a_k_watson's Marshall Pedalboard
Will the real BluesBreaker please stand up?
Marshall BluesBreaker reissue. Marshall BB-2 Bluesbreaker II. Smiletone Audio Governors Blues. Mooer Blues Crab.
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This rig
~$391
Avg price: $313.84
Avg price: $34.58
Avg price: $42.66
It is not a Marshall BluesBreaker, but it is close, and some may prefer it
The Mooer Blues Crab so closely exudes the BluesBreaker vibe that I would probably have to put my big box Marshall BluesBreaker (2023 reissue) side-by-side to be completely sure as to which I was hearing.
Dialling in the Blues Crab is very similar to the BluesBreaker, with the same reknowned volume and gain levels required to achieve unity gain.
The key differences are evident in the slightly harsher higher frequencies of the Blues Crab and its more compressed drive. I personally prefer the more dynamic response and voicing of the BluesBreaker reissue generally but it is honestly down to my personal preference and there are scenarios where I will chose the Blues Crab to get a particular tone and response.
The Blues Crab would be great for a player trying to decide if they like the BluesBreaker 'thing' or only wanting a BluesBreaker vibe occasionally. It definitely provides a perfectly usable variation for players who already have pedals of the category.
About this setup
This gear photo by a_k_watson features 3 pieces of gear, including Marshall BluesBreaker Pedal, Marshall BB-2 Bluesbreaker II, and Mooer Blues Crab. The rig is a mix of budget and high-end pieces. Artists with this kind of gear are most often found in the Rock, Pop, and Electronic scenes. Notable artists with overlapping gear include Chris Buck.