Boss BP-1W - Boss Of The Boosts? [Plus EP Boost For Context: Effector Du Jour]

[@kesamek8537]

Boss pedals are the ones you buy when you've sold off all your boutiques. True and real.

[@yomuthabyotch]

that's pretty much what i did. got on the booteeq bandwagon back in 2014, and then realized after all the money i had wasted that it's all consumerist BS.

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@yomuthabyotch: What are you talking about? So what’s the expensive boutique pedal in this example? The Boss is the more expensive of the two. Besides, what’s a boutique pedal anyway? Keeley, JHS, Greer, Wampler, OBNE, Earthquaker Devices, Jam Pedals…, just to mention a few, are these boutique brands according to you? And are they too expensive? I’ve had numerous Boss pedals and some of them are really great, but for most of their pedals there are better versions. What’s BS about that? I’d like to know, because I don’t see it.

[@yomuthabyotch]

@@mariodriessen9740 "better" is such a subjective word. i respect original designs, but the vast majority of beauteekh pedals are essentially old-school circuits rehoused in a prettier metal box. and yeah, waza craft is BOSS's shitty way of getting in on the bewtiec bandwagon (a little late if you ask me).

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@yomuthabyotch : “better” is subjective indeed. And I have a weak spot for the originals. That’s why I keep playing Fenders and Gibsons instead of their cheaper and/or more expensive counterparts. But how many overdrives and distortions did Boss make? Do they all sound ‘better’ than the overdrives and distortions made by the companies I mentioned earlier (and many others)? That would be just as silly as saying all expensive pedals are better by definition. I just don’t understand the statement that ‘boutique pedals’ (again, what does that even mean?) are all just BS boxes of gear, built and meant to fool the consumers into thinking they’re buying something great, when they’d be better off using relatively cheap mass produced pedals made by one of the largest manufacturers of musical gear in the world. This is not a freaking conspiracy! It’s a pretty straightforward concept. If you want an overdrive, a distortion and a booster, you have thousands of options in all price ranges. Please don’t tell me you never had a pedal that sounded better than a Boss pedal? And I’m not saying they can’t be good. But to call all pedals that are slightly more expensive BS is… BS.

[@yomuthabyotch]

@@mariodriessen9740 "...built and meant to fool the consumers into thinking they're buying something great..." ding ding ding you got it, dude!

[@lebowski2007]

Keep the De Jours coming! Great for a quick tone hit!

[@jamesnichols5998]

Just as I felt the shakes coming on, TPS always there ❤

[@sesa2984]

Seconded.

[@mattmcculloch7300]

This format is fantastic for these play throughs!

[@DJ_Szarky]

Hi, Mick and Dan! My 10 month old boy and I love to watch you guys and he tunes right in the second you start playing. Just want to thank you because I know these memories will be precious to me once he's grown. Just know you guys have supplied hours of memories with my boy. You guys rock and I appreciate you!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ha! Nice one. The force is strong we see!

[@barrysorensen6999]

I got myself the BP-1W and absolutely love it. Works amazing with any guitar, and into either clean or dirty channels on the amp. Bes of all, when I stack it after the FZ-1W, it makes the tone MASSIVE - like a Big Muff Op-Amp fuzz, without the madness and noise. The BP-1W fattens up single coils beautifully (in my Tele), and pushes the humbuckers in my other guitar into creamy overdrive. Its hugely versatile. Love it!!

[@craigroode3449]

Ive had the Bp1w for a couple of months now and it is the magic boost/od Ive been searching for! Boss eq and a zen drive and covers my gain needs from tele chicken pickin to 335 soaring leads. These short format pedal videos are a welcome addition to the incredible work you guys do for all us guitar nerds. Thanks so much for all the inspiration over the years!!

[@samuelhatman8995]

To the point. This was a short feast of knowledge. When educating us our here, I cannot think of better than you guys! And I watch a lot! Thanks. I will always be around for long form shows as well.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you kindly!

[@mrdanjames]

Made an EP booster with the internal switches on the outside. Really cool to be able to switch between treble push and normal preamp.

[@tomdyll2728]

Great video as always. I don’t alway have an hour or more to watch the long TPS videos so I really appreciate the short ones. Thanks!

[@iadorasjourney]

Finally!!! Guys, this pedal is out since months!!! It’s an absolute gem and almost nobody did a serious test on it except for peeps who had this John Frusciante tone in mind, c’mooooon!!!🤦🏼‍♂️ I’m waiting for a complete review of this Boss BP-1 W from you guys! It deserves the right attention!!!

[@bretrich]

Don't forget about the internal dip switches on the EP Booster that allow you to darken or brighten up the tone.

[@jasondorsey7110]

Can you set it up for a decent rangemaster type treble boost?

[@bretrich]

@@jasondorsey7110 Not really. They're two different beasts. You can shelf off some of the low end with the EP booster, but it won't get near the EQ curve of a proper treble booster.

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@bretrich Ahh I see, thanks for the info

[@peakAV]

@@bretrich Actually the internal dip switches allow for +3 dB minimum boost ON/OFF and a bright ON/OFF. Bright on = FLAT EQ, bright off = stock EchoPlex preamp.

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

Love this format, EP Booster is the ultimate "Bring amp to life" pedal. I like the Boss Booster but I'm gonna stick to the EP for now.

[@fiddlix]

Keep them coming Mick. I love these short reviews and comparisons. Kudos..!

[@BCarpenter2314]

Love my BP-1W! Set to CE mode and standard buffer with humbuckers is my favorite setting. Natural sounded great with your single coils though. As you said, VERSATILE!

[@bingoflangeworthy]

It's amazing what the EP can do with just one knob!

[@kodykindhart5644]

I’m more of a muff kinda guy Especially a pumpkin 🎃 one 🤣🤣🤣

[@KarenBasset]

I use mine with volume down all the way as a 3db boost when I need it. It's sometimes always on as well because it makes everything sound better.

[@mattiisosalo918]

What else is amazing is what just one knob can do with the EP!

[@coreyclark6505]

I tried to find a used one to try it once... no luck. @@ByeByeJoe

[@jhowellkc]

I loved the one I had, but found I was using the boost side of a Box of Rock or a Super Duper 2 in 1 way more often and sold it.

[@Brykk]

I like the shorter video format. Quick and to the point.

[@roberttower8059]

I am enjoying these short, to the point, get-in-get-out videos. It's nice to have them interspersed with the longer form content. On another note, I can't say I was entirely shocked when at the end of this one I heard Mick utter the phrase "I preferred the vintage setting"! 😂

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yah, the modern buffer is too buffery for me. I think if you had a bigger board with loads of true bypass pedals and quiet amps... the modern setting would be preferable. But at volume with a super clean signal path... too much buffer!

[@kimL93]

I love my ep booster everything it touch got magical sparkle, and easy to use

[@nazperalta1794]

Thanks Mick. Love the new format for quick reviews. I have a BP-1w and it provides a great "base layer" on top of a natural amp sound. As you say, the result will probably be very amp dependent, I use mine with an uber-clean Roland Jazz Chorus which needs a bit of grit on top

[@lilnutz99]

Hi I have a jazz chorus and was thinking of the bp-1w as a way to get some natural amp-like overdrive from the amp. How do you use yours, and is it good for this purpose?

[@nazperalta1794]

Yes it’s good for this, the RE setting is a bit warmer so works well

[@nazperalta1794]

After a day working at home I was inspired to go and spend 30 minutes playing with the Jazz Chorus and BP-1w (and a bit of tremolo courtesy of the Boss TR-2) , can confirm that BP-1w goes from clean/warm at low gain to nice overdrive at high gain. Also it is a good boost when in front of other drive pedals if they have headroom🎸😀🎸

[@matthewcole6456]

Just got this a week ago and in love. It pairs well with the blues driver. I set it at CE, 2pm on both knobs going into the blues driver with blues driver gain at zero and volume and tone to taste. Works with several amps set at edge of breakup with humbucker guitars. Really brings out harmonics and retains the dynamics I look for in my setup. Your mileage may vary but sharing for those who have similar goals and are interested in this pedal.

[@RyanMcQuen]

I have the EP and the Boss BP-1W, I prefer the Boss, used it this last weekend to warm up my clean tone for a jazz gig, it's so versatile and it looks incredible.

[@ishancooper]

I’ve been doing a boost shoot-out today. EP, Katana Mini, Megalodon and the BP1W .. they can each shine in ways the others don’t so it’s all so subjective. Reassuring I’m not the only one clicking between these pedals listening for all the good stuff!

[@joeltunnah]

The answer is always moar pedals.

[@stacks4943]

Wow… Really like that EP Booster… Cheers..!🍻

[@dwaynejessome1728]

Theres me beloved EP Booster - That and the Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe have lived with me the longest. Couldn't imagine losing either

[@Oldmonstonian1]

I use both, have a total of 6 effects pedals. Each is used for specific purposes in a covers band. Both are very good. The EP is a real bargain and is kept on most of the time. The Boss has a nice edge to it that cuts through nicely.

[@tomfrank7]

Loved the quick feel of this video, great handheld work! Inspiring

[@JulienMENARD]

I had my BP few days ago and it gives everything that I wanted for years, the feel is just great as hell. I use it in a Fender SuperSonic 22 on the crunch channel set to 4 on the gain one (gain two on 0) , set mainly on the normal mode, everything at noon , with my Telecaster, it just dream. By the way this video format is pretty cool, thanks for the video

[@GazP23]

Loving this series, keep ‘em coming 😎

[@Brainiac22]

I have an EP booster and MXR micro amp, and those two definitely do the trick for me👍🏻

[@Yupppi]

The issue is, just seeing EP Booster there I don't want to try anything else. It just warms my heart both sound and aesthetic wise. I really want to use the little black box. To this date I'm not sure how to describe the color of EP booster. It sounds softer and more mellow but it doesn't lose the brightness or the mids anyway. It's very odd. But I realized it wasn't really a battle of pedals at the end, just for context. Good choice, hard to pick a better known preamp boost for contrast. Shoutouts to these mini video series. They are concise, fun and interesting. No big plot, no agenda. Just a little bit of business.

[@edwardbosloper2445]

I was wondering when the Boss BP-1w was coming out on That Pedal Show. Excellent as always. Sounds brilliant

[@classicraceruk1337]

Cheers Mick, I like these shorter videos. I hope you do some comparison tests with that pedal.

[@j.h.leonard587]

This format is f#$king killing it! Definitely an accompaniment to the main meal but really friggin tasty.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks J!

[@j.h.leonard587]

ps. obviously super tough but would have been great to look at some cuts to EP's internal settings.

[@fadlyhans82]

I camp on my local guitar website for them to release it. After nearly 3 months camping I finally got it last month. This was the best buy in awhile!

[@davidbarlow3825]

Like the short format and comparison Mick. EP for the win. I have two and I always sound worse when I turn it off!

[@robertmeier9620]

Great video. Love the handheld camera effect.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Stratokikay]

I didnt relaize the impotance of the boosters until i saw the video. Im leaning totwards the Boss BP1W

[@tomshoemaker662]

Recently acquired the Greer Sonic Boom boost. Using nothing more than this boost into my Princeton or Deluxe with amp reverb made for such a wonderful tone I found myself wondering why I needed anything more. Great format and information Mick! More please!

[@gogboxing5655]

Picked up the BP-1w right when it came up. I keep it after my drives and step on it for boost, and it's phenomenal. I wish it had a tone control, but I seem to want one only when I'm at home. I don't miss it playing live. Maybe if it had a tone knob I would consider it for an always on pedal, but using this purely for boost after an always-drive or even after a lead drive is crazy great. I tend to use the Frusciante CE side more (and I thought I would prefer the RE side).

[@sebastienboisvert3268]

Loving those "thing du jour" short vids. Nice tone and verstillity from the BOSS pedal but real estate is at a premium on my boards. The Ep is great in that regards and sounds great also.

[@johnballantyne3458]

They both sound very good.

[@marce211275]

Long life to the EP Booster...What a Gem!!!

[@johnb4024]

I have one of the older EP boosters. The one before they changed up the dip switches. It is such an amazing pedal

[@edhornby4885]

Yep, love this format as a foil for the long ahows 😊 both sounded cool and which one you choose depends on your rig and your personal style

[@ThatPedalShow]

Totally that! We should all have that written on our credit cards. ;0)

[@ShlomirBareket]

Just when you thought we don't need another boost pedal.... Along comes Boss with an un-heralded instant classic! I find the CE side a bit treblier and bright than the RE side. The Natural is my fave, with Vintage buffer. Such a great 'special sauce' pedal!

[@ChrstnSmrvllMsc]

Super interested in the BP-1w as a light overdrive, but this mostly just made me miss my old EP Booster! lol Realizing now I probably never would've gotten rid of it if I'd had a blackface Fender at the time 😄🤷‍♂ So it goes. Thanks, fellas! Great to see this additional format for your channel!

[@mr1ukedunn]

BP1W is my always on pedal. CE mode seems to suit humbuckers very well. Would be lost without it now. Essential.

[@josephpickard3108]

Played a BP-1w the other day and LOVED it.

[@lightinme217]

I always get amazed how settle gets pushed into yum!

[@telecasterman18]

Personally, I’d have both on my board. They are both lovely options. I personally own an Xotic EP and an AC+ and would say they are just as reliable as Boss. I think my Boss GE-7 is good enough for the whole buffer and boost thing for now. Most of my board is actually Boss and Xotic so this was a fun video. Both are absolutely fantastic manufacturers of fine and professional grade music gear.

[@frossicker]

Obviously love the long format videos and by no means would ever want to see those go. They are certainly the reason I tune in again and again. But the shorter format thrown in here and there is great!

[@WhatsUpWhitey]

Love the format.

[@JollyWillard]

Dig this format muchly!

[@therewasascene]

Short and sweet. Nice.

[@Wadey1960CS]

We all need a little Boost in our lives every now and again! 🙏🏼 Good stuff Mick!

[@robertanderson36]

Nice demo which presented the pedal well May I suggest another alternative the Boss Line Selector which can be set to provide a base line boost plus ability to switch to the second channel set louder for leads Very practical for gigging And yes I love my EP booster too!

[@ted149]

Thanks Mick. 1. I use an EP booster and DR so this was applicable to moi. I had a DD8 but didn’t get on with it. Too clinical. 2. I watch and like the 50 mins - 1 hr shows but I do prefer a 5-10 minute vid. Cheers!

[@gordonrankin3995]

Mick thanks I was looking at the Boss when this popped up. I have the EP booster and like a lot of their pedals there are a boat load of switches inside. Sorry to say too lazy to try all of them. Looks like I will pick up the Boss.

[@eduardocandeiasfaust]

Love them both! Great vídeo format to compare them! Cheers

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Love these quick-fire comparisons. Deluxe sounded cool too.

[@ThatPedalShow]

It’s such a great amp!

[@stanesposito2664]

Great sounding rig! Beautiful Strat tone.

[@koonsickgreen6272]

Ooooh, I bet you love that bridge pup. Sounds nice.

[@mattg082]

The Boss boost on RE mode, with other digital delays sounds like a Boss RE201 and RE20. I’ve shot out both, and the preamp sounds correct to me. I do the EP thing boosting with a ChaseTone Secret Preamp into a SA Collider in tape mode. The preamp boost color whether at unity or boosted for grit. It does the thigh you want. With pedals today you can find a delay or boost preamp standalone for ANYTHING! Then run it into a Strymon or Source Audio. This is if you don’t want to deal with vintage or buy more pedals. Im telling you they work for most high end dsp based pedals! Now EHX give us an old Memory Man preamp boost! Not kidding lol😅

[@alguitarchristie]

I have the EP and it does a specific job, but the Boss is really cool and as you say "versatile" I have 2 Wazas now CE2 and Dimension C, both really awesome, I use the Chorus for acoustic and Dimension for electric, this could be my next Waza purchase!

[@hoboroadie4623]

I noticed that all my friends had Xotic EP Boosts on their Boards so that was the first pedal that I actually bought. They all had Tims and Klons, too, but I have not gotten those yet. 🤘

[@trevorthomas5552]

Like the format. Dig that boost. Source audio Zio analog front end boost has been a go to lately. It has a “studio” setting which is the pultec eq trick. Very hard to turn off at shows. Gets you heard but isn’t overly icepicky or loud.

[@truce11]

Great format!

[@lifelongfan07]

I like the EP.

[@rasm0225]

I just got the MXR Booster and I love it.

[@squirrelvalhalla9386]

I am more a synth nerd than a guitar guy. I often want a front end for my digital reverbs and delays to warm them, when used in a send-return modality. I've tried JHS Clover, which is good, but then ended up choosing the MXR 7 band graphic EQ to drive and EQ my analog BBD delays. The BP1w looks very interesting indeed for this purpose.

[@eddiecancelmusic]

EP booster FTW!

[@TheFlutecart]

There is certainly some kind of sonic magic sauce with the FET style boosts. Technically speaking, the FET's are voltage controlled devices, the BJT transistors are current controlled devices. So, when JFETs clip, they sound more like valve clipping than other types because of this. Many of the FET boosts operate at higher DC supply voltages like 18,21, 24 and these combined characteristics sweeten the sound with tube like magic. Many chips incorporate FETs, like the TLO72 used a lot in audio and in guitar pedals. In fact, the BD-2 Blues Driver circuit is a "discrete JFET Op-Amp" , a chip model built with individual FET transistors, then for some reason they buffered the circuit with actual BJT style op-amp chips! It's BACKWARDS from most drive pedals because they used chips for the buffers and real transistors for the op-amp part, it's crazy!

[@stanislavmigra]

Time for me to snatch the EP booster it seems

[@Amish_Trivedi]

I think I had asked on a live Monday what was a grown up move from the EP Booster and you and Dan said "More EP Boosters?" but sounds like the Boss might be kinda awesome!

[@EddyTheChump]

The EP sounded, dare i say the forbidden word...transparent? It sweetened, didn't colour. That's what I want from a pedal like this.

[@billsherrington5996]

Nice one Mick. Had an EP for a while but eventually got Xotic's Clean boost as I didn't like the way the EP darkened the tone. I do realise this is one of the reasons people like the EP. I now use the boost function on my Lehle volume pedal instead 👍

[@stephengrant5332]

Thank you Mick De Jour!

[@darwinsaye]

Just the demo I needed to hear. EP preamps are a bit too dark for my taste. The Boss is a good option for having transparent, a bit dark, and darker options.

[@HayesJC]

Keep the Du Jour videos coming. Would love some wobbly pedals and some reverbs as well!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yah, we’ll get there. About 100 pedals to get through to begin with… all kinds!

[@simondixon6761]

Sounds killer Mick!

[@Tonneback]

Bought one on my way home. So I’ll try it out soon

[@Tonneback]

I just love it.

[@ROKZLEON]

That's a nice-sounding boost! 👍🏻

[@petergraham9267]

There’s a very good reason why the EP is the most popular boost pedal…….and why I have one and why it will always be in my board 😎😊

[@TheMerc1950]

Mick, keep em coming!!!

[@jerryhorton5708]

Impressed with the Boss. Love my EP Booster but the Boss would have a place on my board (if one opens up, that is…)

[@Guitarman66]

Strat, Les Paul, DLX Reverb and I was waiting for a bit of my desired Don Felder sound........

[@AdamGotheridge]

Very well done!

[@andrewr2650]

Love the new format, I did have to laugh a little Boss referring to their original buffer design as "vintage". Although "the old buffer everyone hated and complained about until Boss came out with an updated version" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue

[@pCeLobster]

Imagine how funny it is for Boss, to be recreating that buffer in a premium pedal because people now consider it desirable lol.

[@jeremyversusjazz]

ep baby. i need one.

[@stevem-h3562]

sounds f'in great. That Boss/Waza in particular, really nice.

[@texrex4580]

I wonder how the dip switches were set inside the EP booster? Love the sound of those units.

[@bragiharaldsson7818]

I was just wondering the same thing and then I saw in the opening description it states - in standard dip switch settings

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yes, this. I turned it on, loved it, never wanted to change anything!

[@frankgreco]

@@ThatPedalShow Dave Grissom sets the dip switches on his EP Booster to 'vintage' for a warmer sound.

[@AnthonyJamesArtist]

Great videos!

[@PowerInOne22]

you make me want to pick up my strat and play !

[@greggjohnson7]

More of these shorts please

[@sampopkin]

Bonjour monsieur De Jour!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ooh la la!

[@timchalmers1700]

Cool !

[@scottpickett9779]

Been using the EP (always on) at the end of my wet channel now for over a year ,my have to rethink that. 🤔like the Du Jour series/ more please.

[@timholtguitar6999]

I like both better with humbuckers, they don’t have enough “oomf” with the strat. Boss is a little more versatile, but the EP is so freaking good at what it does.

[@GxBxN]

Nice! Have you heard of the ClinchFX EP-PRE? Australian made, and apparently a full replica of the EchoPlex preamp. Run at the correct 12v it sounds beautiful. I wonder how this Boss and even the EP booster compares?!

[@3l84r70]

So the EP does one thing, the boss does another three... easy choice, I keep both on my rig