MD-2 Mega Distortion Review

Produces extreme, low-end distortion for modern metal and hard rock. Gain Boost circuit creates huge distortion and sustain regardless of level. New Bottom control for bottom-heavy distortion matched to 7-string guitars. Tone control adjusts balance between high and low frequencies.

Ease of Use:	9.3
Sound:	8.7
Reliability:	9.8
Impression:	9.1
Overall rating:	9.2
Users rating:	7.8
Comments:	40

overall: 9

Featured review by: atkm2891, on december 20, 2005

Price paid: $ 90

Purchased from: Bansbach

Ease of Use: It's pretty simple to use, and the manual has some presets in it, that sound pretty good. I didn't need the manual to learn how to use it, though. All you have to do is plug it in, and your ready to go. It's number is N225 and has been upgraded. // 8

Sound: Right now, I'm using it with an ESP EX-50 and a Line 6 Spider II 30 watt amp. It doesn't sound very good with the EX-50, though. It has a Level knob, a Tone and bottom knob, a distortion knob and a gain boost. It doesn't sound good if you put the distortion too high, and sounds to low if the boost is to high. The effects can be weak, at times, but generally their good. I can get the sounds of songs by: the ramones, Nirvana, but it doesn't work very good for metal. The Overdrive is great, and so is the powerful boost. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guy I know has had one of these for 15 years and it still works. So I can definitely depend on it. I wouldn't need a backup for it in a gig, it's Boss made, and Boss has never failed me. // 10

Impression: I play metal, and a bit of punk and Grunge. It works real well for the heavy Nirvana songs, and for some metal. I've been playing for 3 years, and I own a Washburn WR120, with a Bad Dog amp, and an ESP EX-50 with a Line 6 Spider II 30 watts. If it were stolen I would probably buy an DF-2 Super Distortion. I love the Overdrive, but don't really like the bottom knob. I compared to some other models, but liked this one best. Just wish the adaptor wasn't separate. // 9

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: Dave_Mc, on june 06, 2005

Price paid: $ 89.67

Purchased from: Matchetts Music

Ease of Use: It has 4 knobs: level (volume of the unit), a dual concentric knob for both tone (treble) and bottom (bass), distortion and gain boost. It's very easy to get a good sound out of it. Turn the distortion to 12 o'clock, keep the two tones at 12 o'clock, and set the gain boost at 0 and you get a DS-1 Distortion sound. Turn the distortion to 0, turn up the gain boost up to about 10-11 o'clock and you get an Overdrive sound, and max everything to get a nu-metal sound. The manual seems fine, and gives some sample settings. // 10

Sound: I use it with an Ibanez RG470 through a Marshall AVT100. The previously mentioned distortion sound is excellent. The Overdrive is not great, not the best sustain, or tone, but then again it's not really an Overdrive pedal. The nu-metal tone is good, if a bit muddy. The tone and bottom knobs really make a difference to your sound as well. A good solid 4 stars. // 8

Reliability & Durability: Haven't gigged with it, but it seems built like a tank. Had no problems so far. // 8

Impression: This is a very good, versatile pedal. I use it mainly just like a Boss DS-1, so I don't really use a lot of the other options (alhtough they're there if I need them). If you want an Overdrive pedal, I would recommend buying a standalone Overdrive, as the Overdrive in it isn't great, but then again, it's not an Overdrive pedal. If it were stolen, I'd either buy this again, or maybe a DS-1, to save a little money, since I don't use the extra options anyway. A very good pedal, especially if you can only afford one distortion/overdrive pedal. // 8

overall: 10

Reviewed by: ibanez4life SZ!, on september 24, 2005

Purchased from: Ebay

Ease of Use: This is an amazing distortion pedal that turned my little 15 watt Ibanez into a beast. Amazing stock pedal, and with a few upgrades, really dishes out an amazing tone. I bought mine modded from ebay and couldn't be happier. // 10

Sound: Previously, I was using a Ibanez SZ with a SD JB in the bridge, into this pedal, into my 15 watt Ibanez amp. It wasn't noisy at all, and gave out great tones with amazing versatility. I could get a mild ovedrive to a metal distortion out of this pedal. Anything I dialed in sounded great. This pedal is so much better than the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone. It has just as much gain, and has the low end to support it. The MT-2 is a fuzz trebly distortion, with not low end to really beef it up. This pedal has so much low end that I couldn't belive it. I never expected to get that out of my little amp. // 10

Reliability & Durability: It's a Boss. These things are built like tanks, to last forever. It went through many many stomps and never ever let out. Just get a power supply so the battery doesn't die on you. // 10

Impression: I play all varieties of music, and this pedal gave me anything from the mild Overdrive to the metal distortion I needed. The only reason I sold it is because I bought a Peavey XXX, and nothing can replace the natural Overdrive of a tube amp. If it were stolen, I definitely would have replaced it as soon as possible. It is one of the best stock pedals I have played, and I went through about everything. Don't hesitate, if you need to bring life to your amp, this will do it for you! // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 27, 2006

Price paid: $ 60

Purchased from: Tom Lee Music

Ease of Use: Easy to use. Simpler than an MT-2, a bit more complex than a DS-1 to add a bit more depth. The manual for it is very useful and contains some settings which can be used if you don't want to spend time customizing your own sound on it which is nice. Very easy to use. // 9

Sound: I'm using this with a Washburn X30 and a Roland Microcube/random tube amps. Generally this thing sounds a lot better on the tube amps and sounds terrible on solid state. So always use it on tubes! If you want a metal sound out of the MD-2, it does get quite noisy especially at loud volumes. A noisegate usually solves the problem though. The Overdrive is quiet as a lamb though. The sound that you get from the MD-2 is also very satisfactory and you can get a thick low-end boost from it. However, if you do do that, then you lose just a bit of treble but it's not really a big deal if your running an EQ as well. Anyway, the metal sound that you get from it is very thick and nice to my ears. The Overdrive sound isn't as good as maybe a BD-2 but this is a distortion pedal afterall. You can also get a very good rock distortion from this pedal too and IMO it trumps the DS-1. The gain-boost is very good for added sustain and response too and overall I just like the sound of it. It's a great stompbox to get your own unique distorted tone and I don't think it particularly emulates a certain artist. The only real problems are sometimes the treble loss and the fact that it gets a bit noisy when you push it to the extreme but your not going to that anyway. // 8

Reliability & Durability: It's a Boss. Sounds totally cliche, but it's true! "Built like a tank", I doubt it'd break very often. Afterall, it's not DigiTech. I could gig with it without a backup, but really, why would you buy two of the same pedal and keep one for backup anyway? It's very sturdy and should last, um, forever. The parts inside (which I did check out) looked very well organized too. The knobs are very hard to pull off (which is good thing) so yes, Boss wins here. // 10

Impression: I play metal/jazz/rock and this gets a very nice tone for metal and rock (more metally I guess). I've played for three years and I own a Washburn X30, a Roland Microcube and a Musiya Acoustic. I used to own an Ibanez Ergodyne but never got to play it with the MD-2. If it was stolen or lost, I think I would get it again or maybe buy a modded DS-1 or an EXH Big Muff Pi for a more metal tone. I really like the gain boost on this product since it adds a lot of sustain and gives your guitar a very thick layer of distortion. I compared this to a DS-1, DS-2, MT-2 and a Line 6 Uber Metal. I chose this over the Line 6 Uber-Metal because the Line 6 sounded very synthetic and didn't have enough bass-boost. The noisegate in it was slightly helpful though. I also chose this over the more popular MT-2 because the MT-2 sounded very digital and really just had a very crappy distorted tone. No wonder there are so many after market mods. I chose this over the DS-2 because the DS-2 was simply shit. And I chose this over the DS-1 because I thought it might be too bothersome to mod the DS-1 and more pricey. And I wanted a more metal tone which the DS-1 didn't have. It was close though. // 8

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: guitar21@WE, on october 10, 2005

Price paid: $ 79.99

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: This is the first distortion pedal that I have ever owned, and I feel it is very easy to adjust. It takes awhile to find the right amount of distortion that you want. Once you get that sound and a feel for how to adjust the pedal, youre set. I never put it on max tho, because all it comes out is a squeeling and or jsut fuzz. // 9

Sound: My setup is a Squier Strat hooked up throught this pedal to a Peavey 30 watt amp. This amp didn't have enough gain/distortion for what I was looking for, so I decided to get a pedal. The sound on this is amazing, only because of how much distortion you can put on it. There is such a large range because of the gain and distortion knobs. I love it. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This thing is built like a tank, been dropped multiple times, and nothing yet. // 10

Impression: I play any type of classic rock music and the occasional modern rock song like audioslave. I love this pedal for some nice AC/DC songs, its a great match. I can even play some JImi Hendrix with the pedal. Overall I feel that this is a great pedal with all of its range of distortion. If it was stolen or lost, I would find the person who took it and beat them, but really I would definetly buy another one. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: harlet, on january 15, 2004

Price paid: $ 41.8

Ease of Use: It is very easy to get a really raw bassy metallicaesque sound out of this, I have a Fender COPY and the worst pickups in existance but the pedal still performed brilliantly. the manual is helpfull in how to use it, and also gives some reccommended settings. // 10

Sound: Like I said, I have a poor guitar, and a peavy rage, and the only noise that comes is from my guitars pickups, and maybe when you turn the gain boost up to maximum. I moddle that sound that I'm trying to get on metallica and the 'bottom boost' knob catters for that very well. The distrtion is crisp, and broad, and the sound of it can be varied very easily from hard core to over drive, form harsh to baby mild! // 10

Reliability & Durability: This thing is bulid like a brick sh*it house-you could drop an anvil on this thing and it would still perform exellently. Its cades in steel the switch is an actual pedal, as oppose to a pin that you stamp on (shoes not therfore needed!) I wouldn't need a backup for this simply because I know that you could kick it across the stage after getting over exiterd after aan epic solo, and it would still deliver! // 10

Impression: I like to think that I play pretty heavy stuff (think Metallica, Motorhead, Pantera, Poison The Well) and the knobs change the sound dramatically and have huge potential for experimentation so even if my taste did change I would have to fork out for a new effect. // 10

overall: 7.5

Reviewed by: musicfreak003, on august 22, 2007

Price paid: $ 60

Ease of Use: I got this pedal last year while it was on discount. It is ok but no more than a heavy metal/death metal pedal. It has a Level (volume, tone, bottom, distortion, and gain boost knobs. The Level and Distortion knobs are pretty self explanatory-more distortion=higher gain. The gain boost adds more gain to the distortion, which now gets you a high gain metal sound. The gain boost can also turned full with no distortion to get a "blues" Overdrive which sounds like pure crap though. Lastly, there is a tone knob, which gives you more treble, and a Bottom knob which gives you more bass. Turn the Tone up to about 1 o'clock and the Bass to about 12 o'clock with the distortion and gain boost on full and you will get the best tone for heavy metal out of this pedal. (for Death Metal possibly turn the tone to 2 o'clock and the Bottom to 11. It is extremely easy to use, there are even 4 pretty good presets in the manual. There is a huge problem, though, because with the Death Metal setting that I described, you're sure to get unwanted feedback(unless you have a noise gate or something), so you'll have to tweak the settings a bit. The only reason I give this an 8 instead of a 9 is because of the feedback. // 7

Sound: At first I liked it a lot because it really improved the sounds of my Fender Frontman 15 watt amp (I use a Cort K6 which I reviewed earlier), and I was able to get a pretty good metal tone out of it (compared to what the Frontman could do by itself). But after a few months, I realized that it was nothing compared to a quality amp. Even though the heavy metal/distortion sound can compare to cheaper solid state amps, you would be better off saving money to get a good midrange (if not high end) amp. As I said earlier, this pedal should be used strictly for Heavy Metal and Death Metal (maybe hard rock if you spend time to mess with the settings). The Overdrive sounds muddy and digital at the same time, and anything with less than metal gain has pretty much the same sound quality of the Overdrive. Even though the high gain sounds are ok (though nothing compared to a good midrange amp), you might have to tweak the settings a bit, because it is VERY easy to get feedback with this pedal. Unless you absolutely can't save up to get a good amp, then this is the best you can get for 60 dollars (at least that's how much I paid). // 6

Reliability & Durability: YES. Boss has 5 year warranties on (at least some that I'm absolutely sure of) products, including this one. It is very dependable (as long as you use an adapter and not the battery, which runs out pretty quickly), and if I used this at a gig, I would definitely not need a back up. It's built like a tank and probably even stronger, because I've dropped it about a hundred times (ok fine maybe less) but it's still ok. // 10

Impression: I play mostly Heavy Metal like Metallica and Lamb Of God, and sometimes a little bit of Death Metal. I've been playing for guitar for 3 years and I have a Cort K6 guitar and a Frontman 15 amp. My favorite features are the gain boost and the tone knob, which gives you a lot of tone options (half of which are crap, though). It was a good solution for me because I won't have enough money for a decent amp until a year (2 years from the time I bought it). I just wish it was able to do hard rock and Overdrive better. If it were stolen, I would track down the guy and make him pay me and then I'd let him have it because I'm gonna get a new amp soon anyway. Again, it's a solid pedal and the best you can get for under 100 dollars (unless you look at the metal muff, which is supposed to be good too but I haven't played it yet), unless you're willing to save up more and get a good amp. // 7

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: inbloom27, on october 11, 2005

Purchased from: eBay

Ease of Use: This thing is the ultimate distortion pedal. It can go from really really heavy distortion to really light blues Overdrive. It has 5 knobs; level, distortion, gain boost, and a double knob, tone (treble) and bottom (bass). It's really amazing. // 10

Sound: I have a Les Paul copy and it really distorts nice. With the gain boost and distortion knobs it can sound really good. The one problem is that when you turn both knobs up all the way, you get an annoying buzz but I'm getting a noise gate soon so that will be gone but otherwise it's really good. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Well it's a Boss so it has to hold up. You could probaly drop in from a building and it would hold up. Nice long battery life. 10 on this one. // 10

Impression: Well when I got it off ebay, it didn't come with a manual but I found out that only a noob would need a manual for this. It's really straight forward, if you have had other pedals, then you will find this easy to use. If I got this stolen, I would buy a new one right away. It's very light compared to other pedals but holds up like a tank. Best pedal ever, by it. First look on ebay though. You can find really great deals on there cause this is regulary $80.00 and I got it for $46. Now stop reading this and go out and buy it! // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: Mr.LeadGuitar, on november 17, 2008

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: Sound... hmmm. It sounds amazing! Granted, it's a pedal, and when used with a shitty amp, it's, well, shitty. But it's really easy to get the tone you want. It even comes with like 20 preset settings in the manual. You can find most types of distortion on with without much fiddling about, and it even works great with deep metal tunings, 7 string guitars, and basses. // 10

Sound: I am using a Line 6 Spider III 30 watt, a Gibson Les Paul Vintage Studio guitar, and a DigiTech RP250 for boosting, amp models, and other effects. The distortion settings on the RP sound like it's from a tin can, but with the MD-2 it's like pure bliss. The heaviest of distortion sounds somewhat unclear when using like powerchords, and open chords are sometimes impossible to distinguish, but that is easily softened by turning down the level or using a NS-2 Noise Supressor, which I also use in my rig. I can get the sounds of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Offspring easily, as well as Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, and Van Halen, without too much hassle. It sounds awful with some modulation effects, like phaser and chorus, but besides that works like a charm with tremolo, wah, and delay. Do not use a compression sustainer without a noise supressor while using this pedal! The feedback is horrible. Still, overall great sound. // 9

Reliability & Durability: We could win the war in Iraq if we dropped a thousand of these on the mountains. Seriously, these things are inhumanly prone to abuse, yet they are even more inhumanly immune to damage. These things are the hulks of pedals. I mean, I dropped mine down a flight of stairs, and it still works fine. nothing knocked loose or anything. // 10

Impression: This is the god of distortion pedals. Whatever you are looking for, you can get on this pedal. Metal, Punk, Alternative, even some classic rock (I use this on my cover of China Grove by the Doobie Brothers), you can find without too much of a hassle. The presets are great, the versatility is amazing, and it blows all other distortion pedals out of the water. I own a DS-1, and you know, it's donkey fodder compared to this (no wonder the DS-1 is so cheap). Honestly, I wish someone had told me it was this good, cause I was planning to buy like 3 other distortion pedals to fit my needs. If it were stolen, I'd make sure the person Who did would never be able to again, cause it's that good of a pedal! If I couldnt, I would get another one the same day! it's compatability to basses and Death Metal tunings really help (I play a lot of music). It's perfect the way it is. I just wish certain effects worked better with it, but I have yet to find a distortion pedal that does work with them well. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on january 06, 2009

Price paid: $ 65

Purchased from: B&G Music

Ease of Use: Ease of use... very easy to use once you get the hang of it. Read the manual. amp up. and find your sound. The manual gives you some starter settings, but I just find my own. This pedal took me a bit longer to find the right tone but it was well worth it. No upgrades that I'm aware of. // 9

Sound: I got a 1965 Fender Mustang and a 1965 Gibson Melody Maker that I use through my board (other pedals and wah-wah) into a 200 watt Fender Studio 85 amp. Not very noisy (thanks to my MXR Smartgate). The effects are great when the level is at about 12 or 2 o'clock. I managed to get the sounds of Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Slipknot sounds from that pedal itself. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Reliability??? Is that even worth asking? it's Boss, I mean com on it's nearly indestructable. On a gig definately, even without a backup. I've only one Boss pedal to fail me on stage and that was because some lunatic spilled his beer on it and it fried the circuit. Lucky I got it warrantied. // 10

Impression: I play rock and metal. Great for low end sounds. Gets the sound between rock and metal a little more specifically than the DS-2 Turbo Distortion. For playing 6 years I can't believe I haven't bought it a long time ago. If lost or stolen I would first try to find it, if not then yah I would probably buy it again. it's great. One thing I wish it had was a little bit more depth to the high tone, I seriously mean just a little. // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: TuxFriend, on march 16, 2010

Price paid: € 25

Purchased from: Huuto.net

Ease of Use: Being a fan of Boss' pedals, I bought the MD-2 used since I had never tried it before. It's as easy to use as their other pedals, but finding a good sound is not so easy.

Like the name says, the MD-2 provides "mega distortion", which unfortunately also means a fuzzy sound (when you go heavier), even worse than the DigiTech Death Metal has. The lighter sounds are find though. I think it could work for something like grunge, but I'd take the DS-1 or DS-2 for that. // 8

Sound: I can't really get the sound of the bands I listen with the MD-2, since I listen mostly to metal and the metal sound of this pedal is just a bit too fuzzy for my taste. There comes a lot of noise as well, when you go heavier. I'd take MT-2 for metal and the MD-2 for some lighter music. // 7

Reliability & Durability: Well, it's Boss. High quality, very durable and lasting. If I liked the sound of this pedal more, I could definitely use it live without a backup. Like pretty much all of their pedals, the MD-2 looks like it will lasts years of misuse. Of course, I'd never recommend playing without a backup in the first place. // 10

Impression: If my MD-2 was stolen or lost, I wouldn't get it again. It's not a good match with the music I listen to. In fact, I'm probably selling it with one of my amps. This pedal from Boss was a bit of a disappointment to me, but I'm still a fan of their products. The MT-2 is still the best pedal for metal I've had. // 8

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: uniknow, on may 12, 2009

Price paid: C$ 103

Purchased from: Steve's Music

Ease of Use: This pedal is very simple to use, a few tweaks of the knobs will change the tone. Five knobs, Level (volume pretty much, the higher the level the louder and heavier), Bottom (bass), Tone (treble) Distortion and Gain Boost. Comes with a manual but you don't need it. // 10

Sound: I using an American Fender Telecaster Deluxe Edition through a Traynor Reverb Mate 30. The effects in my opninion sound great pretty much all the time, just don't put the distortion up too much or it will get noisy. I can get a good Bullet for My valentine sound, a Disturbed tone, Breaking Benjamin, pretty much any kind of hard rock/ metal artist. This is suited for metal and rock definately and if you have EQ's on your amp, then this pedal should be all you need. When I put the treble and mid down on my amp, bass up with all the knobs on this pedal at 12 0'clock thing in the room start to shake from the heaviness, this pedal is a gain monster. With EQ on your amp you're not gonna need the Metal Core and Metal Zone. I play Heavy rock and some Metal and this pedal is 100% suited for me. I'm happy with it, I'm just a beginner/intermediate, played for about 5 months but this pedal is really great for the professionals or beginners. I'd probably use some kind of noise gate or something. You can hear your hand over the strings clearly at high gain. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This is a Boss, it's dependable, I would use it with no back up, the battery last pretty long haven't worn it out yet, should last 4 hours of playing. I'd go buy the adapter if your satisfied with this pedal. The actual pedal seems light but sturdy, if you're not gonna go throw it against a wall this pedal will break, but it should stand up to some abuse. // 10

Impression: I play heavier stuff and this is great for it, absolute match. This was my second pedal, exchanged the Boss Od-2 for this because the od-2 lacked heaviness. I wish I would have tried the Metal Zone, the metal zone has more knobs and more tones, but from what people say it's too hard to get good tones out of it. If this would lost or stolen I wouldn't buy it again because, I'm running short on cash, yeah it's worth the money but really... 100 bucks for this thing is pushing it. I probably would buy a Danelectro Fab Metal, just because of the price. If you have extra money and are willing to pay more for better pedals get this for any kind of metal or rock. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: Lainey, on february 02, 2008

Purchased from: GAK

Ease of Use: A good sound comes out of this as soon as it's on. Depending on what sound you want you may have to a while getting it, but only because it's so versitile. I was after a pedal for solos, highest gain, with lots of middle. I tried every Boss overdrive/distortion pedal (DS1 and 2, overdrive, super overdrive metal zone etc) the metal zone came close, but the MD2 was just perfect. // 10

Sound: I'm using it with, a PRS, orginal Fender Strat but primarily a pacifica 012. All going through a Marshall MG series amp. Makes the amp sound a lot better than it is! The distortion is strong and very full, and the level control more than enough if you are using it for solos like myself (although it does give a brilliant rhythm sound, but the "Gain Boost" isn't needed if you use it for that). // 10

Reliability & Durability: Durable without a doubt. I did try a Big Muff Pi, and it's thin casing was what let it down. It's tone range was too much aswell I think, allowing you get sounds you would surely never use. No backup required, it's never let me down. You'd have to slam it with a chunk of granite to brake it. // 10

Impression: I play Hard Rock, with very fast and expressive solos. I love using my Cry Baby during solos and it sounds brilliant through the MD2. If I lost this pedal I'd be buying another one straight away, it's become a very important part of my sound along with my Cry Baby and I couldn't Live without it. As I said I did compare it with every other Boss OD/Distortion pedal. Two parts of this pedal, the "Bottom" and the "Gain Boost" really set the pedal apart from the rest. This pedal gave me exactly what I needed: a ridiculous amount of gain with lots of middle for my solos! // 10

overall: 9

Reviewed by: skulkid288, on february 14, 2007

Price paid: $ 94.8

Purchased from: academy of music

Ease of Use: Pretty easy to use, still don't have an adapter but it runs pretty good just with a 9volt. The manual's got a pretty good guide to it, but it's simple enough that you don't really need it. I don't know if my pedal has a revision number or if it's been upgraded. // 9

Sound: The sound is really good for metal when playing in drop D however with standerd tuning it doesn't have the sustain. I found that tapping wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be although I suppose it would be better with other equipment to support it like a decent amp. I was able to create a good System Of A Down sound but couldn't re-create Mudvayne or disturbed for some reason. // 8

Reliability & Durability: Everything on the Machine is very durable except for 2 parts I had problems with. The knob that changes the bottom effect is stuck and refuses to move, my friend has some cream he says can fix it but I find it alittle annoying. Also the part that the battery attatches to is starting to go (probebly cause I've had it for 2 years and never bother'd to get an adapter) but I can't really blame them for that. // 9

Impression: This is my first and only peddle so far but compared to my friends peddles it sounds and works allot better. So I'm glad a I purchased a Boss modle instead of one of those shoddy knock off's that just make a fuzz distortion or a high amount of Overdrive. Overall I'd say it was worth the 120 bucks I paid for it (I know it's cheaper everywhere else but my town only had one music store at the time). // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 27, 2004

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: The tone on this little orange monster is killer. The gain boost feature lets you thrash at low levels, and still retain your tone, which is great. The manual is very good and well-written, and it also gives some suggestions for setting it up, which is always helpful. // 10

Sound: I use it with a Y2K Ibanez GSA-20 (The Gio series. Yes, I know, laugh your ass off) with a Dimebucker in the bridge and a Screamin' Demon in the neck, and a 2k4 Gibson SG Standard with stock pickups. My amp is either a little 8-watt solid state practice amp from back when solid-state technology was new, and a 2003 Crate MX65-R. Both amps are crap, so the pedal buzzes like hell unless you turn your guitar down when you're on full gain boost, but I have played the pedal with both guitars through a Marshall half-stack cranked to eleven with only a very slight humming, so it all really depends on your quality of equipment, especially your cables. The pedal never sounds weak or washed out unless you want it to, and it always sounds wonderful. The best part is that it's very versatile, and the same settings work both for soloing and rhythm work. I can get the exact same sounds as anyone I want to with this baby, anyone from B. B. King to Faith No More to Zakk Wylde. My only gripe is that the knobs are a bit stiff. But that's it. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Another great thing about this pedal is that it is very durable. You could probably run the goddamn thing over with a car and then bring it to your next gig. The paint is a bit thin and chips eventually, but only with some pretty serious abuse. I would and do use it for gigs without backup. // 10

Impression: I play Therion and Lacuna Coil style metal mostly, but I also do your typical classic-rock party songs, and this baby works wonderfully with all of it. // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: Rizazzo, on october 10, 2007

Price paid: $ 80

Purchased from: eBay

Ease of Use: This pedal is a no brainer, just 5 knobs, level, tone, bottom, distortion, gain boost. Level controls the volume, tone is basically a mid sweep, bottom gives you more bass the more you crank it and the last 2 knobs give you gobs of distorion or gain. Quite easy to use and understand. Do not even need the manual. // 10

Sound: I am using an ESP Ax-250 through a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor through the MD-2 through a Boss RC-2 Loop Station to a Laney MXD120 Hardcore Amplifier. For me this is the perfect setup. The MD-2 produces some noise on my extreme setting (level 12 o'clock, tone, bottom and gain maxed and distortion at 12 o'clock) but the tone is worth it. The bottom control lets it go down a la 7-string guitar with face-smashing distorion. I play mostly heavy hardcore metal and some drop tuned Death Metal and this pedal suits my needs perfectly. Not recommended though for lead players. If you, like me, are a rythmn player, then this is for you. I can get the sound of Slipknot, Arch Enmy and much more. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Hey man, it's an efing Boss. That means it's a tank. Boss = tank. Been around for 5 years, just a few scuffs on it. Man if my hammer broke I'd use this thing instead it's so well protected. I would use this in a gig no backup, no probs. You can stomp around on it till kingdom come and it would still work ok. // 10

Impression: This is perfect for a rythmn guitarist as it gives you those chunky riffs you need most. I've been playing for 1.2yrs so maybe my experience doesn't count a lot but man you've got to have this pedal. It's a must for death and black metal. If someone stole this, I'd have gone after him with my other Boss and bashed him on the head until he gave it back but if he had a pedalboard of Boss effects I'd let him have it (can't risk getting hit with that thing). I'd definetly buy either this again or I'd try the new Boss ML-2, they say it's quite good. I only wish it had an eq with it, to make it even more versatile. But overall a great buy. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: lookie here, on july 21, 2006

Purchased from: Musicians Choice

Ease of Use: Well I got this pedal for a nice rythm tone and I got it. The use of this pedal is very simple has a Level knob for controlling the volume, has a concentric knob for tone (treble) and bottom (bass), distrotion knob for the amount of gain/distortion wanted and a gain boost knob to boost the gain. Simple to reach the battery compartment because my thumscrew kept on getting stuck but still easy to access. The manual is easy to understand like everyother Boss manual. // 9

Sound: I am running it through a Ibanez grg170dx/yamaha pac412v to my crybaby, DigiTech Whammy 4, then th4e md-2 and a Behringer eq pedal to a Behringer GMX210 and a Marshall MG (yeah I know) and can surprisingly get a good alternative rock tone out of it. I can even get a metal tone if I fiddle around with the EQ. The pedal gets noisy when you turn the dist and gain boost up to max but its fairly quite. ican get a good Metallica tone to a good ol' Zeppelin tone from the pedal. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I could depend on it its made out of meal and I abuse this pedal in paticular and it only has a few paint cihips on it. I would (and do) gig with it without a backup. Never had to get ity repaired or whatnot. The only problems I had were the thumscrew and the LED but the LED was temporary and fixed itself. // 10

Impression: I mainly play matal to classic rock and this can handle it pretty well. I have been playing for about 2-3 years and I had this pedal for about 2 years. Great pedal. I do wih that I got to try out other pedals before I got this pedal because they didn't have much distortion pedals at the time but now do but still happy with my choice. If it got stolen I would just buy another one since its not like a expensive pedal or anything. I love every bit of it and only hate the colour a bit. My faorite feature is the chassis. But I wish it had different colour but other than that great pedal. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: curlyhead_P, on february 08, 2007

Price paid: $ 82

Purchased from: Sam Ash in NY

Ease of Use: This pedal is awesome. It's insanely easy to get a good a good sound out of it. There are 4 knobs: level (volume), tone and bottom tone, distortion, and gain boost. Basically the tone knob adjusts bass and treble. The bottom control gives more flexibility for the tone, and the distortion and gain controls are what adjust the amount of distortion. The manual is pretty much useless because the pedalis so easy to use, but it goves you a few pre-sets. // 10

Sound: I play a Mexican Strat and have used the pedal on a Fender Frontman 212R, and a Hughes And Kettner Blue Edition 30. The pedal gets a little noisy, but it's not that bad. The distortion is always full and rich sounding. I like to play stuff like The Smashing Pumpkins, Jane's Addiction, The Pixies, and Greenday. The distortion doesn't really fit what I like to play (except it's good for Green Day), but it's such a good pedal, I got it anyway. It would be a great pedal for punk and classic rock. // 8

Reliability & Durability: The thing is built like a rock. There's no need for a backup. I've dropped it numerous times and it's perfectly fine. It's very dependable. // 10

Impression: I've been playing for 4 years and and if it broke, I'd definately buy another one. When I got this pedal, I was actually thinking about getting a DS-1, but this pedal is 10 times better. In my opinion it's Bosses best distortion pedal and beats almost every other distortion for this price. // 9

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: walkingonspikes, on march 08, 2006

Price paid: $ 89.99

Purchased from: Haight Ashbury Music Center

Ease of Use: This pedal is pretty easy to use. I can get a pretty good sound out of it. When I used to play nu-metal and punk, I got really good sounds out of it in just a few quick seconds. You don't really need to use the manual unless you really want to. // 9

Sound: I used it with a 10-watt amp before and it actually sounded pretty good. I tried it with a 60-watt Crate amp and it was pretty good. It was a bit staticky on a high level of volume but overall, it sounded good the whole time. I can get sounds ranging from Green Day to Metallica when I used to listen to those bands. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I'd use this pedal on a gig without a backup because it's really durable. I must've dropped it millions of times when I owned it and it still didn't break. The paint kind of scratched off a bit but nothing was wrong with the stuff inside it. // 9

Impression: Well, now I play mainly death and black metal so, this pedal didn't really give me a good sound for that. I've been playing for about 2 years now. I have a Boss Metal Zone that does pretty well for me. I wouldn't buy this pedal again because it doesn't support the genres of music that I play. I loved it before because it had good sounds for punk and nu-metal but now I hate it since the distortion is pretty weak for death/black metal. // 7

Comments

[Ibanez_shredder]

I think this pedal is probably the nicest ive had so far...

[100%guitarmad]

[the_random_hero]

Ummmmm....for that bottom review, he's talking about something totally different.
Somebody might want to move it to where it's meant to be =p

[Bille joe6]

Ive tried that pedal a couple of times its pretty good but i think the DS-1 is better. But thats my taste:P

[highway61]

i'm not a fan of this pedal. i tried it out and while i think its perfect for heavy rythms and such, when it comes to lead it is really lacking. the tone is usually buried behind the distortion, and this pedal knows not the meaning of subtle. its a great pedal for a certain styles, but i don't think its universal at all.

[sohter]

this is the first distortion pedal i have ever owned and the only complaint would be the back noise from cranking the distortion nob

[AsianPirate]

i upgraded to this monster from a DS-1.

Best thing i've ever done in my entire life.

[OfantesOvFire]

I used to have this pedal but I wasn't too happy with it. It can make alot of noise also. I ended up bringing this back to put money towards my wah pedal.

[OfantesOvFire]

I think I'll get the MXR Doubleshot Distortion pedal for my distortion.

[Demonikk]

Top post. Wrong pedal.

[intimaterocker]

i recently bought the boss DS1 and wish i had bought the DS2

[intimaterocker]

intimaterocker wrote:

i recently bought the boss DS1 and wish i had bought the DS2

i meant MD2

Checked.

[Jonnay]

I think im one on a few pedal, who totally hate this pedal. arrived yesterday and i spent all night playng with it, and even the presets sounded bad. its just fuzz.

[greasemonkey]

I'm trying to work out the differences between this and the Metal Zone, which i have. I assume this one just goes that extra step more suited to nu-metal. Any thoughts?

[footychimp]

Which is better for nu-metal, thrash, rock and punk... MT-2 OR MD-2 mega distortion...

[hellview_666]

i have this pedal and it works perfect for that muddy sorta nu-metal..tons and tons of distortion, but it definately doesnt suit my cureent playing style.

[footychimp]

How about thrash, metal, rock and punk sort of style? you know if this is better or mt-2

[adslam3]

i have had this pedal for about 4 years now. after screwing around with it, i can find basically anything i want. i can get a blues-ish kinda of distortion (like the black keys and such) and i can get classic rock, punk, whatever. if you figure out how to use it then you'll love it. i've only had to replace the black part that connects to the battery three weeks ago...but you can get a new piece from any electronics store for cheap as free. get this pedal!

[andy_h04]

gettin this baby in a month! sounds sweet.. getting it along with my first tube amp im excited.

[Shredy_Mc_shred]

Get a metalzone! such a better pedal

[Johnonon]

Shredy_Mc_shred :
Get a metalzone! such a better pedal

How about no, BOSS pedals are garbage for the money. EHX, Ibanez, and MXR make much better pedals for the money

[Elohel]

Why do people bother with buying pedals if they have digital modelling amps?

[HELLSHREDD]

This message goes out to all you jokers that say boss pedals are garbage, you should lay off the dope & eat some vitamins ya negative pricks.ive tried all boss pedals & recently purchased the ml-2 metalcore new for 2007 , its the best sounding pedal boss has ever created & if you dont believe me check it out on-line & compare for yourself ,if ya want the ultimate distortion pedal ML-2 is the route you wanna go!

[Lainey]

I got this pedal.

IT OWNS ALL.

I think people become unsatisfied with it becomes of the background hum, not much you can do with that.....get rid of the hum and it sounds like crap.

So I only use it as a solo pedal and I ****ing love it.

My cry baby sounds wicked with it too.

No complaints.

Best solo ever.

EVER!

Got some recommendations for solo pedals like the metal zone and the turbo distortion and blah blah blah but this just kicks all of them into hyper space.

If you want a solo pedal, you will NOT be disappointed.
And it might even make you a little horny.

[cultofthedamned]

Great pedal ive used it in hundreds of gigs many songs
great for heavy metal and onwards i wouldnt suggest you'll try it with brutal metal or hell metal you will need digital delay and metal core distortion pedals for that
but anyways its a great pedal for the cost which i bought at $85.45

[Vigil4nt_Kill3r]

im currentlt using an ESP AX-250 with a Line 6 Spider II 30 watt amp and i love it... amazing pedal. good for rythym guitar, but thats all i need ;D

[Nephilyn lee]

I think i might get one later on. . . .

[joshuablume2006]

i wonder if it sounds like cows getting raped! LMFAO!!!

[SickorSaneSF]

joshuablume2006 wrote:

i wonder if it sounds like cows getting raped! LMFAO!!!

wtf?

[Key Master]

hmmmmm.....

[Mr.LeadGuitar]

Lainey wrote:

Got some recommendations for solo pedals like the metal zone and the turbo distortion and blah blah blah but this just kicks all of them into hyper space.

If you want a solo pedal, you will NOT be disappointed.
And it might even make you a little horny.

Wow...it's great, but that's pretty...um...ehehehehe...

Still, it's a KICK ASS PEDAL!!!!! I'm getting one in like 3 days, and have tried it at guitar center, as well as borrowing my friend's for a few gigs. it's durable and EVERYTHING YOU WANT IN A PEDAL!

[edgeyyz]

hmmmm..... I wonder who Dave Guimor is?

[A Poe]

I have played the metal zone, metal core, ds-1, turbo distortion, os-2, the uber metal pedal that line 6 makes and a few other overdrive and tube distortions that are all good pedals. I always wanted this pedal but never seem to bring myself to buy it, cause i ended up buying the mt-2. Everytime i play this thing i love the tone so much better than the mt-2 because its got that beefy sound without that nasaly feeling the mt-2 gives u. Belive me ive spent 5 years playing with the mt-2 and i always find i like the md-2 better tone wise. The sound i would describe it as having would be a smashing pumpkins type distortion so it can evan give u that muff fuzz sound if u get it right. Anyways try this out at guitarcenter or something and i bet u will want one.

[Guitarist2oo8]

All i can say is -IF YOU HAVE AN EPIPHONE SG G400 DO NOT BUY THIS PEDAL!!! I've never regretted buying something as much as i do for buying this pedal. Perhaps its just my setup looking at other peoples reviews/comments: but its really dreadful for me. The distortion it gives cant compete whatsoever with my amp's distorted tone's, the pedal sounds tinny, doesnt give a good lead tone, and it basically in my opinion couldn't be any worse than it is - but as i said, perhaps its just my setup - i play an epiphone sg g400 (high end epi sg) through a vox vt 30 amp (amazing amp btw) if u know a way to fix it tell me xD

[J.J.G.]

Elohel wrote:

Why do people bother with buying pedals if they have digital modelling amps?

beacause digital is cold sound. it is trash pre-set sounds. Nothing compares to a true analogic effect and a true analogic valve amplifier, digital is for those people that just dont know what "tone" is and end up buying those easy,cold and digital junk that crate and line6 do. But you know how it is, a complete ******* isnt an ******* with out his spider III

[pete_190290]

J.J.G. :
Elohel wrote:

Why do people bother with buying pedals if they have digital modelling amps?

beacause digital is cold sound. it is trash pre-set sounds. Nothing compares to a true analogic effect and a true analogic valve amplifier, digital is for those people that just dont know what "tone" is and end up buying those easy,cold and digital junk that crate and line6 do. But you know how it is, a complete ***** isnt an ***** with out his spider III

For starters I use a Line6 spider II with this pedal and it sounds pretty cool, i also use a turbo distortion with the gain down low to give me a nice crunch with a dunlop cry baby and a Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty.

Tube amps are unreliable, drive over a pot hole on the way to a gig with one in the back and you lose to bloody valve and your buggered for the gig. You crank one up to loud and you blow a value then every 18months or so you gotta replace all the valves anyway. All well and good having a nice tube amp if your keeping it in one place.

[uniknow]

Elohel wrote:

Why do people bother with buying pedals if they have digital modelling amps?

Because the tones on most of those modelling amps sound very digital, the MD-2 actually sounds smooth but crunchy, it could pass as tube distortion as far as i'm concerned.

[yngwie_jnr666]

would this suit metallica, BFMV, A7X kinda sound better than the metalzone???

[SLCONKL]

I HAVE THIS PEDAL AND IT IS GREAT FOR ZAKK WYLDE AND CHEVELLE