Monte Allums Boss BD-2 Mod

This review is for the H2O mode plus. The installation is a tad hard but given my limited experience in soldering, I manage to do it in a few hours. The key is to test the pedal immediately after each component change. Also, you might want to clip the tie wire for easy access to the board. After installing everything, the hardest is putting the board back in the chassis. The elevated op amp chips needs a little bit of a push. The best way to do it is push the chip with a screw driver while putting the board back.

The tone controls are very responsive. Three knobs - tone, volume and drive. Turn it a notch and you can definitely hear a difference.

This is one of the most organic and natural sounding drive I've ever used. I have a Maxon OD808 which is good in its own way. A fulldrive 2, TS808 and a TS9. If you're looking for crunch without the mid boost, this is the pedal to beat. I play a strat and I can definitely hear the tonal nature of the single coil pickups with a little bit of crunch. There is no tone coloration even if the pedal is not engaged. Set the drive knob somewhere between 8 - 9 oclock and it sounds like a fender tweed twin. It's so natural that you would think your tube amp is breaking up. Bring the drive up and you get a significant amount of gain.

The tone knob is very sensitive. Position it between 8 - 12 o clock and you get a nice tube crunch. Beyond that, it sounds a little bit trebly for my tastes.

All in all, a great and useable pedal. I'm getting rid of the rest and plan on using this for my rhythm crunch and boost my Maxon OD808 for soloing. Perfect combination. Best of all, it's freaking cheap and any one who tried to change their guitar pickups and caps will have the sufficient skills to do the mod.

Boss - 'nough said

No experience whatsoever...don't think I need one.

I play rock, blues and alternative. Been playing for years and tried several pedals (cheap and boutique). I would definitely recommend this to anyone. If it gets lost, no problemo. I'll find a used BD2 in fleabay and do the mods again.

I'm not sure if this is true bypass or not but I wouldn't worry about it. It doesn't change my tone...no muddiness or loss of volume. Just your natural tone. Kick it in and you got a tube amp inside this little box.

3 knobs and depending on what your taste in tone / overdrive /distortion is might take some tweaking but no harder than any guitar pedal. After the mod so much more range in the sonic options.

I have a self built pedal board using George L's cables and too many pedals to list. I have a custom Strat with EMGs and a 78 Gibson LP that I mainly play. I have various tube and non-tube amps, but I also use a POD XTL for playing at Church. I bought this BD-2 on Ebay last year and wasn't real thrilled with it and then saw some reviews about Monte's Mods so after reading and researching I got the H2O Plus mod. Took a couple of nights to complete (was interrupted too much), but not too difficult if you have any knowledge of electronics and soldering. I tested after each step and could gradually notice the sound improving, but the final OPAMP mod made the real difference. This pedal now has so much more life to it than my Keeley Modded TS9. I'm still exploring the sound for the tone I will use most of the time.

Well I've never had a Boss pedal fail and Monte's replacement components are very high quality. I doubt I will have a problem with it. I don't beat up my equipment like some folks so I think I'm safe.

I talked to Monte on the phone and he was very helpful in giving me the info to see if I really wanted to do the Mod. I actually just bought a Boss DS-1 and a MT-2 on Ebay that I just got the mods for this week. Between the 3 pedals I should be able to get any level of gain/distortion needed.

I am a traditional rock and blues player, but now am playing Christian music in Church also. I have been playing for over 32 years and have always been looking for good tone. I don't like harsh distortion and the Mod gives the BD a smooth sound I can enjoy using. I am hoping the Mod on the DS-1 and MT-2 will be similar in smoothness. That is the main thing I don't like about Boss distortions is the harshness. I would want to get another BD and mod it if something was to happen.

The mod i'm reviewing is the H2O plus mod (with opamp chips).

I'm rating the ease of use on the actual installation of the mod here. The ease of use of the pedal is just the same as stock.

I have very limited soldering experience (no PCB soldering) but was able to successfully complete this mod without making any mistakes. Monte includes everything you need including good illustrated instructions, solder, desoldering braid and components.

The whole job took around 2.5 hours in total, checking that the pedal was still functioning between each mod. One thing I did to wrong initially was take the input and output jacks out of the metal case - it turns out that they need to be connected for the pedal to function.

I didnt have any problems with the ribbon cables - I simply removed the cable tie that binds the two cables together then it was much easier to get to the components.

As Monte says it is a very tight fit getting the thing back in there - the main board is bent at tension in order to get it back in after the chip assembly has been put in place.

I'm giving this an 7 as its quite a complicated job (i.e. not as easy as just plugging something in!) - but I'm a beginner when it comes to soldering and did it fine.

I play primarily through a Gibson Les Paul Studio, into a Fender Blues Junior and a Blackheart Killer Ant. Both amps take pedals well. My other OD pedal is a Digitech Bad Monkey. I always thought that the BD2 sounded a bit harsh, not warm and thick like the Bad Monkey is.

Since carrying out the mod the BD2 completely beats the Bad Monkey in all areas - I can no longer get a better sound out of the monkey (which was fairly easy before).

I have also noticed the new pedal is very quiet compared to before.

Its a shame I don't have a stock BD2 to A/B test against, but having the Bad Monkey for comparison definitely helps - the bad monkey used to be much better but not any more.

Excellent mod.

Possibly even more reliable than the stock BD2 due to higher quality components, and the tight fit with the H20 plus mod means there's less room for things to move about in!

I'm judging customer support based on the time taken for the order to come through etc, as I didnt need to contact monte.

I ordered from the UK, postage was very cheap ($3.50 i think), and delivery was quick. Instructions were included in the package, although more detailed instructions were available to download straight after the order was placed.

I play mostly blues / classic rock, the BD2 H2O plus is extremely versatile. A great all round sound, very transparent at low gain levels, just an all round great pedal. Best i've heard.

The non-modified verson was a fizz factory. I hated that pedal. The H20 Mod made this into a wonderful distortion pedal. It always has some grit and can get downright dirty if you want it. Completely different from a TS-8 and different from any other pedal I have used. Easy to dial in whatever sound you want.

Great for Strats and for Les Pauls. The Mod made it very quite. I run it through a Fender Deluxe Tube Amp and the match was made in heaven.

It is a Boss...

Monty is always available. Super guy. If you ever need help he is there for you. I have also spoken with Matt Mod who is the U.S. guy who Monte recommends as the person to do Mod's if you don't want to do it yourself. Great guy.

This H20 Mod took a useless pedal and made it incredible. Been playing for 25 years. Own 3 other modded pedals by Monte and a few by Keeley. Also like what Visual Sound is putting out without the need for Mods. Have 20 plus guitars of vintage and/or custom shop quality.

Word to the wise. If you watch eBay, this mod will not increase the value of the pedal if you do it yourself. Only when it is done by Mod Matt or Matt Mod will it increase in value.

I bought the basic mod, not the h20. Very easy to find a tone-just put the three knobs at 12:00 and start from there. I was starting to do the mod myself, but my wife took the project over and took care of it in about an hour; much quicker than I would have done it. I didn't know this, but she had schooling in electronics when she was growing up in Czechoslovakia. What a bonus...she's hot AND does pedal mods! The pictorial directions were pretty easy to use.

I'm running this pedal in front of a tech 21 trademark 60, w/ a boss gt6 running through the fx loop for delays, phaser, etc. My guitar is an ibanez awdltd semihollow w/ the seymour dual humbucker rock set (JB/Jazz) for pickups. I haven't had to dial anything past 12:00 on it. On its debut gig, I was soundchecking with it, and my drummer immediately says, "Dude-it sounds like David Gilmour". 'nuff said. That night I used it as my primary overdrive, in front of the clean channel of my amp. When I wanted endless sustain, I'd kick in my amp's o-drive, and the two overdrives together sounded super-creamy.

Boss pedals are probably the most reliable in the world...I plan on gigging w/ no backup to this pedal. I'll probably find another cheap Blues Driver and mod it out just to have a backup eventually, but I'm not worried about my current one.

The mod kit came within 3 days of ordering it. Never had to contact.

My original Blues Driver pedal had been collecting dust for a few years. I originally used it as a booster, but I was tired of the shrill tones it produced, even with the tone rolled all the way back. I ordered the mod kit on a whim, and now this pedal has made me revamp my guitar rig, making it the only thing between my guitar and amp (other stuff is now in the fx loop), and it sounds so pure. I never fully believed the hype on pedal mods, but now I'm converted. I'm amazed at how much more volume boosting ability it as, and the tone and gain are so much easier on the ears. "Buttery" is the only word I can think of.

This is the H2O Plus mod kit. I originally did the H20 mod about a year and a half ago. The H2O mod was fairly easy to do, just take your time and you'll be okay, and make sure to test after each mod. Then about six months ago I saw the new plus mods with Burr Brown OPA2134PA Opamp Chip upgrade and I ordered for my MT2 tri0gain, Cs-3 opto and Bd-2 h2O. I had the new op amp put away for my bd-2 as my attempt to install into Mt-2 went south and I had to send it Chad Mathews for repair so I was gunshy about installing in h20. After reading previous review I decided to jump in and install new Burr Brown OPA2134PA Opamp Chip. Yeah ribbon wires were a bit trickey but 1/2 hr later mod is done.

Well the original H2O mod was very good already. Made pedal more transparent, and more responsive to pick attack and volume roll back. Now with the new opamp, thats a different story. I was actually geting bored with BD-2 as I missed the tube screamer type midrange grit. With the plus mod as mentioned by previous reviewer, it now is kind of a cross. I was actually floored. As mentioned the noise level was improved as it was with MT-2 Plus mod. Usually I play a G&L Asat classic hollowbody or an '89 Strat Plus into a Tu-2, CS-3 opto, Area 51 wah, BD-2 plus, MT-2 tri-gain plus, DD-3 into a crate vintage club 30 with vintage 30. I hadn't left review of BD-2 H20 in past as I felt that while it is a great mod and totally transforms the stock pedal, still not magical for me. But with the plus mod this is an outstanding od. Very tube like and reacting very nicely to attack and volume roll off. Usually I set it with volume at 10 o'clock, tone at noon and gain at 10-11 o'clock. Nice slightly overdriven amp sounds. I'll kick it with cs-3 to boost or run bd-2 into mt-2 for some heavier distortion. I must say I am inspired.

It's a Boss, what can I say. I think the guy who modded it can be counted on.

Monte has always been the man when it comes to support. Quick to answer questions and give support. First class guy.

I have been playing for many years. I like blues and old school rock for fun and play contemporary christian as a worship leader. Over the years I have gone through alot of pedals looking for "that" sound. I have spent alot of money on boo-teek pedals and others. Tried other modded Boss pedals as well. I am very happpy with all of Monte's mods. Ive done Ds-1,Dynacomp,BD2,CS3,MT2 mods. Very well thought out and tested before making available. This pedal will now be staying on my board and getting way more play time.

I had already carried out the BD-H2O mod and was quite impressed with the results. However the idea of being able to put something like an RC4558P opamp in a Blues Driver proved irresistable. The M52118AL in-line chip still seemed like a major weak-spot and putting in a 4558 or Burr Brown was an obvious move.

The converter PCB was easy enough to prepare. The 8-pin DIL socket went in no problem and the 4558P opamp slotted in easily. Having removed the M52118AL, I soldered the 8-pin in-line adaptor and then reinserted the in-line chip to ensure every still worked.

The problem was moving the ribbon wires that connect the pots to the main PCB to get access to the 8-pin in-line socket so the adaptor and 4558 could be plugged in. With very gentle flexing sufficient space was created to accommodate the Monte Allums converter mini-PCB. This proved to be the most time-consuming aspect of this mod. With good lighting, a steady hand and a healthy helping of patience it all went together.

Well... was it worth the work? ABSOLUTELY YES! I thought the original BD-H2O mod was good but the PLUS mod is something else. Noise levels are very low and the range of sounds available are enormous and very,very usable. The clean boost is exactly that but upping the gain adds grit which is controllable from the guitar's volume pot.

In the H2O PLUS configuration this mod is hard to fault. It sounds like a really good Blues Driver crossed with a cleaned-up vintage Tube Screamer. The vices of both pedal types are virtually eliminated and the virtues emphasised, all by the twist of a couple of pots. This is a seriously good mod.

The H2O PLUS works well with both my Lab Series L7 4x10 combo and Hiwatt DR103. If this pedal was not mounted on my pedalboard it would be my first choice of stompbox to put in a guitar case for jams/open mic sessions. I never thought my 1980's Rat 2 would be superseded as my preferred stompbox of choice but the H2O with the PLUS mod has done just that.

I really have tried to be critical of this mod but the fact is it does everything it promises and does it amazingly well.

It's a Boss chassis so I don't expect any problems. The adaptor mini-PCB looks well-constructed and it fits snugly inside the pedal so it should not move. I would expect this pedal to be as reliable as any other 3-knob Boss compact.

Monte Allums is great to deal with. I cannot recommend his products too highly and he is very helpful indeed.

I play primarily blues-based rock but veering into pop/jazz/Country-tinged variations on that theme. The BD-H2O was a great addition to my pedalboard, the PLUS mod made it even better.

Been playing over 35 years. Use two Les Pauls, two Hamers and a WD Music HSS Strat that I spec'ed and put together. Amps are a Hiwatt DR103 into either 2x12 or 4x12 cabs, a Lab Series L7 combo or a Marshall MG30 for small venues / jams.

Pedalboard comprises Boss TU2 >> Monte Allums CS-3 mod >> Blubber wah (self modded) >> Monte Allums BD-H2O PLUS >> Monte Allums SD-808 (with diode switch) >> Rat 2 (mid 80s model with LM308N) >> Boss CH-1 >> Boss DD-3 >> Boss RV-5. All mains powered so no fear of battery failure.

I cannot see the BD failing. If it was stolen I have no doubt I would be straight on to Monte for a new kit. This is a seriously good and very versatile piece of gear. Of all my pedals this is the one almost permanently engaged. To answer the question, it really helps to make music, regardless of idiom.

This review is for the Monte Allums PLUS mod for his BD-H2O kit. If you've read previous reviews then you'll understand why people rave about the H2O mod. But what would the BD-H2O sound like with an RC4558P opamp? Using Monte's converter I was able to find out.

Removing the inline M52118AL chip was pretty straightforward, but bear in mind the avoidance of straining leads running to the PCB. Soldering the 8-pin inline socket was quite straightforward. To check it was OK I re-inserted the inline chip and everything worked as before. The 8-pin DIL socket was soldered into the converter mini-PCB and the RC4558P correctly inserted. Slotting the converter into the 8-pin socket was the awkward bit! You have to GENTLY move the ribbon cables to the left and right to get access, and make room, for the converter. When inserted the converter is GENTLY bent towards the rear of the chassis to allow the reassembly of the pedal.

In all it took about an hour to do the PLUS mod. I score this an 8 because of those damned awkward ribbon cables. Not Monte's fault I know but still a bit frustrating!

I thought the original BD-H2O mod was very good indeed. Could it improved? Well, imagine crossing the BD-H2O with a tasty Tubescreamer. You can get the best of both world with this mod. Genuinely amazing.

Bear in mind that Monte cleaned up most of the weaknesses of the Blues Driver with the H2O mod. The PLUS simply introduces Tubescreamer tones into the brew. Running into either a Hiwatt DR103 or a Lab Series L7 the H20 PLUS delivers whether it is being driven by a Strat, Hamer P90 Special or a Les Paul. The intrinsic tonal qualities of each guitar come through but enriched and more muscular. Rolling back the guitar volume cleans up the sound and I was surprised by how much tonal variation this alone brings.

IF I only was allowed to use one pedal at a gig, it would be without doubt the BD-H2O PLUS. It's versatile, punchy, sweet, smooth, virtually noiseless in use and works well with a range of amps either valve [tube] or tranny.

This is one honey of a pedal. And for what it costs, the word bargain doesn't even come close.

Well, we are talking about a Boss chassis so it should survive longer than me. I'm happy my solder work is competent so it should be OK in the long-term.

I would gig without a back-up but as the BD-H2O sits on a mains powered pedalboard there are options SHOULD it fail. I have been more than delighted with all my Monte Allums kits. I see no reason why the PLUS mod should be any diffrenet in terms of sound quality, durability and robustness.

Very helpful and friendly. And very well informed. Very highly rated and held in the highest possible regard.

Thirty plus years playing. Mainly blues/rock but happy to veer off into other genres to challenge myself. If the BD-H2O PLUS were lost or stolen I would replace it without a moment's hesitation. Do the mods agains then hunt down that thieving SOB...

Two Les Pauls, two Hamers and a WD Music HSS Component Str*t. Amps : Hiwatt DR103 into 2x12 or 4x12; Lab Series L7 4x10 combo.

Mains powered pedalboard comprises: Boss TU-2>>Monte Allums CS-3>>Blubber wah>>BD-H2O Plus>>Monte Allums SD-808>>Rat2 [80's model with LM308N]>>Boss CH-1>>Boss DD-3>>Boss RV-5.

All of Monte Allums kits have improved my sounds enormously. It is almost like he has got inside my head and produced the means of making what I hear in my head come out of my amp. Yes, it's THAT good...

I think this completely depends on your experience with electronics. I found it fairly easy, but i enjoy doing this and had a lot of patience. It was a really fun thing to do. As far as instructions go it's pretty self explanatory, but it doesn't make it easy if you have never soldered before or don't know how a pcb works.

This mod is unbelievable! It almost sounds like a different pedal. I can't believe how smooth it sounds. THIS PEDAL IS TRANSPARENT. By transparent I'm sure everyone means that i doesn't mess with the sound that you have already, just makes it more gritty and driven. This pedal is perfect for that, probably the best one i've heard. It doesn't color your sound, but drives your sound, especially if you have a tube amp like me. And the mod just makes it great! It cleans it up a lot and it becomes really smooth.

So far so good...

Excellent. Emailed them and got a reply almost straight away.

Definitely worth it. If you have a bd-2 do this mod!

I am always takin my pedals appart to get better tone, so for me it was a simple job.
For someone who has never don something like this before it's a little harder, but still it can be done.

My gear is: an epiphone sheraton II, GCB95 wahwah, Boss BD-2 and an old washburn analog delay into a london city dea130 tube amp (like an old marshall 100w amp).
At all settings it sounds great, i use it most on 1/2 volume, tone at 1/2 and gain at 3/4, i control my gain with the volume control of my guitar (i modded the volume control with an capacitor so the volume control does not influence my sound that much).
This works fantastic after the mod, before it didn't sound bad but after the this mod it great.

100 % all the time

never needed any support

If you own a non modded Boss BD-2, get the BD-2 H20 mod and mod it or let a friend do the job.