EHX Pulsar Tremolo vs Boss TR-2 Tremolo
TR-2 has the authentic vintage Fender tremolo character for surf and country — Pulsar adds waveshape variety and tap tempo capability for more experimental and live use.
EHX Pulsar Tremolo
Analog tremolo with sine, square and triangle wave shapes and tap tempo via expression jack. More versatile than the Boss TR-2 with multiple waveshapes.
Players who want waveshape variety in their tremolo and can accommodate an external tap switch
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Classic Boss tremolo — optical-style circuit that closely matches vintage Fender amp tremolo. Simple Wave, Rate and Depth controls. The standard live tremolo pedal.
Live players who want reliable, authentic-sounding tremolo for surf, country and classic rock
Tone Character
EHX Pulsar Tremolo
- ✓ Three waveshapes (sine, square, triangle)
- ✓ Tap tempo via expression input
- ✓ True bypass
- ✓ Analog circuit
- ✓ Affordable
- ✗ No built-in tap tempo footswitch — requires external switch
- ✗ Larger than TR-2
- ✗ No stereo output
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
- ✓ Vintage Fender-style tremolo character
- ✓ Simple reliable controls
- ✓ Boss build quality
- ✓ Compact
- ✓ True bypass switchable
- ✗ No tap tempo
- ✗ Single waveshape only
- ✗ No stereo
When To Choose Each
Players who want waveshape options (sine, square, triangle) and tap tempo capability in their tremolo
Players who want authentic vintage Fender-style pulsing tremolo for surf, country and classic rock
Final Verdict — EHX Pulsar Tremolo vs Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Best for beginners
EHX Pulsar Tremolo
EHX Pulsar Tremolo scores higher on versatility (65/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Boss TR-2 Tremolo.
Best for metal tones
EHX Pulsar Tremolo
EHX Pulsar Tremolo leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (55/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
At £99 vs £109, Boss TR-2 Tremolo delivers 9% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| EHX Pulsar Tremolo | Boss TR-2 Tremolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £109 | £99 |
| Category | Modulation | Modulation |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 60/100 | 65/100 |
| Treble | 55/100 | 55/100 |
| Bass | 55/100 | 55/100 |
| Versatility | 65/100 | 45/100 |
| Best for | Players who want waveshape variety in their tremolo and can accommodate an external tap switch | Live players who want reliable, authentic-sounding tremolo for surf, country and classic rock |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pulsar — sine, square, and triangle waves with tap tempo via expression pedal.
TR-2 — its optical-style tremolo character closely matches vintage Fender amp tremolo.
TR-2 — the classic Fender-style pulsing tremolo defines the surf genre.
Pulsar has external tap via expression jack. TR-2 does not — a significant limitation for live use.