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 Boss vs. Boutique
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nosajwp
Copper Member

USA
24 Posts

Posted - 09/06/2006 :  00:33:58  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So far, my experiences with boutique pedals has been good, but when it comes down to it, there isn't much difference that I can hear between the high-dollar stuff and their Boss counterparts (especially modded-Boss where needed).

For sound quality, durability, and versatility, do you prefer Boss pedals or boutique (I know this is a pretty broad subject, but I'd be interested to know everyone's preferences).

StratoSphere
Double Platinum Member

Canada
2232 Posts

Posted - 09/06/2006 :  02:35:59  Show Profile  Send StratoSphere an AOL message  Click to see StratoSphere's MSN Messenger address  Reply with Quote
it all depends on the pedal itself. some Boss pedals are better than some boutique pedals and vice versa. i love Boss, but i can admit that other brands can do certain effects better.

and to be completely honest lots of "boutique" pedals are practically just regular pedals with true bypass and 3X the price tag. but people think that it sounds different because its has the title of boutique.

i truly believe that people hear what they want to hear. myself included. i think the whole MIJ thing comes into play on this. weve all heard people say that MIJ is the way to go but youve got to admit that MIJ is blown way out of proportion.
for example a MIJ DD-2 and MIT DD-5. there is HARDLY a differnce soundwise between these 2 pedals. call me wierd, but i have actually AB'ed these 2 pedals on similar settings for other people with "great ears" before, and they couldnt tell the difference. neither could I. i believe its like the placebo effect in a way.

anyway, i think that this to boutique gear. people think, "hey this pedal was $300, and it will sound great, and they will almost psyche themselves into thinking it is before they even try it." i know im guilty of this. and im not dissing MIJ or boutique either. anyone have an opinion?
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diggum12
Silver Member

USA
282 Posts

Posted - 09/06/2006 :  05:21:32  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Great topic. While I agree that a lot of people hear what they want to hear, there's still much to be said for Modded & Boutique pedals. Most boutique pedals I have come across deliver what they promise. I guess most mod kits I've used and heard deliver as well. (Note, I don't give credibility to a guy who offers only one crappy kit on Ebay without a legit business.)

I know people get tired of hearing me rant about this, but if you want to HEAR the difference in your pedals. You have to use good cabling. GOOD cabling. From the guitar to first effect, all through the effects, and out to the amp (a real all tube amp.) Planet Waves, George L's or whatever. You get what you pay for. Unless it's a good, thin, coaxial cable with good connectors, you're really missing out on the whole point of boutique or modded cables. I speak from experience.

Back to the subject, are modded/boutique effects "better?" Yes, I believe so. Boss has some effects no one can touch (Slow Gear, Loop Stations, DD-x, FT-2) that really can't/shouldn't be improved upon. Boss is the best for the market they're aimed at, but if you want to venture into other areas, the modded/boutique pedals are far-and-away much better.
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bossarea
Forum Admin

United Kingdom
3652 Posts

Posted - 09/06/2006 :  15:24:31  Show Profile  Visit bossarea's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I like boutique stuff if they do something new and exiting. A lot of the manufacturers are unfortunately just walking the same path over and over and are producing pedals that were designed in the 60s.
It is also a shame that stores rarely have any and ordering without trying can be hit and miss.
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