Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $400

High-end/Boutique

$149

$300+

Price Tier

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

What makes the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal unique compared to other vibrato pedals?

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.

Can the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal be used with a bass guitar?

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.

What power supply does the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal require?

The Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, and it's compatible with standard Boss PSA power adapters.

How does the "Rise Time" feature on the Boss VB-2 Vibrato work?

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.

Is the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal suitable for live performances?

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.

TheToneShack

TheToneShack

Boss VB-2 Vibrato Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for Boss VB-2 Vibrato Pedal Demo by TheToneShack

Boss VB-2 Vibrato Pedal Demo

TheToneShack

TheToneShack

Video thumbnail for Boss Vibrato VB-2 by shnobel

Boss Vibrato VB-2

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for BOSS VB-2 Vibrato Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS VB-2 Vibrato Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Boss VB-2 Vibrato by Buy Vintage Pedals

Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Buy Vintage Pedals

Buy Vintage Pedals

Reviews

PROS

  • Warmer, more organic sound compared to newer models

  • Simplicity makes it easy to use

  • Excellent when mixed with other effects like chorus, flange, or phase

  • Works well with fuzz and distortion for added sonic dimensions

  • Considered the best at pitch bending vibrato by some users

  • Unique, classic effect difficult to replicate with other pedals

CONS

  • Very expensive, particularly original units

  • The sonic difference from newer models may be minimal

  • High demand makes it hard to find at a reasonable price

  • 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

  • VB-2W's standard mode is favored for its subtle, swishy vibrato, especially when stacked with compression, overdrive, or fuzz for a nuanced sound.

    Source
  • The VB-2W includes an expression pedal input and a custom mode for darker, more extreme vibrato settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • Unlike the CE-2W, the VB-2W completely removes the dry signal, offering a true vibrato rather than a sped-up chorus effect.

    Source
  • The VB-2W is considered one of the few high-fidelity vibrato pedals available, offering a shimmer not commonly found in modern vibrato pedals.

    Source
  • 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

  • Owners appreciate the VB-2W's ability to produce lofi, warped tape warble sounds, although some wish the custom mode allowed for slower rates.

    Source
  • The unlatched mode and expression pedal input are highlighted as particularly useful features for real-time control.

    Source
  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • The VB-2W is praised for its ability to add movement to minimalist setups, like a compressor, low gain overdrive, and subtle reverb.

    Source
  • 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

Mods and upgrades

  • An easy modification exists to slow the VB-2W's rate further; alternatively, modding a Behringer UV300 clone is a cost-effective solution.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
stanley_christiaensen

:kgj

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joseph D'Agostino uses Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Joseph D'Agostino

Guitarist

Cymbals Eat Guitars

...
Verified via Photo

Visible on lower left side of his board

M

Matt Scannell

Singer, Guitarist

Vertical Horizon

...
Verified via guitarworld

My pedalboard was wired by Dave Phillips at LA Sound Design. The signal path is: Dunlop switchless 95Q wah, Ernie Ball Volume Pedal JR, MXR Custom Shop Phase 90, Vemuram Jan Ray (or Lovepedal COT 50), Lazy J Cruiser Deuce, Boss VB-2 Vibrato, and Kaden Flutter Tone tremolo. The Line 6 M9 and MXR CAE Boost/Line Driver are in the effects loop of my amp. Cables are by MyStar Sound. Power comes from a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power. Tuner is a TC Electronics Polytune.

See how Clint Walsh uses Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Clint Walsh

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Motels

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In the Premier Guitar article "Dot Hacker: Psychic Friends Network," Clint Walsh is shown using the Boss VB-2 Vibrato in the gear section.

See how Charley Bagnall uses Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Charley Bagnall

Guitarist

Rixton

...
Verified via Instagram

In this video, you can see Bagnall's pedalboard, which includes the Boss VB-2 vibrato pedal.

See how Anthony Da Costa uses Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Anthony Da Costa

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by dacostaband, Anthony Da Costa expresses his appreciation for the Boss VB-2 Vibrato pedal with the caption, "I like this," indicating his use of the pedal.

See how Paul Jan Bakker uses Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Paul Jan Bakker

Guitarist

Di-rect

...
Verified via Photo

In this you can see this pedal on the top row

B

Benji Lysaght

Guitarist

Ambulance LTD

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:10 minute mark, Lysaght's pedalboard is visible, and it includes the Boss VB-2 vibrato guitar pedal.

See how Josh Jove uses Boss VB-2 Vibrato

Josh Jove

Guitarist

Social Distortion

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

In the article "The Shelters: British Invasion on the Beach" by Freddy Villano for Premier Guitar, it is confirmed that guitarist Josh Jove uses the Boss VB-2 Vibrato.

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

Show yours
13thfloorcowboy

13thfloorcowboy

Gear IQ 3956

4 alternative and related items for Boss VB-2 Vibrato, curated by the Equipboard community.

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cheaper alternative

Circuit is modeled after the Boss VB-2 but significantly cheaper.

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