Boss TR-2 Tremolo

it's that simple even a bass player* can work out how to use it...

3 knobs Depth, Speed, Wave Shape which ... um.. well... surprisingly...control the
A: depth
B:speed
and...
wait for it...
wait for it....
C: wave shape.



* I AM THAT BASS PLAYER... :P
well I mostly play bass but I swap roles with the Rhythm guitarist, playing a Rick for our "jingle jangle" indi pop or a Bass VI for trashy swampy rock tracks.

Perfect for classic 60's surf, UK pop/rock and 80/90/00's inti/alt rock


Set up - Fender Aerodyne Telecaster , Rickenbacker 350/6, Fender Bass VI.

effects - Line6 DM, Crybaby, boss chorus ensemble.

Amps - Laney VC30-212 + Vox AC30 run together in stereo, and, occasionally, a Roland Jazz Chorus.

I put the TR2 last in line in to the Laney VC30 after the stereo split on the chorus pedal so the Vox AC30 uses it's own built in tremolo unit, I deliberately run the TR2 and the VOX with slightly different speeds (al la Johnny Marr style) which causes some crazy stereo volume shifts (insert evil grin)


Look I use one unmodded and it still sounds great - honestly when your cranked over six tenths on your valve amp and the other guitarist, bass player and drummer are making a racket a bit of hiss is not going to ruin your day and a slight overall volume drop... meh I never noticed it on stage or in rehearsals, when I'm practising I just ignore it knowing it won't show up in the final mix .

It's a Boss do they ever, really, break?
love 'em or hate 'em these things (even the newer non Japanese units)... never ever seem to break...
I still have and use units I've owned since school days which means they are close to (cough) 30 (cough) years old - no problems bar the occasional lost plastic knob and the odd broken battery connector and one slightly split case (due to an Ampeg 8x10 fridge falling on it). Never had a "catastrophic" failure.

see reliability... I've never needed to take a Boss pedal in for repairs but I've dealt with Boss/Roland for synth and amp repairs if they are the same guys then I'd give them the overall ratting of "generally very happy"

a great basic effect that's cheap enough to be in any guitarists kit....

It will take some time to get it set just right. A lot of it has to do with the tempo of your music and what application you're using this for. However, the controls are really straightforward.

I did modify this unit by cutting out C4 or whatever that piece was. What a difference! Much more responsive. Sounds like a vintage trem pedal now. It's really clear, and there is no volume drop. It also works extremely well with other pedals. It's not noisy at all in my setup. I run it first in my chain, and then it goes through about 8 or 9 other pedals.

My only gripes about this pedal are the lack of volume control, and the subtlety of the effect. You really have to crank the depth knob to get the effect to stick out. But, most trem sounds are supposed to be subtle, so this is a good replication. Without the mod, I'd give the sound a 5. With it, the sound is an 8.

Boss.

Boss.

A really, really good trem pedal. Just do the mod! It's bonehead simple if you have a functioning frontal lobe. Don't spend $200 dollars or something on a trem pedal. This is the real deal!

This "review" is more about the much hyped-about C4 mod. I love modding and bending equipement, and even build my own little noise boxes. I'm not an electronics pro, but I get by for simple non-DSP stuff. I had some time to kill last night so I thought what the heck! I also devized to add a switch to toggle the C4 cap circuit "cut and uncut". Fun little project.

When I got it done and plugged it in, I was a bit confused to hear absolutelly no difference. I had a simple circuit done so that I could AB back and forth it in an instant to compare. I went back to the table and checked each wire and each solduring point with a multimeter, and to make sure that no solduring points were accidentally bridging to others. I was using a low-watt iron and was quick with my solduring, no chance to burn out the cap.

I test again. I crank the volume on my Peavey C30 and SOS a riff so that I can try different knob settings while Abing the mod. The differencs I DID hear are very slight boost to the low-end when using a square wave. It's so slight that you really have to look for it with no distractions though. This is definatelly not the night-and-day difference I keep hearing about.

So I'm very confused and dissapointed. On one hand, I hear no difference (I only knwo of one other person on another forum that heard no difference with his), on the other hand, dozens (hundreds?) of people are raving about this mod. So many that it's impossible that it's fake.

Could it be some TR-2s are built differently than others?

Very straightforward design. This pedal is ruggedly constructed like all Boss pedals, and is very easy to understand and use. Anybody can add it to their effects chain and dial in their desired tremolo sounds in seconds.

This pedal does exactly what you would want a Tremolo to do: it operates cleanly in that it does not color the sound of your instrument in any way, and it can create all the vintage tremolo sounds of the 50's and 60's in one package. I have had this pedal for years and played it with various amp and guitar combinations, and the results are always the same. Since the pedal is so transparent, it will sound great in any rig. The only reason this pedal gets an 8 for sound quality is the slight loss of overall volume that occurs when the pedal is engaged. However, the difference really is slight and probably inherent with this type of effect.

Boss pedals could survive a nuclear holocaust along with the cockroaches. They are virtually indesctructible, thanks to their design and rugged metal housing. Buy one and give it to your grandkids some day.

I've never dealt with them, because their products are so damn solid and reliable. (think of those commercials for Maytag with the out-of-work repairmen!)

This tremolo is designed to fill a particular niche in the guitar effects market. It's not for every guitar player, only those whose styles (country, blues, surf, etc.) call for tremolo sounds in the first place. Within this small category, however, this tremolo does it all. Whether you want the choppy aggressive sound of a helicopter taking off or the smooth warble of juke joint blues, this pedal absolutely owns the competition.

Super simple interface.

You gotta do the mod that people are talking about here. Clipping C4 and swapping R19 for a 4.7k ohm are HUGE improvements that cost less than a buck. Big ups to Zuff (11.27.2004) for posting it. The differences are: 1) No volume drop when effect is engaged (which was annoying) and 2) A lot more response from the wave knob, especially down at the square-wave end. Chucka-chucka-chucka...

It's a Boss built brick.

See above.

Bought it used, paid a good price, and post-mod it's a great shaping tool.

This unit is very easy to use just find the right settings and go.

This is where i read about the very simple mod of just clipping out the C4. also i read about replacing the resistor which i haven't done yet but will soon. but just simply cutting out the C4 brought this pedal to life. so to anyone else reading these reviews that has not done this mod, DO IT! It really makes a difference.

I haven't had it long enough to give an opinion.

N/A

With the mod it really becomes a great pedal. i can't wait to replace the R19. If lost or stolen i would buy another one off of ebay do the mods and have a great pedal for minimal money spent.

Never had one before so I read the instructions. Not hard to use at all. However it's like Texas hot sauce: you don't need a lot to get the effect.

Didn't want to spend a lot of money and Boss a well known name. Got it home and liked it but it had a lot of hiss and sucked tone. Then I read the reviews suggesting clipping C4 and switching R19 to 4.7k ohm. WOW! BIG DIFFERENCE! No hissing, no drop in volume level. I accomplished this mod in 5 min. on the kitchen table for .99 cents. Now this sounds like a $200 pedal!

No problems so far!

Never had to use them.

I wanted the rich lush tremolo tones your hear in the doo-wop music music of the 50's & 60's. This does it in spades after I made the mods. I would say 5 before the mods, a 9 after.

Simple enough to use.

I'm using this w/ a Yamaha RGX A2 and a 25 watt tube amp. I'm going to hit on two points: cabling and mods.

First, cabling. I've read a lot of guys are having noise issues with this pedal. I'm starting to believe there is a problem with these pedals. Maybe some bad batches came out. Mine sounds fine, but I do know what people are talking about. I've heard some nasty TR-2's when bypassed. There is an ever so slight tone loss when this pedal is bypassed, which is why I chose to put it into my true bypass loop. Now, about the cabling: If you use quality cabling, you will see a dramatic improvement. I use George L's for EVERYTHING including my Guitar and out-to-amp cabling. If you want to see that noise disappear, use cables like this.

Second, the mod. See the review by Zuff on 11.27.2004. Yes, remove the C4. Just do it. He recommends switching the R19 from 10K to 6.8K. I used 4.7K and WOW! I say do it! A five pack of these cost 99 cents at Radio Shat. A 50 dollar mod for a buck! Do it.

I love this pedal now. I was so disappointed and frustrated with this pedal that I never used it. It will now boost the signal (top end of the wave) just a hair above the bypass level. In other words, it cuts through the mix now but doesn't do it obnoxiously and doesn't push it anywhere near "peak" territory. The wave forms are so much more defined now that the Cap is out of the picture. Quieter noise overall.

It'll be fine...

Never worked with em.

I was about to send this POC off to be modded. I'm so glad I found that review. I love this pedal now. Heck, even my WIFE noticed it. She thought it sounded great. I would replace this if stolen, because it will last forever, and with the 99 cent mod it's worth buying again compared to an expensive tremolo pedal. An adjustable trim pot for the peak volume would be nice, but I'm satisfied.

Without the mod, a 4. With the mod, a 9!

Trem has always been the most basic of modulation FX in my opinion. You don't much simpler than speed, rate and wave. I have actually sold it now, because I wanted something with a touch more vibe and without the wave knob.

Fender USA Lead 1/G&L tele/Fender Cyclone and others through a ton of mostly MXR and Boss pedals to a Roland JC-120 and a Fender Super 210 tube combo. No complaints about the sound whatever. The volume drop...I think people are hearing things. Maybe there's variations between induividual units (although Boss aren't know for production inconsistency) but it's the nature of trem that your volume drops in cycles so if you engage it and it's at the bottom of a cycle, you're going to get a vol drop.

Boss...

Boss...

We play indie but when you're talking about trem, it doesn't matter. Trem is in practically any type of music except metal (although I'd welcome someone to prove me wrong on this!). It is my favourite effect and Boss, as usual, nailed it. I wish it didn't have the wave knob but that's purely a personal thing and I'm quite sure most players want it there.

All you need to use this pedal is eyes and ears...and some musical sense. A monkey in a space suit could use this. 3 dials, 1 input, 1 output!

This pedal is JUST what I was looking for in a Tremolo pedal. Boss says this "Reproduces the classic tremolo effects of vintage 60's amps using a Low Frequency Oscillator(LFO)". Yup! That's exactly what it does! I don't play Metal or use distortion. I may use some Over Drive but I usually even like the clean end of that. I play mostly clean stuff (Jazz, Country, Blues, Oldies, etc.). This pedal sounds GREAT!! This pedal sounds JUST like the old Fender amps. If you CAN'T get it to sound right, then either you don't understand what tremolo is supposed to sound like so you really don't want tremolo anyway (but you THINK you do)--OR--you have it hooked up wrong. When I hooked it up through my Effects Send/Return loop, it was noisy (but ALL my pedals were noisy when hooked up that way). If I hook it up between guitar & amp. It's quiet. Also, keep in mind that if your effects (like THIS ONE) don't sound good, you may want to blame your amp, you guitar, or your own lack of knowlege in using effects. I wouldn't be shy about gigging or even recording with this pedal. You can go from a very subtle, soft vibrato (just enough to add some movement to your notes) by putting the Wave dial all the way to the Saw Wave side and bringing the Depth down to around 9 or 10 o'clock--to a very obvious and abrupt stutter by twirling the Wave all the way to the Square Wave side and bringing the Depth all the way to the max. There's a whole world of great feels in this pedal between those 2 dial setting extremes.
One thing to keep in mind (especially if your a Newbie); tremolo is an effect to be used in SMALL DOSES! It is a VERY noticable effect even when dialed in on the "light" side. If you don't like the way it sounds, then you probably just don't understand what tremolo is supposed to sound like.

Boss pedals have a GREAT reputation for being reliable. I DID have a pedal once that didn't work but not because I broke it...it was a factory defect.

Only dealth with them once and they were not helpful at all. Usually you WON'T have to deal with them 'cause the pedals are tough. I word to the wise. Boss doesn't play around with their policy. You'd better buy your pedal NEW, from an AUTHORIZED BOSS DEALER, and you'd BETTER have your original sales receipt if you want any kind of warranty service or help.

Easy to use. Very tough, well made pedal (it's metal not plastic). SOUNDS GREAT!! (if you are looking for a vintage tremolo effect). Very versatile (there are a lot of "sweet spots" in this pedal), it's very flexible. Personally, I just love this pedal! It's not one you'll use in EVERY song but if you want a really GOOD sounding vintage tremolo effect. BUY THIS PEDAL!

you can't get much simpler than this

it sounds great, although i don't use it too much because simply of what it does. i can see myself someday all of a suddent using this an awful lot though and experimenting heavily, just i haven't gotten around to spending too much time with it.

you'd have to intentionally be trying to break a boss pedal for it to break

it's weird implementing this effect into songs, but if/when you pull it off this pedal will certainly be do its job well. lost or stolen, i'd buy it after i buy a few other pedals i'm interested in, but eventually i'd definitely have another.

Very easy to get the good tone.

Everyone else here is complaining about the pedal's tone - but did any of you read what Boss said the pedal is supposed to do for your signal before you bought it? Its supposed to mimmick the tremelo on those fender amps from the 60s - and it does it perfectly and then improves upon the effect. If anyone has a problem in any regard with this pedal's sound then they didn't really want a tremelo pedal to begin with and they are an amatuer who is still figuring out which effects do what for their tone. Its a 60s tremelo sound - if that is what you want then this is perfect - quit complaining - for the $90 effect unit class this is as good as it gets. Its either this or the Digitech unit for that price - otherwise you can go pay $500 for some TC Tremelo unit - you get what you pay for. And the volume output? Insignificant - everyone is nitpicking and falling besides the point - the effect is pristine - its not a $500 TC Unit that you would ideally use for recording - but you don't own a studio anyway so what does it matter? Its perfect - when you get signed and go into a million dollar studio you can borrow their tremelo unit instead of your pedal. And if this effect is too noisy its because your amp is a cheap piece of crap - and any effect with heavy metal distortion used in conjunction will be noisy - what don't you people understand? Look, if you have an ounce of musical talent and a half-way decent musical ear you will hear the wonderful wave of dreaminess this pedal produces. If your amp and guitar suck though you will probably not like any effect. Through a tube amp and playing a mahogany guitar its magic.

its very light - my digitech pedals seem much more reliable - but my last boss pedal was from the 70s or early 80s and it still works - i trust it.

10 - if you know you want tremelo then this is a good unit. if i was recording i would go for something more expensive because a more expensive unit is guaranteed to sound better than a less expensive unit. This unit helps me create a dreamy effect that i use in short bursts or for drones or hits - its not a major effect - its used occassionally in some songs of mine and in that regard i could not create the sound i want to in a live scenario without this pedal - good buy for $89.

Very easy to use like all BOSS FOOT PEDALS.

Used it with a Fender 65 Twin Reverb. Vibrato was turned off on amplifier. Played it with reverb both on and off.
The effect is too noisy for tremolo!!!! Had a Boss GT-5 and the tremolo was outstanding along with the other effects. But the GT-5 is too difficult to change from various tone types. Wanted something simple. So I traded the GT-5 in for some other BOSS PEDALS. This is not one of the pedals you should purchase from BOSS!!!!

BOSS builds equipment that lasts. Yes, if it were a good sounding pedal. This one is a big, big, disappointment!!! I took mine back after playing it on and off one day. Background noise (as others herein have mentioned) was terrible. I exhanged it for a Boss Phaser.
I'm giving this category a 10 (NOT for this pedal) but for other pedals BOSS produces......

Dealt with Roland once regarding the GT-5. The customer support was excellent.

Currently, I play Surf and Blues. I have played various other types of music on and off for 30 years. I thought the tremolo on this pedal would be similar to the GT-5. In no way is it similar. It is too noisy and drives you nuts after a while. Also, you should not have to be tampering around with it, cutting the C4 thing, or whatever!!!. You void your warranty when you do these types of things. A 5 year warranty is a tremendous warranty period. I currently have a BOSS DD6 (Digital Delay), PH-3 (Phase Shifter) and a LS-2 (Line Selector). I am very pleased with these products. They get 10's across the board. Boss should take this pedal off the market and concentrate on achieving the degree of clarity of tremolo as found on my past GT-5. I suggest strongly that you do not purchase this effect in a Boss pedal until that occurs.

It was good. Its gone now. Simple to dispose of.

I used this for awhile til I got sick of playing. And breathing.
Alot of reviewers below talk about taking the C4 out of it. I decided to put some C4 in it. I plugged it in and BLAMMOKABOOMKERBOOSH!!!! I blowed it,my amp, my guitar and myself the f%*#$ up!!!

Cant depend on it anymore. I won't be gigging anytime soon seeing as how I am DEAD!!

They sent their condolences. "RIP TR-2 and its suicidal owner.

I play gothic music from beyond the grave. Very subtle and silent. I don't think I will be buying one again anytime soon seeing as how corpses can't make their way into Guitar Center or handle currency very well.

The TR-2 is really easy to use, most trems are, I think.

Stock the tr-2 is an okay sounding trem, it's competent, nothing to write home about, but a good standard trem. I did notice a slight volume drop, but it was something that I could live with.

And then I read about the mod in these forums. Basically it involves removing the C4 capacitor thing. I was a bit leary about doing it so I emailed one of the other reviewers on this site and he reassured me about doing it. I just spent 89 bucks on it and didn't want to mess it up.

So I went ahead and opened up the box and with a wire clipper I snapped off the C4 thing - it's a big silver thing in the middle, it's easy to find.

Turned on the pedal and it did sound better! not as much of a volume drop and the trem is just a bit 'something' - I don't know, but it's a better pedal and I'm glad I did it.

boss

na

I've owned a lot of great trems - and with the mod this is another great trem.

As usual for boss pedals this is pretty easy to use. I mean, if you can handle three knobs...

I bought it, tried it, and brought it back to the store.
What a poor tremolo pedal!
It`s terribly noisy, as if you implant a miniature Steamtrain in your amp that does anoying choo-choo-choo-choo sounds.
The other big problem is that it has a ridiculous low output, so you`ll have to install a boost or volume pedal to get along during live gigs. - Unacceptable.

The effect itsself is OK, though pretty cold, but you have a lot of options and can go up to helicopter trem sounds.

Boss pedals are always reliable. - Unfortunatly most of the time you can also rely on poor sound.

never did

Boss pedals are reliable, we all know. But that`s nearly all for the TR2.
It is noisy and weak.
Save some money and go for a T-Rex Tremster or even better a Fulltone Supa Trem.
They are worth the price- the Boss TR2 is not!

I play an Ibanez SZ520 and a baritone-tuned frankenstrat into a Rivera M-100. The TR-2 sits last in my front-of-amp chain, which goes vintage Morley VCO --> Boss GE-7 --> MXR Distortion+ --> MXR Phase100 --> Boss TR-2(it is a tad too subtle when it sits in the fx loop). It is very quiet...I do believe the newer TR-2's have had some sort of manufacturing change that makes them less hissy.
I did a pre-mod check, and yes...the sounds are shall we say...uninspiring.
So, I got out some snips and said goodbye to capacitor #4.
The mod is as good as advertised. You will not regret doing it.
The only thing I wish it had was an expression pedal input to change the effect rate.

I've got a silver-screw DS-1 and a CE-2 from the seventies that still work and sound like new. 'Nuff said.

You have to remember just how large a company Roland/Boss is.
Maybe I am just lucky but the two times I've needed them, I recieved prompt, friendly and accurate info.

I play mostly classic and hard rock. This pedal is versitile enough to go from "Born on the Bayou" to all kinds of nouveau chopped-up mayhem. After doing the C4 mod, I truly love this pedal.

Very easy to use and get a good sound out of it. It's a nice mod that takes a great, built like a tank, pedal and makes it more prominent. Love the blue light that is added. Step on it and go

The boss trems are normally dinged for their volume drop when engaged, with this mod there is a slight volume boost so the trem really stands out in the mix. I've read about some people modding these themselves by cutting some capaciter thing, but I wouldn't trust myself to do that. This is a good mod that makes a great trem even better - no real complaints.

built like a tank - no issues

don't know

solid trem - solid mod

Pedal sounds too dark and undefined when its stock. The volume drop was also a pain in the ass. To be honest, I was going to sell the pedal until I found out about the modifications available. Not the greatest sounding stock tremolo.

As Spider already posted, this pedal sounds quite a bit better when you switch out some of the stock component with upgraded parts. I had a local tech modify the pedal for me using Spiders instructions:

"To sort the drop in volume issue replace resistor (R9 10K) for a 4.7K resistor or better still install a 10K trim pot and tweak to the desired volume required."

4.7k is way too much gain. I even tried 5.6k but, which was a little bit better, but still too much. I wanted a enough of a boost to create a unified gain sound. The problem I also ran into was that when using the tremolo as the last in my effects chain, the volume boost of the tremolo drowned out the other pedals. I gave up on the idea of a resistor and the tech suggested that he install a trimmer on R9. This method works a lot better and basically performs the function of a volume control via the resistors output. It can also be installed on the board instead of having to drill for a new volume knob, or having to order a dual pot.

"To make the pedal have a more Hi Fi sound reduce noise remove (C3, C5,C20,C21 1uf)electrolytic caps and replace with 1uf metallised film capacitors/Mylar.Also replace(C2 and C6 10uF) electrolytic caps for tantalums."

No real comment. The caps are what alter the overall tone of the pedal. It pisses me off that Boss couldn't spend a dollar or two more and use the above caps to begin with. The pedal sounds awesome right now, and all I did was change 6 capacitors with better quality ones.

"To add high end sparkle remove completely (C7 10pF capacitor).Try it, if it is not to your taste put the cap back in."

I have a strat, tele and a Rivera Knucklehead. I have enough treble as it is, not applicable to me. I don't know if it's possible, but it seems like a toggle switch allowing two different tones: stock, and low cut would be cool. What I "hear" as tremolo in my head is a warm, wavey sound though, so it's all subjective.

"If you feel you would like to increase the rate lower the value of (R31 50K)try say a 10K to start with.I personally left mine as stock value.The above requires a bit of knowledge and the use of a soldering Iron...Proceed with care."

With the above mods, the pedal can get very "choppy" if you turn the rate and depth all the way up, as well as turning the frequency knob to sawtooth. If you're into that sound it would be cool, just not functional for me.

BTW, if you are going to do the above mods and have removed c4 from the board, you will need to replace it. I talked to one of the people at Keeley and he said they do nothing to c4, he actually asked me some questions about it and how it affected the tone.

Boss...hells yeah.

Waka waka!!!

Awesome with the mod, not so hot without it.

This is an update to my review on 11/27/2004, where I described my C4 mod to the TR-2. Since then, I have helped dozens of people make this mod, and everyone seems to be pretty happy with the results. I have also noticed a number of positive reviews for the mod here on the Harmony Central site. The C4 mod puts alot more pep and personality into this little green guy.

Here are the C4 mod instructions:
1. Remove the bottom plate and the insulating plastic piece which is just inside.
2. Carefully fold out the circuit board and find C4 in the middle of the board (it looks like a little silvery pillow, and the board says "C4" next to it)
3. Remove C4. You can use wire cutters, nail clippers, or even scissors. You can also bend it back and forth a zillion times until the two leads break.
4. Replace the circuit board, insulator, and bottom cover. Done!

Don't forget- this will VOID your warranty.

If you have any questions, please email me. I can send you a scan of the circuit board showing the location of C4.

-zuff

This pedal is composed of only three knobs, so it's very very easy to use and the controls are pretty immediately understandable

I felt only a little volume loss. But this tremolo can offer to the player a huge variety of sounds. The sound is dark and psychedelic. We can never set the tempo, but that's the best of tremolos!!! :-)

Ok. Just as the Boss guarantee teaches us all!

I don't know

I play pink floyd and oasis. anyway the sound is adactable to every stile!!! Since the sixties' piano to the interrupted voice tremolo!!! Great!!

Three knobs - rate, wave, depth. Doesn't get any simpler, really ...

I play pretty much exclusively a Fender American Deluxe Strat ---> Marshall AVT100 (soon to be replaced by a decent 30/40 watt tube amp) with various used in between ... Crybaby 535Q, Ibanez Fuzz (rarely), and the Boss TR-2. Before the C4 mod I was quite satisfied with the sound; it was a sort of soft vintage-style flutter/swell, quite nice. However upon reading that it could be improved, I made a rash decision and cut out the C4 cap (a silver 'water-tower on 2 legs' type thing right near the centre of the board, next to a black rail-looking thing) with some little scissors. When I set it all up and plugged in again, I immediately thought I had botched it; there was this crackly choppy signal for a split second ... but then, checking the leads and junk were all plugged in, it worked like dream. The upgrade in tone post-mod is remarkable! It kept all the sparkle and there was no volume cut ... also the variation are a tad more prominent, you can get more extreme tremolo sounds now.

Previously, yes - built very solid. Now, with voided warranty and all - have no idea. I only did the mod 30 minutes ago!

Pointless now, anyways ...

I've been playing nearly 7 years ... heavily into blues and oldies rock, some alternative stuff (Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Jeff Buckley, etc.) As I said, I was quite happy with the thing before I modded it, but the mod turned the TR-2 from a really good pedal into a superb one. First and only mod I've ever attempted btw, really easy. Before the mod I might rate about 8, after mod would be 10; so in between I shall go!

Using with Fender Blues Junior. Marshall AVT50H head and 1960AV cab. Or sometimes with Peavey Blues Classic amp straight in and with only TS-9 Tube Screamer.

Guitars: Jay Turser JT-50 (Goth copy) and Fender Stevie Ray Vaughan strat.

Honest and open: Unless you'll remove the C4 capacitor cap, don't buy this pedal. Sucked all tone and volume. Removed the C4 with scissors. Awesome. That easy. HOwever, bear in mind that you void the warranty when you remove the C4 cap. I don't get in to other mods, though. Again, keep in mind that this is the only way to have this pedal, so say just go to hell when they tell you at the shop you can buy an extended Boss 2 year warranty plan for an extra $20. Boss don't break.

Once the mod is done, tone is great. Anything from Flamenco to the Leslie Cab twirling horn sound. From ska to funk to rock to reggae to SRV's "Cold Shot"

Not noisy at all. Nice and quiet with as much true bypass as possible.

Now the effects sound great.

5 before the mod, 8 after the mod. I mean c'mon, for a trem pedal there may be not be a '10' on the market.

Can absolutely depend on Boss. No questions. Gig without a backup any day.

n/a

Great match for any type of persons and music. Playing over 15 years. Own Fender Strat/SRV; Jt-50 Jay Turser; Yamaha Flamenco Guitar; Fender Metal Resonator guitar

Own Marshall AVT50H head (valvestate) with AVT CAB; Marshall 1960AV cab 4X12; Fender Blues Junior Combo amp (tube); Peavey Blues Classic 40W amp combo (tube); Fender FM212R solid state combo;

various pedals (crybaby; TS-9 tube screamer; NYC Big Muff; Digitech Delay (don't buy one...all they do is suck volume) )

AGain, 5 rating before simple mod; 8 after

It's a quite easy effect, 3 knobs:
-rate, increases the speed of the tremolo;
-wave, controls the waveform of the effect;
-depth, when counterclockwise no effect in created.

I use it with my rick bass -> all tube ampeg and the effect is very good. I bought it four years ago but I was not satisfied at all. I have to admit it was thinking to sell it until I read about this C4 mod: I did it and the effect improved so much I decided not to sell it anymore. Just cut that big silver cap with some scissors. No more volume drop, and the general sound was not altered. I am really satisfied now! I don't find it noisy at all. I have to agree with lots of other rewievers, 6 unmodded, 9 modded.

The pedal is sturdy and really dependable.

I never had to get in contact with Boss, as said their pedals are reliable.

I play rock and progressive rock and effects are an important part of my sound. I think I found the ultimate tremolo effect and I won't ever think to sell it anymore. If stolen I'd buy another, maybe used since these are not so cheap!

Easy to use. Three knobs

My set up consists of: Vintage Fender Strat > RMC 1 Wah > Axis Face Fuzz > IbanezTS9 > Fender Reverb > Fender Deville(4x10)Amp.

The Boss TR2 in original condition is a good pedal BUT, with the help of a gentlemen named Dan Wiley (an electrical engineer)whose comments I read (see below) about the C4 mod, I proceeded to amputate the tiny damn thing located in the center of the board and the TR2 became a great effect with a "meatier,warmer tone and no volume drop". I do not get involved with electrical boards but this operation was easy. Went from a 7 to a 10 in quality.

Built like a tank. No problems

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Blues, vintage rock, jazz. I have been playing for 20 years. The TR2 is a great addition to my peddle board with true bypass and the C4 mod.