01—Boss
BD-2W Blues Driver (Waza Craft)
The classic dynamic blues overdrive — the pedal John Mayer used on Continuum-era tours.
The Waza version is the only one to buy. Custom mode fixes the BD-2's only real weakness (flubby low end). Cheaper than most boutique overdrives and as good.
02—On the bench
Boss's Waza Craft revision of the BD-2 Blues Driver — the late-1990s low-gain overdrive that became a session standard for its transparent, dynamic, slightly mid-forward voice. The Waza version adds a 'Custom' mode that opens up the low end, increases the available gain, and adds a more articulate top end. Standard mode is the original 1990s BD-2 circuit, untouched. Where a Tube Screamer humps the mids, the Blues Driver leaves the EQ mostly alone and just adds gain — more like a cranked amp than a colored pedal. Used by John Mayer on early tours, by every Nashville session player who didn't want a TS9, and by indie players who wanted a single drive that does everything.
- 01more dynamic than a Tube Screamer
- 02Custom mode adds low-end punch without flubbing
- 03cleans up well off the guitar volume
- 04stack-friendly as either pre or post boost
- 05Standard mode is the actual 1995 BD-2 circuit
03—In the room
Where else this pedal lives.
- John Mayer
- Jonny Lang
- Robert Cray
- Mike McCready
JHS Morning Glory if you want even more transparency; BD-2W if you want some midrange shape.