Boss OD-3 Surprise !!!

I just sold some gear to a guy and to help him out financially I took a Boss OD-3 as part payment. I plugged it in this morning and I am really surprised at how good it sounds. Unlike most of the Boss pedals I've tried it doesn't suck out all the low tones. It has a pretty good break up at low drive levels too.

The plan was to sell it on but I may just keep it now :cool:

od-3, bd-2 and dd pedals are really good modern boss pedals for me. And another funny thing, that I am not too crazy about their RE-20, which seems like has some positive reviews.
od-3 is realy good smooth and natural overdrive without extra $$$ for boutique status. And It's delivers some nice low gain sounds. Both od-3 and bd-3 has their best sounds with gain about 12:00.

I've owned a few boutique overdrives and the Boss OD-3 was as good as any of them. I really regret selling mine.

A lot of gear-heads at another "gear page" rave about the Boss OD-3. I have one, too. It really is a good overdrive!

I have an OD-3 in which I installed Monte Allums Supra Plus mod. Sounds even better than stock. Agree that it sounds best with gain at about noon.

I also have a BD-2 with the Allums H2O Plus mod. Also very sweet sounding.

You have just stumbled upon the great overdrive secret. Congratulations.

The OD-3 is basically a BD-2 with its faults corrected.

You have just stumbled upon the great overdrive secret. Congratulations.

The OD-3 is basically a BD-2 with its faults corrected.

I have read this before and I have heard that one of the reasons that an OD-3 (which has more in common with the BD-2 than an OD-1) is not just painted blue and called a BD-3 is because the Blues Driver is such a great seller for Boss, they don't want to mess with it! I have a BD-2 and my buddy has both, we did a little taste test and IMO the BD-2 has more overall clarity at low Gain, and the OD-3 has a better, fuller high Gain tone, w/o the "BD-2 fizzies"- like both of them!

You have just stumbled upon the great overdrive secret. Congratulations.

The OD-3 is basically a BD-2 with its faults corrected.

+1

It's the best stock Boss pedal IMO.

+1 here too - my current favorite, though I've read some enticing things about the H20 mod for my BD-2....I might jump in on that one

There's a second element of surprise to the OD-3. It's not included in Boss's GT-10 super-duper board. Kind of disappointing because I expected the full suite of goodies. I often go back to my trusty OD-3/DD-7 setup and leave the Klingon warship unplugged.

I had a OD-20 COSM modelling pedal and I never really liked it that much. I also had the ME-50 and that was very similar in overdrive / distortion sound. These analog pedals seem much nicer.

I had a OD-20 COSM modelling pedal and I never really liked it that much. I also had the ME-50 and that was very similar in overdrive / distortion sound. These analog pedals seem much nicer.

For my ears even line6 M9 drives not too good to replace analog overdrive. So, no wonder, that old boss digital overdrives not sounds good.

It does sound very nice from the demos on the internet.

+1 for the OD3

The thing I like MOST about this pedal is that they seemed to dial in the mids perfectly (for my needs anyway). Not too much, not too little, just right in the mids, and the correct frequency range for single coils.

Only down side for me is that the gain is a bit 'splatty' but I always have to find something wrong with a pedal no matter how insignificant so I can justify buying more...

I agree with whoever said this is the best stock Boss pedal (a bold statement) and it also beats a bunch of other more expensive pedals IMHO.

YMMV.

Boss=splatty and/or fizzy

but the OD-3 is overall a solid pedal.

+1 here too - my current favorite, though I've read some enticing things about the H20 mod for my BD-2....I might jump in on that one

As one who has performed that mod (H2O Plus) on my BD2, I can promise that you will like it!

There's a second element of surprise to the OD-3. It's not included in Boss's GT-10 super-duper board. Kind of disappointing because I expected the full suite of goodies.
Interesting.

I often go back to my trusty OD-3/DD-7 setup and leave the Klingon warship unplugged.
Funny.

According to The Boss Book, the waveforms for the BD-2 and OD-3 are almost identical, with the BD-2 having slightly quicker clipping.

Also, the book's comparison chart (of all Boss dirt pedals) rates various features from one star to five stars. One star doesn't mean "bad" - it just means less; and, five stars doesn't mean "good" - it just means more. Here's the comparison of key features, shown BD-2/OD-3 stars:

Distortion depth: 2.5/2.0
Mid range fatness: 2.0/4.0
Bottom sound: 3.0/4.0
High range brightness: 4.0/3.5
Edge sharpness: 4.0/3.0
Overtone lushness: 3.0/4.0
Picking control fidelity: 5.0/4.0
Sustain: 3.5/4.0
Distortion variation: 3.5/1.5
Sound variation using tone knob: 3.0/2.5
Functionality: 1.5/1.0

FWIW. Interesting, but probably doesn't tell us anything our ears don't already know.

According to The Boss Book, the waveforms for the BD-2 and OD-3 are almost identical, with the BD-2 having slightly quicker clipping.

Also, the book's comparison chart (of all Boss dirt pedals) rates various features from one star to five stars. One star doesn't mean "bad" - it just means less; and, five stars doesn't mean "good" - it just means more. Here's the comparison of key features, shown BD-2/OD-3 stars:

Distortion depth: 2.5/2.0
Mid range fatness: 2.0/4.0
Bottom sound: 3.0/4.0
High range brightness: 4.0/3.5
Edge sharpness: 4.0/3.0
Overtone lushness: 3.0/4.0
Picking control fidelity: 5.0/4.0
Sustain: 3.5/4.0
Distortion variation: 3.5/1.5
Sound variation using tone knob: 3.0/2.5
Functionality: 1.5/1.0

FWIW. Interesting, but probably doesn't tell us anything our ears don't already know.

Pretty interesting, but "Functionality" parameter... What pedal has more then 3 stars for functionality? :mrgreen:

pretty interesting, but "functionality" parameter... What pedal has more then 3 stars for functionality? :mrgreen:

od-2
od-2r
os-2
sd-2
df-2
ds-2
mz-2
fz-2

While Boss do lot of things well, I never thought that distortion was one of them.However the OD3 has made me change my mind

According to The Boss Book, the waveforms for the BD-2 and OD-3 are almost identical, with the BD-2 having slightly quicker clipping.

No, no, no!!! That's not it, at all. All you have to do is look at the knobs: the BD-2 has "GAIN" and the OD-3 has "DRIVE". There it is in a nutshell. :wink:

Scott

p.s. Does The BOSS Book provide a definition of "Functionality"??? I'm curious to know exactly what they mean by that and how it's measured.

No, no, no!!! That's not it, at all. All you have to do is look at the knobs: the BD-2 has "GAIN" and the OD-3 has "DRIVE". There it is in a nutshell. :wink:

I now understand how ALL dirt pedals work:lol::lol::lol:

p.s. Does The BOSS Book provide a definition of "Functionality"??? I'm curious to know exactly what they mean by that and how it's measured.[/QUOTE]

I have the book. I read the book. I have no idea!!!

I think they can be fizzy but for me, rolling back the tone (on the guitar) just a little smooths them right on out. YMMV

LOVE the OD-3! What a great pedal, can hang with any of the boutiques!

Only down side for me is that the gain is a bit 'splatty' but I always have to find something wrong with a pedal no matter how insignificant so I can justify buying more...

That's always the rub, isn't it? But Boss (and most/all mass producers) have the same dilemma: the pedal(s) must have a decent range of flexibility. Some folks like a bit of fizz and hair mixed in.

...it also beats a bunch of other more expensive pedals IMHO.

Hopefully some of the "better" more expensive ones try to optimize around specific EQ and gain ranges. Lots of times, OD/dirt pedals are probably best "flavored" certain ways, just like amps that are most popular. No one expects a 5E3 to have the characteristics of a Dumble, Vox, or Marshall, and the same for the other amps.

The biggest trick for any pedal maker is to expand the sweet spot as much as possible, within reason. Boss did a great job of that with the OD-3, IMO.

I know that mods come up time and time again, but IMO the OD-3 and Rat are two examples of pedals that should be basically left alone. If you need either one to really do something really different, you need a different pedal. Or - you need something that has been so heavily tweaked from the original foundation that it's no longer a Rat or OD-3!

11 - got a question for you. A lot of times Boss overdrives/distortions sound really muffled and boxed in to my ears. Is the OD-3 very "open" and natural sounding? I see it gets a ton of raves and I'm very interested in trying it out at some point.

11 - got a question for you. A lot of times Boss overdrives/distortions sound really muffled and boxed in to my ears. Is the OD-3 very "open" and natural sounding? I see it gets a ton of raves and I'm very interested in trying it out at some point.

Hey Chrismo...

11Gauge can definately answer a lot better than me. But IMO the OD-3 definately has a 'flavour', it's not supposed to be 'open and natural sounding'. Having said that...the flavour is kind of like a TS (which we are all familiar with) but with way more available Bass, and the mids are more desirable when using single coils...like what you would get from a good tweed amp. The harmonic content is what I like, I describe it as a 'juicy' pedal if that means anything?!?!

If you're looking for more 'open' and you want to stick with Boss...I would argue that perhaps the BD-2 is a bit more open, if not a bit too tinny.

I have both a Monte Allums Supra Plus modded Boss OD-3 and a Monte Allums H2O Plus modded Boss BD-2 (as well as an Allums Ultra Plus modded CS-3). I use the OD-3 with my Fender SCN equipped Strat and the BD-2 with my GFS Fat Pat humbucker equipped parts guitar. Each has a very different sound that compliments the SCNs and the humbuckers. I do not use one to drive the other or switch which guitars I use them with.

Hey Chrismo...

11Gauge can definately answer a lot better than me. But IMO the OD-3 definately has a 'flavour', it's not supposed to be 'open and natural sounding'. Having said that...the flavour is kind of like a TS (which we are all familiar with) but with way more available Bass, and the mids are more desirable when using single coils...like what you would get from a good tweed amp. The harmonic content is what I like, I describe it as a 'juicy' pedal if that means anything?!?!

If you're looking for more 'open' and you want to stick with Boss...I would argue that perhaps the BD-2 is a bit more open, if not a bit too tinny.

I figured it probably added coloring, but there's just a certain muffled boxiness I hear in a lot of Boss dirt pedals. Maybe it's just my ears but I have seen a lot of raves on the OD-3 so I'm hoping this one's different.

I figured it probably added coloring, but there's just a certain muffled boxiness I hear in a lot of Boss dirt pedals. Maybe it's just my ears but I have seen a lot of raves on the OD-3 so I'm hoping this one's different.

Without getting into pedal techie geek speak (if that's possible for me :lol:), the BD-2 and OD-3 are "conducive" to a "harmonic coloring" that at least has the potential to sound good.

The problem with the "boxy coloration" with a lot of OD pedals is that they aren't properly dynamic in how they transition back and forth between clean notes that are lightly picked versus more harmonics and some hair when you lean on things.

The BD-2 and OD-3 use different circuitry than a lot of OD's do - it's not (exclusively) an op amp chip like in the TS and it's zillion derivatives. They use a combination of individual transistors that have to work together to do something similar. Op amps are notorious for staying linear until they run out of headroom. The "simulation" in those Boss pedals doesn't allow for perfect linearity, and the clipping that results can sound immensely better.

The BD-2 can sound a lot better if it's modded to "exploit" the potential of that circuitry. The OD-3 already has it in place!

The other interesting thing about the OD-3 is that there isn't all this endless talk of the need to replace the "inferior" chip that it does have, but it's all the rage with the BD-2. Both pedals basically use the same chip! But how Boss integrated it within the OD-3's circuit makes all of the difference in the world.

The OD-3 is definitely the exception to the rule for folks that don't dig Boss dirt pedals, IMO. While you still might not like it, it's worth an audition, IMO.

You guys piqued my interest, I found one used at a GC out of state for $39.99, Monday it's on it's way to me.
The OD-3 youtube clips sound very nice indeed, I've been looking for another OD, if this works out I'm thrilled to get by on the cheap.

You guys piqued my interest, I found one used at a GC out of state for $39.99, Monday it's on it's way to me.
The OD-3 youtube clips sound very nice indeed, I've been looking for another OD, if this works out I'm thrilled to get by on the cheap.

I got mine cheap off of E-Bay too. This is the mod I did to it. Sounds great.

http://www.monteallums.com/pedal_mods.html#bossod3supraPlus

I'm gonna check that out - thanks 11!

Mine just came in, I tried it (briefly) with my Jimmy Vaughan partcaster (Lawrence PUP's) into a Blues Junior. There is an unpleasant brightness to this pedal, if I dial out the bright it gets muddy. It seems to work best as a vol boost or with the gain low. Just curious what settings you guys are using, and with which guitar/amp combos.
I'll try with some different settings, amps and guitars, but so far I'm underwhelmed.

Just curious what settings you guys are using, and with which guitar/amp combos.
I'll try with some different settings, amps and guitars, but so far I'm underwhelmed.

A variety of settings sound good on mine.

I'm playing it mainly between a '57 AVRI Strat and silverface Super Reverb.

Personally, I think the Blues Junior my be the weak link in your chain.

I think the Blues Junior my be the weak link.

It might actually be the speaker more than anything. Low watts and a single 12 are a tricky match with a "full frequency OD" in many settings.

I think I'm about to go to a 2X10 baffle board in my '79 DR. My Colorsound Overdriver based build makes the speaker (old Weber "Ferromax") sound ratty in all the wrong ways.

I'm just loving my '68 Super Reverb with pedals these days, but anybody within 5 feet of that amp is not!

A variety of settings sound good on mine.

I'm playing it mainly between a '57 AVRI Strat and silverface Super Reverb.

Personally, I think the Blues Junior my be the weak link in your chain.

It might actually be the speaker more than anything. Low watts and a single 12 are a tricky match with a "full frequency OD" in many settings.

I think I'm about to go to a 2X10 baffle board in my '79 DR. My Colorsound Overdriver based build makes the speaker (old Weber "Ferromax") sound ratty in all the wrong ways.

I'm just loving my '68 Super Reverb with pedals these days, but anybody within 5 feet of that amp is not!


The little BJ typically takes pedals well IMO, but you guys may be right. I also have a '68 Super Reverb, I'll give it a go with that tomorrow.

The OD-3 is awesome! Got to try one out with a Visual Sound Open Road OD and preferred the Boss!

I like the OD 3 for basic dirt. I A/B-it with all the boss offerings a few years ago and it bested them all by a pretty big margin. The BD2 was in the same neighborhood but I thought the OD3 was superior both in EQ profile and OD character. It was very clear that the OD3 had better bass response as well. It does a pretty decent crunch as well and nice low gain tones. I gigged one for a long time I wouldn't hesitate to put it back on my board but I got a Trotsky Drive that I liked as well and my bandmate liked my OD3 enough that it ended up on her board and I didn't have the heart to take it back.

-k

thanks to all for the info/insights in this thread. So, I bought myself an OD3 too, arrived yesterday, & it hasnt been turned off since :) A no-regrets purchase, i have to say. My TS9 will be hibernating for these coming months.

thanks to all for the info/insights in this thread. So, I bought myself an OD3 too, arrived yesterday, & it hasnt been turned off since :) A no-regrets purchase, i have to say. My TS9 will be hibernating for these coming months.

Now do the Allums mod and you will be set for life:

I got mine cheap off of E-Bay too. This is the mod I did to it. Sounds great.

http://www.monteallums.com/pedal_mods.html#bossod3supraPlus

Great! Now Boss is gonna raise the price! Cats outta the bag! Now ill never be able to afford.....oh wait what's this? An OD3? When did I buy this? Oh yeah, I bought one years ago on The Bay for 30 bones. Bullet dodged.

Great! Now Boss is gonna raise the price! Cats outta the bag! Now ill never be able to afford.....oh wait what's this? An OD3? When did I buy this? Oh yeah, I bought one years ago on The Bay for 30 bones. Bullet dodged.

Mod that puppy! :lol:

is it normal I purchace a BOSS OD-3 pedal and if the level is pass 3 oclock(soory ment 9 oclock) there's some major hissing, and the other kobs needs to be turn pass 5 oclock to get some over drive
mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!

It's not normal to turn the level up past 3 o'clock. Mine is usually at 9 o'clock. Why are you cranking the level so much? What are you using the pedal with, and what are you trying to accomplish?

is it normal I purchace a BOSS OD-3 pedal and if the level is pass 3 oclock there's some major hissing, and the other kobs needs to be turn pass 5 oclock to get some over drive
mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!

It's not normal to turn the level up past 3 o'clock. Mine is usually at 9 o'clock. Why are you cranking the level so much? What are you using the pedal with, and what are you trying to accomplish?

I have mine set with the level at 9:00 and the gain at 10:30. Nice sweet overdrive with my Fender SCNs, crunch city with GFS Fat Pat humbuckers. Only a slight amount of hiss when not playing.

sorry I ment 9 oclock on the level and some country solo need's a little over drive and my equippement is listed bellow

It's not normal to turn the level up past 3 o'clock. Mine is usually at 9 o'clock. Why are you cranking the level so much? What are you using the pedal with, and what are you trying to accomplish?

Don't have an OD-3 but I have a Blues Driver and other OD's and with all of them setting the Level at 1-2 (clock) is a huge boost over the amp (pedal bypassed) volume

i have an OD-1 purchased new from Rainbow Music in Poughkeepsie, NY in the early 1980s ... it is older than one poster in this thread !!!!http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/images/roland15.l.jpg

I just bought the BD-2 a month ago and I'm using it a lot. The OD-3 will be my next pedal purchase. There was on one ebay that went for $45 last week and I missed the end of the auction so I did not get a chance to bid. If I buy new it will be from Amazon. I see the OD-1 pictured above. Does anyone know the difference between the OD-1 and OD-3? On a scale from 1 to 10 here's how I rate the Boss pedals I currently own: TU-3 (10), CS-3 (8), BD-2 (10), DS-1 (4), TR-2(10), CH-1 (4), CE-5 (9), DD-7 (10). Overall I like my Boss Pedals the DS-1 is going to get modded. Can't wait to get and OD-3!

Hang on, surely some forum rule has been broken here - I spy positive words about a Boss pedal?!

I tried an OD-3 recntly albeit relatively briefly. My impression was that is was warm, with loads of bottom end, and, overall, quite 'genteel' . Had a 'quality' sound about it. Whatever that means!
More 21st Century sounding than most 'TS' varients.

Really nice OD.
But I prefer my raspy, rude and harmonic riddled SD-1 (with C6 removed to 'take the blanket off')

@dhuber, re: "Does anyone know the difference between the OD-1 and OD-3? "

As far as I am aware the OD-1 is closer to an SD-1, if not the same, but minus the tone control.

sorry I ment 9 oclock on the level and some country solo need's a little over drive and my equippement is listed bellow

Well, what level of drive do you set? Your prior post said "past 5 o'clock" on the drive, but they only go up to 5 o'clock. The higher the drive, the more hiss. Also, if you are using several pedals before the OD3 that have buffered bypass, you will get more hiss. This is because all amplifier stages, including buffers, add some small amount of hiss, and this hiss builds up with each pedal in the chain, and then gets amplified like crazy by overdrive and distortion pedals.

I only have one buffered pedal before the OD3 on my board. The other uses a true bypass. I have no hiss issues with my OD3.

Has the OD-3 been discontinued? I just got a Best Buy gift card but I couldn't find it on their site. The DS-2, OS-1, BD-2 and SD-1 are the only OD pedals they seem to carry online. I called a store and they didn't have it their system. However, it is still up on the Boss site and there are plenty of new ones on Ebay. It is also available on MF.com and GC.com. Anyone know? This thread has inspired me to pick one up as a complement to my Tubescreamer-based Full Drive II.

I think I found the culprit an amp that dont like my BOS OD-3 but my peavey classic 30 love's it
;0)