For many guitarists, the pursuit of the perfect overdriven tone is a never-ending journey. The use of pedal combinations to achieve that sweet spot is a common practice, and stacking two Blues Drivers, such as the Boss BD-2, has become a popular method to achieve the sought-after bluesy and crunchy guitar sound. In this article, we will delve into the art of stacking two Blues Drivers, exploring the reasons behind it, the techniques involved, and the unique tonal characteristics it can unlock.
The Blues Driver Pedal:
The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is a beloved overdrive pedal known for its warm and creamy overdriven tones. It has been a staple on countless pedalboards for its ability to provide everything from a gentle breakup to a harmonically rich crunch. With its simple yet versatile controls, the BD-2 is a popular choice for guitarists across various genres.
Why Stack Two Blues Drivers?
Stacking two Blues Drivers may seem counterintuitive at first, as a single BD-2 is already capable of producing a wide range of overdrive tones. However, combining two BD-2 pedals can yield several benefits:
- Enhanced Gain Control: Stacking allows you to increase the gain, pushing your tone into the realm of saturated distortion. This can be particularly useful for genres like classic rock and blues-rock.
- Rich Harmonics: The combination of two pedals can create harmonic-rich overtones and a more complex texture to your tone. It produces a singing and sustaining quality that’s highly desirable for lead guitar work.
- Custom Tonal Palette: By using one BD-2 for your clean boost and the other for your overdriven tones, you can toggle between them to create a dynamic and expressive tonal palette.
Stacking Techniques:
When stacking two Blues Drivers, there are a few techniques to consider:
- Series Stacking: In this method, one BD-2 is placed before the other in the signal chain. The first BD-2 acts as a clean boost, driving the second one harder, resulting in a rich, cascading overdrive. This method allows for precise control over the level of overdrive by adjusting the gain on each pedal.
- Parallel Stacking: In this setup, each BD-2 is connected to a separate amp channel or input. This method creates two parallel paths, one clean and one overdriven. It’s a fantastic way to achieve a wet/dry setup for more tonal complexity.
- Gain Stacking: By setting one BD-2 for a subtle breakup and the other for heavier distortion, you can use the footswitches to toggle between them. This technique provides instant access to both clean and overdriven tones, enhancing your live performance capabilities.
Unique Tonal Characteristics:
When you stack two Blues Drivers, you can expect some distinctive tonal characteristics:
- Sustain and Feedback: Stacking adds sustain and harmonic feedback to your notes, allowing for longer and more expressive soloing.
- Smooth Transition: The transition between clean and overdriven tones becomes more seamless and controlled, making it an excellent choice for songs that require quick shifts in dynamics.
- Dynamic Response: Stacking makes your tone more dynamic and touch-sensitive, responding to your playing style with finesse.
Stacking two Blues Drivers, like the Boss BD-2, is a versatile and exciting approach to sculpting your guitar tone. It opens up a world of tonal possibilities, from creamy overdrive to soaring distortion, allowing you to adapt to different musical genres and playing styles. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, stacking two Blues Drivers can be a powerful tool for any guitarist looking to explore the depths of their instrument’s expressive potential.
