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severinsteel
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Episode 31: Boss VB-2 Vibrato
It's time to get serious! Today, we are taking a look at the Boss VB-2 Vibrato! This is one of what I call, the Boss 'Big 3'. The Big 3 includes the SG-2 Slow Gear, the SP-1 Spectrum, and the VB-2 Vibrato. These three pedals are the most expensive compact Boss pedals you can buy on the second hand market. They are also the most collectable.
The VB-2 is prized by players and collectors alike. Collectors like it since it's rare, and players like it since it's a unique and very cool effect. It's based off of the vibrato function on the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus amp. According to BossArea.com, the VB-2 was only produced for about a year. It wasn't a big seller.
Ok, so the Vibrato has three modes. The Latch mode makes the pedal act like any other Boss pedal. You step on the footswitch and the pedal stays on. Step on it again, and it turns off. The Bypass mode bypasses the effect altogether. It won't turn on in this mode. I'm not really sure why it's included. The final mode, which is my favorite, is the Unlatch mode. You can treat the footswitch like a piano sustain pedal: you bring the effect in and out by holding the footswitch, and then releasing it. The Rise Time knob is only relevant in this mode. The higher the Rise Time, the longer it takes for the Vibrato effect to 'ramp up' while you hold down the pedal. It reminds me a little of a Leslie in this mode.
The VB-2 can sound quite silly at higher Depth and Rate settings. I recommend setting the Depth knob at 12:00 or below (I prefer 9:00). Same with the Rate knob (anything 12:00 or below).
Overall, this is one of my favorite reviewed pedals. It was not cheap. I actually spent more on this than any other pedal in the Boss lineup (slightly more than the Slow Gear that should hopefully arrive soon!). I'm not sure if it's actually worth the $300+ price tag, but it's a really unique effect. I love mine and I'm glad I took the plunge.
-Cameron Johnson
Music by Atma Weapon
atmaweaponnc.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/atmaweaponnc
It's time to get serious! Today, we are taking a look at the Boss VB-2 Vibrato! This is one of what I call, the Boss 'Big 3'. The Big 3 includes the SG-2 Slow Gear, the SP-1 Spectrum, and the VB-2 Vibrato. These three pedals are the most expensive compact Boss pedals you can buy on the second hand market. They are also the most collectable.
The VB-2 is prized by players and collectors alike. Collectors like it since it's rare, and players like it since it's a unique and very cool effect. It's based off of the vibrato function on the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus amp. According to BossArea.com, the VB-2 was only produced for about a year. It wasn't a big seller.
Ok, so the Vibrato has three modes. The Latch mode makes the pedal act like any other Boss pedal. You step on the footswitch and the pedal stays on. Step on it again, and it turns off. The Bypass mode bypasses the effect altogether. It won't turn on in this mode. I'm not really sure why it's included. The final mode, which is my favorite, is the Unlatch mode. You can treat the footswitch like a piano sustain pedal: you bring the effect in and out by holding the footswitch, and then releasing it. The Rise Time knob is only relevant in this mode. The higher the Rise Time, the longer it takes for the Vibrato effect to 'ramp up' while you hold down the pedal. It reminds me a little of a Leslie in this mode.
The VB-2 can sound quite silly at higher Depth and Rate settings. I recommend setting the Depth knob at 12:00 or below (I prefer 9:00). Same with the Rate knob (anything 12:00 or below).
Overall, this is one of my favorite reviewed pedals. It was not cheap. I actually spent more on this than any other pedal in the Boss lineup (slightly more than the Slow Gear that should hopefully arrive soon!). I'm not sure if it's actually worth the $300+ price tag, but it's a really unique effect. I love mine and I'm glad I took the plunge.
-Cameron Johnson
Music by Atma Weapon
atmaweaponnc.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/atmaweaponnc
