The original Boss VB-2 meets the Boss Waza Craft VB-2w

I love our Pedals and Effects readers! One of the many reasons why we love you guys, is because our readers are very persistent with their requests. I would say the number one request I have had over the last couple of years, is if I could do an original Boss VB-2 Vibrato/Boss Waza Craft VB-2w comparison. They want to know if Boss' newest vibrato is as good as the old one. Well, wait no longer, here are my thoughts:

I have been using an original Boss VB-2 since the early 2000's and purchased my first one for under $200.00 dollars. Though that was a lot of money for a pedal that was under $100.00 when they were first put on the shelves, I have seen these OG vibratos go for $400-$500. I used my VB-2 on a ton of Mars Volta, Big Sir and Vato Negro records. I even used it heavily on the new Halo Orbit record I released this year. It is safe to say that my VB-2 earned the Mexican flag sticker of approval immediately and now, here comes the reissue...or shall I say...the updated version!

Photo credit: Equipboard

Boss made the original VB-2 for a very short time in comparison to other pedals like their distortion or phaser. It is my understanding that it was less than five years (I have read it was less than two) that the VB-2 was in production and such exclusivity would create a cult status no matter what. If Boss put out any pedal and made it for one year, it would immediately be a collectors piece since there are thousands of musicians who would convince themselves that it was slept on and amazing. What I know is that there is no vibrato that sounds like this vibrato. The voice like quality it gives my fretless is essential to the bass work I have done over the years.

Photo credit: Juno Records

A couple of years ago at a NAMM, I heard the updated vibrato, the VB-2w, but it was only through headphones. Boss said they would send me one but I didn't get one until a few weeks ago and now here is the video for Pedals and Effects comparison. 

I won't say what I prefer the new one to the old one...let's just say I recommend you own both because they are both that amazing and the new one has a "custom" function that the old one doesn't. For those who cant bring themselves to pay that much for an original VB-2, I know you will be stoked on the Waza Craft VB-2w!

-Juan