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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
 Posted - 10/29/2007 : 07:11:52
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quote:
Originally posted by visserman
quote:
Originally posted by goldsmithr
Cost just over $300 on ebay (Australia). So not cheap, but OK for the open market, esp given she has the original box and adaptor. Will get it in a few days time and will report on general impressions and compare to BYOC version. Still kicking myself for not buying a new one back in late '82 when I had the chance (even borrowed it from the shop and took it home overnight, but decided I couldn't afford that and a CE-2). 
I guess that noone in the early 80s really wanted a VB-2, as it is one of those inbetween pedals, not really chorus, not really a tremolo unit.
These days, as we all know, it is more a collectorissue and that is why people want it.
I guess that most of us who have one must have paid a lot, and perhaps [but people may not want to admit] some of you may feel: "Why the hell did I really get that one??"
Yes Visseman, VB-2 is not that useful... I just use mine at home sometimes, I bought it for my collection.....
It�s the most expensive pedal I ever bought.... And sometimes I regret it, sometimes not. You know, collectors are really crazy.... |
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goldsmithr
Copper Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 07:10:10
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| Well, I must be one of the oddballs that actually thinks the VB-2 pedal is really useful, and this means I use the sound alot. So does Buddy Miller ! [Google that one, fellas! ] At the moment, that wobbly sound is much more useful to me than my CE-2. |
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goldsmithr
Copper Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 12:15:35
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Oh yes, it arrived today and it's in really, really good condition too! Box is not too bad condition, no manual. Hooked it up to the PSA that came with it, and it sounds great, doesn't hiss as much as the BYOC either. Damn I love these pedals.
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StratoSphere
Double Platinum Member
Canada
2232 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 12:33:36
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nice! does it have a permanent spot on the pedalboard? or is it more of a shelfer that you bring out for special occasions. thats the true question |
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goldsmithr
Copper Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2007 : 22:52:55
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| At present, I will retain the BYOC version on my main pedal board, so I don't need to worry if it gets stolen/beer spilt etc. I can then use the genuine Boss in my little BCB-30 for grab and go rehearsals without needing to velcro it or get it scratched. So either way, the sound is part of my arsenal. |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 10/31/2007 : 12:24:17
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quote:
Originally posted by ununtrium
quote:
Originally posted by visserman
I guess that noone in the early 80s really wanted a VB-2, as it is one of those inbetween pedals, not really chorus, not really a tremolo unit.
These days, as we all know, it is more a collectorissue and that is why people want it.
I guess that most of us who have one must have paid a lot, and perhaps [but people may not want to admit] some of you may feel: "Why the hell did I really get that one??"
That is exactly my sentiment, visserman!
When I took the plunge and bought a VB-2, I was at first overjoyed for days for the simple reason that I had finally got it. "I OWN A VB-2!!!"
When I tried to use it, however, I found it almost impossible to work with. Having the effect on all the time grew annoying very quickly. The latch setting is the most practical feature on the pedal by far. That way you can use the vibrato effectively to at least some degree.
But even then it is very tricky to use, because for my taste, the rate, rise and depth have to match the tempo and arrangement of a song to a "t". Otherwise, it sounds a bit off, which means that one is forced to play the song always exactly the same way. No room for improvisation etc. Getting a vibrato effect the traditional way by bending strings or by using a normal tremolo seems much more effective and practical.
Besides, I found the VB-2 not at all natural sounding. It had more of synth-sound to it. Then again, an OC-2 sounds too artificial for my taste, as well...
All in all, I think that the pedal is interesting from a collector's point of view. It may add some quirky effect for the rare occasion, but it should not command such a high price for the very limited use that can be had from it. That may be why there were so few of those pedals sold in the first place.
I sold mine and was lucky enough to break even. It was too expensive to spend its time sitting on a shelf and collecting dust.
I think it is a singular and interesting pedal, but it is way overpriced! It pales compared with a DM-2, for example. That pedal is worth every penny despite its price tag.
What you mentioned here is true for many pedals, in fact for many pieces of gear, but there is the sentiment for collecting any of that stuff so................
I agree with most of what you say.
The best tools are your guitar and amp really. Nothing in the world replaces a genuine vibratoarm.
When I did get my VB-2 I liked the sound, as it is quite unusual and strong, so I guess it does have its place for applications, but yes it is very expensive, and is it worth it? Well we talked a lot about this here, and I feel most people agree it is not, but then there is the market and collecting and etc. etc.
I have yet to try to use the VB-2 in more traditional ways, like mimic small whambar phrases, and off course you end up playing in the way the pedal dictates you to use it [again this is a very common thing with pedals---almost like "If you do not know how to use them you will dislike it", so it will take time and effort to appreciate it. |
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Got me a VB-2 (finally)
