Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
Discrete JFET/op-amp hybrid with a touch-sensitive, almost-tweed feel.
We don't ship reference schematics until they've been hand-authored against authoritative sources (manufacturer service docs, ElectroSmash analyses, GEOFEX writeups) and reviewed in the simulator. Until then, the BOM, signal chain, controls and mod notes below are accurate, and you can still add this pedal to a project — it just won't include a circuit yet.
About
Unusual among Boss dirt pedals — instead of a single op-amp gain stage, the BD-2 uses a discrete JFET amplifier with diode clipping in the feedback path. The result is a more amp-like response that opens up with pick attack and cleans up well with guitar volume.
Signal chain preview
4 stagesQuick facts
- Discrete JFETs (2SK118) give a more 'amp-like' compression than op-amp drives.
- The 'Keeley Mod' (and Phat mod) is one of the most-cloned mods in DIY history.
- Sits beautifully stacked into a Tube Screamer for extra mids and gain.
Controls
- Gain (100k log)
- Tone (20k linear)
- Level (50k log)
Mod recipes Pro
2 mods- Keeley Phat mod
Fatter low end, smoother top, more amp-like grind.
How: Replace C6 (0.022 µF) with 0.1 µF and C5 (0.047 µF) with 0.22 µF for more low end; swap clipping diodes for asymmetric 1N4148 + LED for a more open, less compressed clip.
- Mid hump switch
Adds a TS-style mid push for solos.
How: Wire an SPDT toggle between the tone-control feedback path and a 2.2 nF cap to ground to introduce a ~700 Hz peak when engaged.