Marshall BB2
Marshall BB2 Introduction:
The Bluesbreaker II takes the philosophy of our original Bluesbreaker pedal one step further and features two modes, Blues and Boost. This effectively makes it two pedals in one.
Boost Mode is designed with the vintage valve amp or 'tone purist' type of guitar player in mind. If you don't want to alter the tone of your amp at all, but want to drive the front end harder to push the amp further into natural overdrive.
The Boost mode features a clean boost controlled by the pedal's volume control, which will not affect your original tone. It can also be used for boosting the signal which can sometimes be lost when using long leads (particularly with single coil pickups).
Blues Mode is reminiscent of the tonal and distortion characteristics of our non master volume amps such as the classic Bluesbreaker combo from the 1960s.
This Mode produces a wonderful natural style overdrive for crunchy chord work and singing single notes for truly inspirational leads, all delivered with the warmth and tonality of those early Marshalls.
The Bluesbreaker II features a true full passive bypass for the main signal path to ensure complete tonal integrity and has a quality of tone matched only by its versatility.
This booklet provides a guide to the Bluesbreaker II's features for your information. We have also enclosed a number of suggested settings to help you to get started.
It should be remembered that these are only suggested settings and you should really experiment whenever you can.
If you take the time to explore the many different overdrive and distortion characters of the Bluesbreaker II, you won't be disappointed.
Marshall BB2 Features:
Out Jack Socket
- This is the output of the Bluesbreaker II and is for connection to the amplifier or to another effects pedal.
Mode
- Allows for selection of Boost and Blues modes.Boost Mode completely bypasses the Tone and Drive network of the Bluesbreaker II and adds a clean boost to the signal controlled by the Volume (Item 7) control.
- This will give your guitar an extra lift and is ideal for driving the front end of a valve amp into distortion without affecting your all important tone.
- This is particularly suited for amps that are already naturally slightly distorting, giving them an extra kick over the edge, or for boosting your sound for solos.
- Always use good quality shielded leads.Always use 9V regulated DC supply with centre negative.
- Although it may seem obvious the first action in achieving a good effected sound (be it duration / compression etc.) is to find the perfect bypassed sound.
- This will then allow the correct level to be set with the effect unit to allow a cut or boost in volume and a realistic tone.
- On clean channels it is advisable to set the gain (or volume) to a setting of no less than one quarter maximum so as not to get unrealistic results due to any volume dependent tonal shaping on the amplifier preamp.
- In Blues Mode all controls are operational and the Bluesbreaker II will give your guitar a wonderfully creamy,natural sounding bluesy overdrive.
- This mode is great when using a clean amp but can also be used with an amp that is already distorting for extra Marshall mayhem.
Drive
- This increases the amount of distortion, taking you from vintage breakup, ideal for big crunchy chords and sweet singing blues, to full on overdrive. N.B. This control is only operational when on Blues mode.
DC Input
- For input of a 9V DC adaptor should you not wish to use batteries.
LED
- Indicates when the Bluesbreaker II is in operation.
Tone
- The Bluesbreaker II features pre-set bass and mid controls, for optimum response. This Tone control effects the treble region of your tone adding brightness and cut.
- N.B. This control is only operational when on Blues mode.
Volume
- Controls the volume of the pedal.
- When in Boost mode this governs the level of the signal driving into the amplifier. The more the level is increased the more you will push the amp into distortion.
- When in Blues mode this control allows you to set a different volume level for solos etc.
In Jack Socket
- This is the input jack, for connection to your guitar or to another effects pedal if you are linking pedals together.
Foot Switch
- For switching the Bluesbreaker II on and off.
Battery Replacement
- To replace the battery, open the easily accessed coin screw battery cover plate by loosening screw as shown, then disconnect the battery connector lead.
- Use PP3 or equivalent battery (for improved battery life use alkaline type)
- Always ensure that the battery is removed when the pedal is not in use for long periods.
- Dispose of old battery in a safe place.
Marshall BB2 Specification:
- Power: 9V DC Centre Negative Regulated
- Current Draw: 8mA
- Controls: Blues/Boost Mode Select, Drive, Tone & Volume
- Switches: On/Off Switch
- Indicators: On/Off LED
- Jacks: Input/Output 'Jacksockets'
- Input Impedance: 1M1/2
- Output Load Impedance: max 25k1/2
- Dimensions: 120mm x 65mm x 55mm
- Weight: 510 grams
Get your Marshall BB2 today!
