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Average Price: $195
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$50
$176+
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Description
Unleash the beastly roar of your guitar with the Boss PW-2 Power Driver, a rare gem in the world of overdrive effects pedals. This pedal amplifies the rich gain and punch synonymous with Boss's popular models like the OD-2, while offering an extra layer of control with its distinctive Fat and Muscle knobs. These knobs allow you to sculpt the bass and mids to your taste, alongside the standard level and drive controls. This pedal stands out with a more pronounced mids section than its contemporaries or predecessors, making it a unique piece in Boss's catalogue. Produced for less than a year between 1996 and 1997, the PW-2 is a rare find that offers unparalleled control over your tone.
Key Features:
- Rare and unique model, produced only between 1996 and 1997
- Distinctive Fat and Muscle knobs for advanced control over bass and mids
- Superior mid-focused sound, setting it apart from its contemporaries
- Throaty gain and punch, inspired by Boss's popular models like the OD-2
- Standard level and drive controls for easy and comprehensive tone shaping.
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | PW-2 Power Driver (Silver Label) |
| Finish | Orange |
| Year | 1996 - 1998 |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Boss PW-2 Power Driver?
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The Boss PW-2 Power Driver offers a thick, mid-range heavy distortion that is ideal for hard rock and grunge styles. It provides a unique "Fat" and "Muscle" control that allows you to shape the low and mid frequencies for a powerful sound.
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How does the Boss PW-2 differ from other Boss overdrive pedals?
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Unlike other Boss overdrive pedals, the PW-2 Power Driver focuses on providing a heavier, more aggressive distortion with enhanced mid-range frequencies, making it suitable for heavier music genres.
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Is the Boss PW-2 Power Driver suitable for use with bass guitars?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Boss PW-2 can be used with bass guitars, although it may emphasize mid-range frequencies more than typical bass distortion pedals.
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What power supply does the Boss PW-2 Power Driver require?
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The Boss PW-2 Power Driver requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for most Boss pedals, or a 9V battery for portable use.
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Can the Boss PW-2 Power Driver be used in a live performance setting?
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Yes, the Boss PW-2 Power Driver is built to withstand live performance conditions, offering a robust and reliable pedal for gigging musicians looking for a powerful distortion effect.
Videos
We As A Company
Boss PW-2 Power Driver - Most underrated muff-style pedal? (britpop, shoegaze, grunge, stoner, doom)
Boss PW-2 Power Driver - Most underrated muff-style pedal? (britpop, shoegaze, grunge, stoner, doom)
We As A Company
Vintage Classics | BOSS PW-2 Power Driver | Is it the worst BOSS pedal ever made?
JimijaymesGuitarist
Boss PW-2 Power Driver Vs. Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi made in USA
We As A Company
Boss PW-2 Power Driver
Vans With Benefits
Boss PW-2 Power Driver
Wall of Sound
WORST Guitar Pedal OR BEST Bass Pedal? (Boss PW-2 Power Driver)
The Balance Engineer
Forgotten Gems Of The Past Episode #7: Boss PW-2 Power Driver | This Thing Is RARE!
Robert Jackson
The Great Unloved Volume 1: Boss PW-2 Power Driver
Funny Little Boxes
Reviews
PROS
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Unique vibe with versatile sound range
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Can produce industrial metallic effects
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Offers growly bottom end for heavy blues
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Generates a distinct grindy "muff" tone
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Compatible with traditional OD for dynamic results
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Rare, with low production numbers
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EQ section likened to the popular HM-2
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Capable of producing cocked wah tones
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Wide variety of muff flavors with bass and mid controls
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Big, tight low-end sounds achievable
CONS
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Limited production makes it hard to find
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EQ range less extreme compared to HM-2
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss PW-2 Power Driver.
Features and functionality
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The PW-2 has unique controls labeled 'Muscle' and 'Fat' that impact its tonal shaping, leading to confusion over its classification as a fuzzy overdrive, distortion, or fuzz.
Source -
The 'Fat' knob adjusts around 120Hz, differing from the HM-2's 80Hz, offering unique tonal options for bass-heavy sounds.
Source -
The 'Muscle' knob alters around 1000Hz, adding versatility for midrange tweaks, but can become nasally if maxed out.
Source -
The PW-2 circuit shares more similarities with a Superfuzz than with the Big Muff or Tone Bender, impacting its tonal output.
Source
Use cases and applications
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It's reported to excel with bass, particularly for heavy, doom, and drone styles, offering a muff-like sound with clarity in high notes.
Source -
The pedal can produce heavy, inspiring riffs, particularly suitable for bands like Oasis, Ride, and Swervedriver, although it wasn't a major seller during its initial release.
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Effective for producing beefy doom tones by increasing bass and reducing mids, allowing the guitar to cut through mixes.
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Though initially challenging to dial in, it's used as a booster for leads or to achieve a slightly dirty clean tone.
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The pedal's sound is likened to a slightly flabbier, less spitty version of a Superfuzz, suggesting its suitability for fuzz enthusiasts seeking a distinct texture.
Source
User experience
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Some owners find its low gain settings between 9 and 7 o'clock on the drive knob to be the sweet spot, enhancing its effectiveness as a pedal pusher.
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Owners note the pedal achieves a spitty, non-octave fuzz with saturation and a slightly glitchy character when gain exceeds noon.
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Complements Orange amps well, enhancing the amp's inherent tone characteristics without overwhelming them.
Source
Comparisons
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It's likened to the Big Muff but with only bass and mid EQ controls, making it challenging to dial in a desirable sound for some users.
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The Edge from U2 reportedly used the PW-2 during the Vertigo tour, indicating its potential for professional use despite its mixed reviews.
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The PW-2 is described as having a sludgier tone compared to the sharper Big Muff, yet it can mimic convincing Muff sounds with careful dialing.
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Tone-wise, the PW-2 may resemble a blend between a Big Muff and a Tone Bender, offering a unique tonal palette.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a user-uploaded photo, Dave Grohl appears to be using a Boss PW-2 Power Driver. The pedal's distinct orange-yellow hue, which differs from the typical SD-1 or OD-2 models, suggests it's the PW-2.
Used for the Vertigo Tour, as seen and specified in this Guitar World feature at 2:06.
Slices gets behind the controls of George FitzGerald’s studio on this Tech Talk for Electronic Beats TV. Take a look into the environment and processes of a craftsmen who focuses on getting to know his hardware and making the most out of every moment
Album Usage
The Boss PW-2 Power Driver has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss PW-2 Power Driver, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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