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Average Price: $126

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$60

$201+

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Description

Unleash your creative side with the Boss BF-2 Flanger, a versatile tool to shape your sound. Known for its wide-ranging flanging effects, this pedal can generate anything from a subtle chorus to the dramatic swoosh of an airplane. With its intuitive controls for Manual, Depth, Rate, and Resonance, you can easily fine-tune your sound to achieve the perfect balance. Whether you're a beginner or a professional musician, the BF-2 Flanger offers an excellent way to enhance your music and experiment with various soundscapes.

Key Features:

  • Provides vast flanging effects, from mild chorus to dramatic airplane wooshes
  • Features intuitive controls for Manual, Depth, Rate, and Resonance
  • Suitable for both beginners and professional musicians
  • Ideal for enhancing music and experimenting with various soundscapes

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model BF-2 Flanger
Finish Purple
Year 1990 - 2001
Made In Taiwan
Categories Flanger Pedals

FAQs

Is the Boss BF-2 Flanger an analog pedal?

Yes, the Boss BF-2 Flanger uses analog circuitry, specifically BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) technology, to create its distinctive flanging effect.

What type of power supply does the Boss BF-2 Flanger require?

The Boss BF-2 Flanger requires a 9V power supply, which can be either a 9V battery or a standard Boss PSA adapter for consistent power during performances.

Is the Boss BF-2 Flanger suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Boss BF-2 Flanger is versatile and can be used with both electric guitar and bass, providing rich and dynamic flanging effects across a wide frequency range.

How does the Boss BF-2 Flanger differ from other flanger pedals?

The Boss BF-2 Flanger is known for its classic analog sound and robust build quality, offering a wide range of flanging effects from subtle to extreme, making it a favorite among musicians for its reliability and tonal versatility.

What are the control options on the Boss BF-2 Flanger?

The Boss BF-2 Flanger features four control knobs: Manual, Depth, Rate, and Resonance, allowing users to precisely shape the flanging effect to their preference.

Reverb

Reverb

1983 Boss BF-2 Flanger: Andy's Vintage Picks | Reverb Tone Report

Video thumbnail for 1983 Boss BF-2 Flanger: Andy's Vintage Picks | Reverb Tone Report by Reverb

1983 Boss BF-2 Flanger: Andy's Vintage Picks | Reverb Tone Report

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for BOSS BF-2 Flanger Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS BF-2 Flanger Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Boss BF-2 Flanger | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Boss BF-2 Flanger | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The Best BOSS Modulation Pedal? BF-2 Flanger by Leon Todd

The Best BOSS Modulation Pedal? BF-2 Flanger

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Free Pedal Friday: 1983 Boss BF-2 Flanger | Reverb Giveaway by Reverb

Free Pedal Friday: 1983 Boss BF-2 Flanger | Reverb Giveaway

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for MY FIRST VINTAGE PEDAL! Boss BF-2 Flanger MIJ 1984 (Demo) by Jackson Brooksby

MY FIRST VINTAGE PEDAL! Boss BF-2 Flanger MIJ 1984 (Demo)

Jackson Brooksby

Jackson Brooksby

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic 80s flanger tones perfect for post-punk and alternative music

  • Built like a tank; exceptionally durable construction

  • Versatile sound range from subtle chorus to extreme flange

  • Compact design allows for easy integration into pedalboards

  • Easily modifiable for personalized sound tweaks

  • Works well with both guitar and bass, offering a wide sonic palette

  • Responsive controls with significant impact on sound

  • Warm, lush analog circuit with a natural depth

  • Affordable pricing for a high-quality pedal

  • Renowned for its unique "jet plane" and "sitar-like" sounds

CONS

  • Not a true bypass pedal; can add unwanted high frequencies when off

  • Limited sweet spots; may not suit all musical styles

  • Can clip with certain distortion pedals in the signal chain

  • Lacks stereo output; not ideal for all setups

  • Some users find its sound too lo-fi compared to vintage alternatives

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss BF-2 Flanger.

Use cases and applications

  • The BF-2 complements light dirt or compression, creating atmospheric post-punk and shoegaze tones.

    Source
  • The BF-2 is reported as excellent for riffs but can be overwhelming for chords due to its untamed sound.

    Source
  • Using the BF-3's bass input limits the manual knob range, simplifying dialing in settings for subtle effects.

    Source
  • The BF-2 is favored for its analog warmth, popular in 1980s music, while the BF-3 is versatile with additional effects like slicer and stereo compatibility.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the BF-2's versatility, achieving sounds from chorus to rotary and phase without frequent adjustments.

    Source
  • The BF-3's versatility makes it popular for bass, with users appreciating the additional features for bass applications.

    Source
  • Users find the BF-3's unintuitive tap tempo function difficult for live rhythmic adjustments, unlike more straightforward models like the PH-5.

    Source
  • Some owners note that the BF-2 can be noisy, while the BF-3 offers similar functionality with additional features and reduced noise.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The BF-2 is described as "sweeter" and more versatile for creating usable flanger sounds compared to the BF-3's harsher tone.

    Source
  • The BF-2 is described as the opposite of more static modulation pedals like the CE-2W, offering dynamic sound tweaking opportunities.

    Source
  • The TC Electronic Thunderstorm is a cheaper clone of the BF-2, with modern design preferences like top jacks and true bypass.

    Source
  • The BF-3 is a digital recreation of the BF-2's circuitry, eliminating noise and offering a wider frequency response, but some find the BF-2 warmer.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Internal trimpots may be adjusted by previous owners, affecting sound; ensuring original positions can restore intended tone.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report no significant difference between Japanese and Taiwanese BF-2 models, despite perceived value differences.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • BF-2 pedals are regularly available under $100 used, making them a classic yet affordable choice in the used market.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The BF-3 includes a momentary setting and gate/pan mode, offering versatility with a square wave tremolo sound in stereo output.

    Source
  • The BF-3 starts its sweep from the bottom when engaged, ideal for slow sweep effects but may not suit Van Halen-style punch-ins.

    Source
  • The BF-3 can create chorus effects, making it a versatile alternative to more expensive pedals like the DC Waza.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 24 Reviews and 153 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
telefan8

So many little things inside this one box

This was my first modulation effect and no matter what mod effects I try to use this one I always go back to and as far as I can see I'm going to stick with it.

dane_constant

Great, affordable flanger

Great sounding flanger that doesn't break the bank. Goes from jet to warbly very nicely.

android84

A classic flanger

What more can I say that hasn't been said about the BF-2? Classic flanger sound with Boss durability.

rothhandlestudios

BF-2

When recording a switch around gear a lot. Trying different pedals on different instruments. Ive used it on Drums a lot lately.

Genres:
skylinerr

like it

I like it maybe even more than the evh flanger so I have it on my board

Genres:
junkmale2000

Good flanger

Out of the box this is a very adequate budget flanger. I modded mine with a Fromel Electronics kit and is now sounds lush! Love it.

Roles:
jacob_keplinger

"California Bound" and "Alone, Leave Me"

Used in the bridge of "California Bound" as well as the solo of "Alone, Leave Me".

taro_locherbach

fuck it up

a good pedal to use for anything else than what its made for. best way to use it is to open it and turn the knobs to turn it into something else

jimmarchi1

you don't like the stock BF-2? but it gets the basic flange job done with aplomb

taro_locherbach

thanks for replying, Jim :). I expressed myself poorly, I see now. I have acquired it for another purpose which is to use it as an oscilator and auto theremin (if we can call it something). I saw a video that shows how to turn this pedal into something else and I went after it because of that particular treat. As for the flanger function I must admit I haven´t evaluated the pedal in comparisson to other flanger pedals. But the effect in itself and the parameters are not to my taste(which, truly doesn´t mean the pedal is not good overall) I really like crazy sounds and the possibility of endless experimentation and knob tampering so I only acquired the pedal because of what it can turn into. I´m sorry for not making this clear and thank you for pointing it out with your question :)

chris_erickson

Amazing

Im strictly Boss pedals with some exceptions like whammy pedals. This along with every Boss pedal I've ever bought has been amazing.

thebencote

Good Pedal

Got a 90s one form Reverb.com, its a Boss, so it does its job

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Roland

"The first pedal I bought at that time, which was the late 70s, was the purple BF-2 flanger. I’ve been thinking about that recently: I imagine The Cure wouldn’t exist without that little pedal. Like all great effects it can’t really be duplicated. It’s got such a cool distinctive sound that really reminds me of the time, you know? But the problem was every single riff I had was just going woooosshhhh!!! It was the only pedal I could afford at the time!"

See how Robert Smith uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Guitar

According to the 1996 rig diagram from Guitar Geek, Smith used the Boss BF-2 flanger pedal.

See how Adam Jones uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Adam Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tool

...
Verified via YouTube

2:13 on this YouTube video for DunlopTV, featuring Adam Jones's tech, Chris Leahey showing that part of Adam's distorted tone, seen in the pan of his board comes from one of the pedals that includes the Boss BF-2.

See how Joe Satriani uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Archive

According to Gear Secrets of the Guitar Legends: How to Sound Like Your Favorite Players, Satriani used a BF-2.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Mk-guitar

Mark Knopfler used a Boss BF-2 Flanger pedal during his 1985/86 tour with Dire Straits, as documented by Mk-guitar on their "Mark Knopfler's Guitar Effects" page.

See how Prince uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via Proguitarshop

Prince has used the Boss BF-2 Flanger pedal in many of his concerts and performances for several years. He has used the Boss BF- 2 Flanger pedal on Jay Leno's Tonight show and the 21 Nights in London concerts. The Boss BF-2 Flanger pedal can be spotted on the left side of Prince's effects pedal board after the Boss VB-2 Vibrato and Boss DD-3 Digital Delay pedals.

See how Jeff Beck uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar

This rig diagram from 2003 shows the BF-2 flanger.

See how Justin Chancellor uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Justin Chancellor

Bassist

Tool

...
Verified via YouTube

This video from DunlopTV features the guitar tech of TOOL's longest acting bassist, Justin Chancellor. As he runs through some of the pedals within Chancellor's pedal board, we see that the over-all board is in 3 sections. On the far left of the middle section is a bright purple pedal with chrome topped knobs. This pedal is the BOSS BF-2 Flanger Pedal.

See how Thomas DeLonge uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Thomas DeLonge

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Photo

As you can see from this picture, on Tom's instagram, he owns/uses the Boss BF-2 Flanger.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Twitter

You can see what looks to be a Boss BF-2 on Josh's pedalboard for his performance w/ Jane's Addiction.

See how Gary Moore uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Gary featured a selection of Boss guitar effects pedals he uses including the DS-1, CE-2, DM-2, OC-2 as well as the BF-2 Flanger.

See how Stephen Carpenter uses Boss BF-2 Flanger

Stephen Carpenter

Guitarist

Deftones

...
Verified via Photo

A user-uploaded photo of Stephen Carpenter's pedalboard shows the Boss BF-2 Flanger among his gear.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss BF-2 Flanger, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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