Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $400
High-end/Boutique
$149
$300+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Discover the vintage charm of the Boss VB-2 Vibrato, a pedal that encapsulates the essence of classic tremolo/vibrato sound in its finest form. With the revered "pink label" circuitry and design, this pedal offers an unparalleled analog warmth that can elevate your performance. Its simple controls for rate, depth, and rise time cater to a wide sonic spectrum, from a subtle vibey hum to a pronounced swollen wobble. Perfectly suited for genres like shoegaze, indie rock, and garage, the VB-2 is more than just a pedal — it's a reliable partner for your musical endeavors.
Key Features:
- Classic "pink label" circuitry and design unique to vintage Boss pedals
- Simple and intuitive controls for rate, depth, and rise time
- Capable of producing a wide range of tremolo/vibrato sounds
- Perfect for a variety of music genres including shoegaze, indie rock, and garage
- Provides a distinctive analog warmth
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | VB-2 Vibrato (Black Label) |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 1982 - 1986 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Chorus and Vibrato |
FAQs
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What makes the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal unique compared to other vibrato pedals?
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The Boss VB-2 Vibrato is renowned for its all-analog circuitry and unique "Rise Time" control, which allows for a gradual increase in vibrato effect, offering a distinctive sound that sets it apart from digital models.
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Can the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal be used with a bass guitar?
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Yes, the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal can be used with a bass guitar, providing rich and expressive vibrato effects that enhance the tonal dynamics of bass lines.
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What power supply does the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal require?
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The Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, and it's compatible with standard Boss PSA power adapters.
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How does the "Rise Time" feature on the Boss VB-2 Vibrato work?
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The "Rise Time" feature on the Boss VB-2 Vibrato allows users to adjust the time it takes for the vibrato effect to reach its full depth, enabling more dynamic and expressive playing.
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Is the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and intuitive controls that make it reliable and easy to use on stage.
Videos
TheToneShack
Boss VB-2 Vibrato Pedal Demo
Boss VB-2 Vibrato Pedal Demo
TheToneShack
Boss Vibrato VB-2
shnobel
BOSS VB-2 Vibrato Demo
Pepe Music
Boss VB-2 Vibrato
Buy Vintage Pedals
Reviews
PROS
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Warmer, more organic sound compared to newer models
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Simplicity makes it easy to use
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Excellent when mixed with other effects like chorus, flange, or phase
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Works well with fuzz and distortion for added sonic dimensions
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Considered the best at pitch bending vibrato by some users
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Unique, classic effect difficult to replicate with other pedals
CONS
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Very expensive, particularly original units
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The sonic difference from newer models may be minimal
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High demand makes it hard to find at a reasonable price
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Might operate better with a 9V battery than at higher voltages
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss VB-2 Vibrato.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The VB-2W offers a more diverse, gooey, and lofi vibrato compared to the high-speed chorus effect of the JC40's vibrato switch.
Source -
CE-2W's vibrato is essentially sped-up chorus, whereas VB-2W provides a true, chewy vibrato sound sought by enthusiasts.
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Unlike the CE-2W, the VB-2W completely removes the dry signal, offering a true vibrato rather than a sped-up chorus effect.
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The VB-2W is considered one of the few high-fidelity vibrato pedals available, offering a shimmer not commonly found in modern vibrato pedals.
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The VB-2W is described as having a "dry" warble, whereas the CE-2W provides a "wetter," more modulated sound, suitable for different musical vibes.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the VB-2W's ability to produce lofi, warped tape warble sounds, although some wish the custom mode allowed for slower rates.
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The unlatched mode and expression pedal input are highlighted as particularly useful features for real-time control.
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Users appreciate the VB-2W's ability to transform simple noodling into more musical and inspiring tones, especially when combined with reverb and delay.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The VB-2W is often used for subtle vibrato that is nearly unnoticeable when on but missed when off, ideal for adding depth without overwhelming the sound.
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The VB-2W is praised for its ability to add movement to minimalist setups, like a compressor, low gain overdrive, and subtle reverb.
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The VB-2W is favored for recreating sounds from Mac DeMarco's "Freaking Out the Neighborhood" and "Ode to Viceroy," highlighting its psychedelic qualities.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a tribute video by Guitar Hangar, Mick Ronson is shown with a Boss VB-2 Vibrato, highlighting its use among his gear collection.
A thread on Gearslutz detailing the custom pedalboard built for Roland by Pete Cornish lists the following pedals as part of the board:
PC Buffer/Line driver Boss CS-2 Boss SD-1 Spare send/return 1 Boss CE-2 Boss VB-2 Spare send/return 2 DDL send/return (type of delay not known) Master Effects Bypass EQ send/return (type of EQ not known) System Mute PC Line Driver/ground isolation/Booster feed to amp (possibly Roland JC120)
In this video of Blake playing live with Sam Gendel, we can get a pretty good view of Blake's pedalboard. Even though he tapes over the names of the pedals, one can infer by color that at least there is a Boss VB-2 Vibrato and a PS-5 Super Shifter. The Maxon AD-999 is also present, along with a mysterious JHS 3 series pedal.
He plays a modified Telecaster with a gold foil pick up in the neck position and a Duncan Price made fretless sustainer guitar.
in the video in 23m13s shows his live Pedal board
Tom mentions the Boss VB-2 on his studio board during his Rig Rundown, around 0:42:40 into the video.
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Neil Finn uses the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Flickr.
Charlie Burchill's (Simple Minds) pedalboard, built by Jake at The Gig Rig, containing a Boss Vibrato, seen in the background behind the Alter Ego.
This video of Phil Wickham recording with a Hammertone OC-12 gives us a peak at his pedalboard just to the right of the video. On this pedalboard is a Boss VB-2 Vibrato in the bottom center.
Oz Noy shows his pedalboard including the classic Boss Vibrato pedal at 1:16.
In this photo a Boss VB-2 can be seen on Taylor's board.
"Also, I’ve got some Divided By 13 pedals, a Demeter Compulator, a Boss VB-2 Vibrato, Line 6 DL4 Delay and MM4 Modulation pedals, and an MXR Micro Amp. I also have a couple of random fuzzes that I’ll change out here and there, depending on my mood. It’s a very straight-ahead scene."
In this image from Rhodes' website, a VB-2 can be seen on his pedalboard.
Album Usage
The Boss VB-2 Vibrato 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 VB-2 Vibrato, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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