Josh Scott makes a compelling case for modifying one of the most reliable overdrive pedals on the market: the Boss Blues Driver BD-2. While many assume modifications only fix problems, this piece shows how to make a great pedal even better by swapping out its clipping diodes.
Which Blues Drivers Can Be Modified?
Not every version of the Blues Driver is modifiable. Newer versions use surface mount components and cannot be modified in the traditional way. Scott warns that newer Boss pedals have far less circuitry on the back, making them incompatible with these modifications. The older through-hole versions—distinguishable by their extensive board writing and component density—are the ones to target. Buyers should look for older units on Reverb or eBay rather than the newly produced models.
Understanding the Modification
The modification centers on replacing four specific diodes: D3, D7, D8, and D9. These are clipping diodes that determine how the pedal shapes its signal. The stock Blues Driver uses silicon rectifiers, but Scott swaps them for different configurations. For D378 and D9, he recommends generic 1N41 silicon rectifier diodes, which create a more compressed sound. For D10, he installs a germanium glass diode—specifically a Russian D9 variant—to open up the tone.
The process involves careful desoldering of all eight pads connected to these four diodes. Scott emphasizes taking time with this step because damaged pads can ruin a circuit board entirely.
The Modification Process
Removing the diodes requires first pulling off the knobs and extracting the four screws that hold the pedal together. A protective plastic cover sits between the back plate and the main circuit—handling this carefully is essential to avoid damaging the conductive pads.
Once inside, locate D3 on the board by identifying two pads near a capacitor and resistor. Mark these with a Sharpie to remember their positions during desoldering. Use either solder braid or a solder sucker to clear each pad completely before attempting to remove the diode legs. Scott admits this step is difficult and urges patience.
After removing all four diodes, install the replacements: 1N41 silicon diodes for D378 and D9, and any germanium glass diode for D10. The result is a Blues Driver with more dynamic range and different tonal characteristics than the stock version.
"Modifications aren't always to fix something—they're to make it better."
Bottom Line
Scott's deep knowledge of this pedal makes this guide genuinely useful for intermediate builders. The strongest part is his explanation of why certain diodes produce specific clipping effects. The vulnerability: newer versions can't be modified at all, so buyers must source older units—which are becoming harder to find as the market evolves. For anyone serious about customizing their tone, this piece provides a clear roadmap—but only if you can locate an older Blues Driver first.