Buffer mods for Boss TU-2?

[Kelsey]

I have a Boss Tu-2 and I'm happy enough with its tuning functions, but I would prefer a better buffer like the one in my Radial Engineering JX-2 Switchbone. I can use the tuner out on the Switchbone for the TU-2, but then I would lose the mute function since I am using the excellent mid boost function of the Switchbone. I see all kinds of Boss pedal mods out there, but is there anyway to mod the TU-2 to improve the buffer?

[clydes001]

I'm not familiar with the buffer in the Radial Engineering JX-2 Switchbone, but after taking the TU-2 off my board in favor of something true bypass, I've come back and re-tested the TU-2's buffer and I find that the signal is changed when the TU-2 is in bypass mode, but the buffer doesn't impact the tone in a negative way.

I've actually considered putting it back on because of the benefits of that buffer.

Are you experiencing tone loss?

[jiml]

Where do you guys have your TU2's, in front or in the back of the chain?

[Kelsey]

I've done some side-by-side testing of the buffered signal with the TU-2 vs. the JX-2 Switchbone, and the tone is just plain better with the JX-2 -- fuller sounding with a more balanced frequency response. This is true whether the buffer is before or after my Bad Bob boost, BB preamp, FD2, and DLS (with volume pedal, delay and reverb after the buffer in all cases).

I'm not sure that I would have noticed any problems with the TU-2 buffer if I hadn't directly compared it to the JX-2, but now that horse has left the barn.

[buddachile]

I'm with Kelsey. I have a Radial PB-1 and the buffer on that is far superior to that of my TU-2.

Perhaps there is a True Bypass mod for the TU-2, then you'd just benefit from the buffer in the Switchbone.

Or, you can get a True Bypass tuner like the Korg Pitchblack or the Turbo Tuner.

[Kelsey]

Yes, I might have to get a true-bypass tuner to regain the mute function, but I could also see the benefit to having a high-quality buffer at the beginning of the chain with the JX-2 near the end. I'm trying to figure out how to arrange a pedal board, or whether to split things into two boards if I want to use a volume pedal between dirt and mod/delay effects.

So, buddachile, how is the boost function on that PB-1?

[buddachile]

Originally Posted by Kelsey

Yes, I might have to get a true-bypass tuner to regain the mute function, but I could also see the benefit to having a high-quality buffer at the beginning of the chain with the JX-2 near the end.

IMO a good way to go. Of course if you have a Fuzz Face type pedal you would probably want it before the first buffer.

I'm trying to figure out how to arrange a pedal board, or whether to split things into two boards if I want to use a volume pedal between dirt and mod/delay effects.

So, buddachile, how is the boost function on that PB-1?

Pretty darn good. It doesn't add grit or anything, just makes your signal louder. Maybe just a hair extra high end with the boost but that could just be my ears playing tricks on me. It's designed to be first in the chain - that's where the drag control is effective. I don't use the drag though, just buffer and boost.

Barber has a buffer you can install in the 9v battery space of a True Bypass pedal. I've never tried it so I don't know how good it is but it's a cool idea for a product IMO: http://www.barberelectronics.com/B-Buff.html.

[Waxhead]

Originally Posted by Kelsey

I have a Boss Tu-2 and I'm happy enough with its tuning functions, but I would prefer a better buffer like the one in my Radial Engineering JX-2 Switchbone. I can use the tuner out on the Switchbone for the TU-2, but then I would lose the mute function since I am using the excellent mid boost function of the Switchbone. I see all kinds of Boss pedal mods out there, but is there anyway to mod the TU-2 to improve the buffer?

Why bother - just ditch it and get a Turbo Tuner. They're only $150
After 5 mins with a Turbo your TU-2 will be a door stop

[thehikingdude]

Originally Posted by jiml

Where do you guys have your TU2's, in front or in the back of the chain?

I wonder the same thing.

[wavorlyseth]

Send your TU-2 Josh at JHSpedals. He improved the buffer in my tuner and it sounds great!

jhspedals.com

[jiml]

Originally Posted by thehikingdude

I wonder the same thing.

bump!

[blackba]

Originally Posted by Waxhead

Why bother - just ditch it and get a Turbo Tuner. They're only $150
After 5 mins with a Turbo your TU-2 will be a door stop

+1 That or get a Korg DT-10, I liked the buffer better than the TU-2 and it is more accurate. I always have my tuner very early in the chain.

[clydes001]

Originally Posted by jiml

Where do you guys have your TU2's, in front or in the back of the chain?

I prefer the tuner at the front.

[orogeny]

Originally Posted by wavorlyseth

Send your TU-2 Josh at JHSpedals. He improved the buffer in my tuner and it sounds great!

jhspedals.com

interesting. . . . i wonder what he did exactly

[oinkbanana]

I always had the idea to get an A/B pedal and put the tuner in the
B...

switch to B, turns off the signal going on to the rest of the chain...