The Boss Blues Driver is an iconic overdrive pedal with a rich history of shaping guitar tones in various genres, from blues to classic rock. In recent years, Boss introduced the Waza Craft series, which offers refined and enhanced versions of their classic pedals. In this article, we will delve into the comparison between the Boss Blues Driver Waza Craft and the original Boss Blues Driver. We’ll explore the differences, improvements, and which one might be the better fit for your pedalboard.
The Classic Boss Blues Driver: A Time-Tested Favorite
The original Boss Blues Driver, the BD-2, has long been a staple on pedalboards around the world. It is revered for its warm and smooth overdrive that is well-suited for blues, classic rock, and a variety of musical styles. Key characteristics of the original Blues Driver include:
- Smooth Overdrive: The BD-2 delivers a smooth and slightly crunchy overdrive that complements the natural tone of your guitar and amplifier. It’s prized for its bluesy and vintage character.
- Tone Control: The pedal features tone controls that allow you to adjust the balance of treble and bass frequencies, giving you tonal flexibility.
- Sustain: The Blues Driver provides a satisfying sustain that aids in achieving expressive lead tones and solos.
- Rugged Build: Boss pedals are known for their durability, and the original Blues Driver is no exception. It’s built to withstand the demands of gigging and touring.
Boss Blues Driver Waza Craft: A Modern Interpretation
The Boss Blues Driver Waza Craft is part of the Waza Craft series, which takes classic Boss pedals and refines them to meet modern standards. The Waza Craft version of the Blues Driver brings several improvements and enhancements:
- Enhanced Sound: The Waza Craft Blues Driver is known for its enhanced sound quality. It retains the classic smooth overdrive of the original but with improved clarity and dynamics.
- Buffered Bypass: The Waza Craft version features a buffered bypass, which helps maintain signal integrity and prevents tone loss when the pedal is turned off. The original BD-2 uses a standard bypass.
- Custom Mode: The Waza Craft Blues Driver offers a “Custom” mode in addition to the standard mode. This mode delivers increased sustain and gain, making it a versatile choice for lead guitar work.
- Premium Components: Waza Craft pedals use high-quality components, including custom-designed IC chips, to enhance their overall sound quality and performance.
Comparing the Blues Driver and Blues Driver Waza Craft
Let’s compare the original Blues Driver with the Blues Driver Waza Craft:
- Sound Quality: The Waza Craft version is recognized for its enhanced sound quality, offering improved clarity and dynamics, while the original BD-2 has a classic warm overdrive sound.
- Custom Mode: The Waza Craft Blues Driver’s “Custom” mode provides added gain and sustain, making it a more versatile choice for lead work.
- Buffered Bypass: The buffered bypass in the Waza Craft version can help maintain your overall signal integrity when the pedal is turned off, preventing tone loss. The original BD-2 uses a standard bypass.
- Price: The Blues Driver Waza Craft is typically more expensive than the original Blues Driver due to its refinements and additional features.
Choosing the Right Blues Driver for You
The choice between the original Boss Blues Driver and the Blues Driver Waza Craft ultimately comes down to your preferences and requirements. If you are a fan of the classic Blues Driver sound and prefer the warm and smooth overdrive it provides, the original BD-2 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value enhanced sound quality, a “Custom” mode for increased versatility, and buffered bypass to maintain signal integrity, the Waza Craft Blues Driver may be the better fit for your pedalboard.
Both pedals are beloved for their unique qualities and can contribute to your guitar tone in their own distinct ways. Consider your playing style and the specific sonic characteristics you’re seeking when making your decision between these two exceptional pedals.
