’s beyond incredible but my BD-2 will still have a place on the board as it will always have a use if not more as a Power Booster alternative. My Demeter Comp or CS-2 pushing the BD-2 still sounds incredible for low gain or slide work. The Tube Driver likes a Boss buffer on both sides of it anyway for impedance issues.

As for the other versions, the newer Keeley MK3 Driver that Andy Timmons helped design is easily the closet thing and almost equal to the BD-2 and would be a improvement for some as the germanium clipping option gives it a different hi-fi sound. Also runs at 18v for way more headroom. Enjoyed it more than the gold Phat Mod version which I quickly flipped as it didn’t give me any immediate improvement over the BD-2. Also I’ve always considered the OD-3 a BD-2 alternative with just more bass and is a massively good and underrated pedal in its own right.


First post…and no I didn’t choose my name for this, Just moved over from the other ad-ridden place.

 

[KingsXJJ]

Keeley MK3 Driver on the way. I’m hoping it’s a keeper. The BD-2 and BD-2W didm’t do it for me. Hoping the AT/RK options allow me to hit the sweet spot.