Boss BD-2 Blues Driver

This is basically the Boss version of the time-honored Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer. While tons of gear-makers have been chasing that classic TS-9 sound for years, I’d say Boss is pretty close to giving Ibanez a run for their money – depending on the guitar you are using. Unfortunately, for nailing that time-honored Strat / Tube Screamer sound, the BD-2 doesn’t quite measure up. At lower settings the Strat / Blues Driver combo sounded very warm and tube-like, but crunchier settings brought out a sterile transistorized-sounding fizziness that sounded slightly fake and shrill. Where the Blues Driver really holds its own is when used with humbucking guitars like Gibson SGs, Les Pauls, or ES-335s. In the humbucking world, the BD-2 impressed us the most with a valvey, open sound and a capacity for wider tone and drive settings. A big advantage that the BD-2 has over the TS-9 is the actual stomp switch. While we’ve replaced tons of switches in our TS-9, the BD-2 keeps on performing without fail. If you’re looking for a mild overdrive that gives you that amazing tweed sound, this is a great stomper, just make sure your guitar is loaded with humbuckers.