Fulltone OCD vs Boss Blues Driver BD-2
The OCD wins for players who want amp-like gain range from light crunch to full saturation — it responds to guitar volume in a very amp-like way. The BD-2 wins for players who want a voiced, lower-gain overdrive at a more affordable price.
Fulltone OCD
Full-Drive Obsessive Compulsive Drive — a high-headroom overdrive with HP/LP mode switch. Designed to emulate the feel of a cranked British amp, it cleans up dynamically with the guitar volume knob. The v2 circuit (post-2017) is the recommended version.
Rock and blues players who want an overdrive that feels like a cranked British amp — particularly effective with humbuckers or P90s
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Boss's answer to a responsive, amp-like overdrive. Asymmetric clipping with a more open EQ than the Tube Screamer — brighter, more sparkly, with greater bass response. The Waza Craft version uses hand-selected components and a discrete buffer.
Blues, country, indie and classic rock players who want a more open, less coloured overdrive than the Tube Screamer
Tone Character
Fulltone OCD
- ✓ Wide gain range from boost to near-distortion
- ✓ Responds dynamically to guitar volume knob
- ✓ HP mode tightens bass for single-coils
- ✓ Amp-like compressed feel at higher gain
- ✗ Not true bypass on earlier versions
- ✗ Can become harsh with bright amp/guitar combinations
- ✗ Fulltone brand controversy affects secondhand pricing
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
- ✓ Open, responsive overdrive character
- ✓ Works with single-coils and humbuckers
- ✓ Affordable and road-proven
- ✓ Wide gain range from clean boost to hard overdrive
- ✗ Can sound bright or harsh with some amp/guitar combinations
- ✗ Less smooth than TS9 for blues leads
- ✗ Standard version has a slightly harsh treble response at high gain
When To Choose Each
Rock and blues players who want amp-like saturation from a pedal — the OCD in HP mode pushes into Marshall-style breakup territory.
Blues, country and clean-amp players who want a voiced low-to-medium gain overdrive with wide tone control.
Final Verdict — Fulltone OCD vs Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Best for beginners
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
Boss Blues Driver BD-2 scores higher on versatility (75/100) and lower on gain (42/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Fulltone OCD.
Best for metal tones
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone OCD leads on gain (55/100) and bass response (52/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
At £79 vs £129, Boss Blues Driver BD-2 delivers 39% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| Fulltone OCD | Boss Blues Driver BD-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £129 | £79 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 55/100 | 42/100 |
| Warmth | 60/100 | 55/100 |
| Treble | 58/100 | 65/100 |
| Bass | 52/100 | 55/100 |
| Versatility | 80/100 | 75/100 |
| Best for | Rock and blues players who want an overdrive that feels like a cranked British amp | Blues, country, indie and classic rock players who want a more open, less coloured overdrive than the Tube Screamer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The OCD — it reaches light crunch to full amp-like distortion. The BD-2 is more of a low-to-medium gain pedal.
OCD — it responds to guitar volume knob in a very amp-like way, especially in LP mode.
Yes — the v2 circuit (post-2017) is excellent. Availability concerns from the Fulltone controversy led to a secondary market price drop.
OCD — designed to push amps into Marshall-like saturation. BD-2 has its own voiced character more similar to a Fender breakup.