Updated by Bobby
Is the BD-2 Blues Driver analog?
There have been several comments on this page and some forum posts online suggesting that the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is analog and not digital. From what I can tell, the BD-2 is analog but is built with two discreet op-amps, which are extremely cheap to manufacture.
JHS Morning Glory Vs Boss Blues Driver (comparison)
Our pick: The JHS Morning Glory
JHS is usually worth the upgrade in cost. In this comparison, it's better-built and has a more organic overdrive tone than the Boss Blues Driver. If it's a budget issue, go with the BD-2. But if you can swing it, an upgrade to the Morning Glory is worth the pain.
This is quick and simple comparison of two overdrive pedals: The JHS Morning Glory (the fourth version) and the popular Boss BD-2 Blues Driver. In a sense you have a classic battle between a boutique guitar pedal with an analog circuit and a popular mainline pedal that's also analog, but on a far more "mass produced" scale with cheaper op-amps.
Both pedals are good, but how do they compare to each other? What kinds of sounds and tones can you get out of each one?
We'd argue the pedals actually sound similar (we like the Morning Glory a little better), while offering an equally similar control scheme.
Use the table and compare tool below to see details about each pedal side by side:
JHS Morning Glory VS Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Comparison Tool
Pedals | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| JHS Morning Glory | n/a | |
 | Boss BD-2 Blues Driver | n/a |
A modified Boss BD-2 Blues Driver. Flickr Commons image via Aaron Warren
If we were to paint in broad strokes, we'd say the Morning Glory is a bit more versatile and provides a better tone (which we'd expect given the nicer analog circuit). Yet, it's nearly twice as expensive as the BD-2, which makes the main question whether or not you want to pay a higher price for the higher-quality analog tone.
JHS Morning Glory Details
This is the fourth version of the Morning Glory that still runs off an analog circuit, but has added a gain knob that can be remotely controlled. Switching on the gain knob gives you some additional saturation and is certainly helpful for live performances where you need to kick in some more gain.
We think it sounds a bit more rhythmic and percussive than the BD-2. You get more "smack" and "pop" out of your chords and muted strumming.
But we also can't call it a dramatic difference from what you get with the BD-2.
It's analog so, yes, it sounds better. But the distinction is certainly nuanced and hard to pickup if you're not listening closely.
Gain switch and hi-pass cut on the JHS Morning Glory overdrive pedal.
Boss BD-2 Details
The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver runs off an op-amp like the Boss DS-1, which still does a good job of replicating a bluesy overdrive tone. It sounds a little scratchier than the Morning Glory, and seems better suited for lead blues with a little extra grit and sustain.
However, these settings can be tweaked depending on how much gain you want to dial in.
Between the two of them, we thought the BD-2 had a little more sustain that helped us get through those higher notes. It also just sounded heavier with more fatness in the lower EQ.
Controls on the BD-2 are similar to the Morning Glory, though the BD-2 does not have any kind of gain switch or external control.
Summary
Both of these overdrive pedals are popular and well-liked by those who purchase them. But the difference between the two is fairly subtle. We like the JHS Morning Glory better because we think the tone quality is a little better. But, it's important to reiterate that the difference is subtle and not super obvious unless you know what you're listening to.
Do you want to pay the extra cost for the nicer analog circuit and the gain switch?
If money were no object, we'd be fine with that.
But if we're on a budget, we might downshift to the BD-2 and save the $100.
Drop questions about both pedals in the comments section below.
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Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
Nada q ver Bert estás confundido el bd2 es totalmente analógico con tecnología fet de transistores
I’m checking with Boss to confirm this. As of yet, I haven’t been able to find any official documentation that the BD-2 is analog.
The boss bd2 has always been analog, since 2017 boss simply switched to service mount parts, like all the current jhs pedals… https://www.analogman.com/boss.htm#BD2
From what I can gather, the BD-2 and DS-1 use something called an op-amp, which is extremely cheap, but still technically analog. Thanks for the reference. I’ve updated the comparison.
Insightful article – many thanks! I run a MG v4 and a Monte Allum modded BD2 on a P&W board – eventually passing through a Iridium to the main.
I primarily use them individually, but do stack on occasion. Honestly if I had to chose one it would be the Bd2, as the MG seems to have less lows.
Some tunes favor one or the other (imo) but I am about to flip them and add a OCD after both with reduced gain .. have no idea I’d that will sound good yet. Thanks again
Thanks for sharing, Bert – pretty subtle differences here so I can’t argue with your choice.
Blues driver is an analogue circuit as well. The structure difference could be in the bypass technology, as all boss pedals use a buffered bypass and jhs takes a true bypass. As all dirt circuits, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder…
You mean the Waza Craft version? I’m pretty sure the original BD-2 uses a DSP.
I own both pedals (my BD-2 is the Wazacraft version), and I agree with this review as far as it describes the characteristics of the pedals. I prefer the Blues Driver as an overdrive, but that’s because I love the characteristics as described in this review – more sustain, fatter, and grittier but not overwhelmingly so. I’m also a fan of JHS pedals, but the point here is that it’s all about personal preference and the tone you’re going for. I tend to use the MG more as a clean boost. However, if you have a Klon-type pedal (which I do), then the MG becomes somewhat obsolete – i.e., you really wouldn’t need a BD-2 and a MG if you also have a Klon-type pedal in your rig. My two cents!
Yep – absolutely true. Always comes down to personal preference.