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OC-2 Holy Grail :)

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Mine dates to May '83. It looks like they bought it, tried it once and put it on a shelf.
 
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Mine dates to May '83. It looks like they bought it, tried it once and put it on a shelf.
Yeah, the fun thing about that is I imagine the prestine ones sound like they did they day they came out. With my Feb '83 one, I don't know if it's capacitors drifting or what through so much use, but it doesn't sound as full as the newer looking one
 
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Given how ubiquitous the OC-2 is in legendary bass players' rigs, I don't think the prices are that inflated. There are many good simulations (both analog and digital) that come incredibly close but don't quite hit the nail on the head. Would love to see a Waza Craft version if it can be done with currently available ingredients. For now, mine gets used every gig, and more and more frequently.
 
Given how ubiquitous the OC-2 is in legendary bass players' rigs, I don't think the prices are that inflated. There are many good simulations (both analog and digital) that come incredibly close but don't quite hit the nail on the head. Would love to see a Waza Craft version if it can be done with currently available ingredients. For now, mine gets used every gig, and more and more frequently.
Right on. The oc2 and a boost pedal are my two must haves these days with the group I'm in. Tuners...you could also tune to the other instruments if you forget to bring one :)
 
I just learned my recently purchased boss OC-2 was made in Jan 1985.

I had used analog octavers in the past, including the MXR Boss Octave Deluxe and the 3Leaf Octabvre. The boss is the one that is the most fun, and sounds the best :)
 
Well, it's a shameless plug but have to post this as IMHO this is the holy grail :). I fixed all the problems associated w/ the pedal. It is a Japanese version, although to me they all sound the same (awesome).

BOOS OC-2 Modified.jpg


Modifications:

True Bypass.
12v to 9v conversion.
OCT 2 mute switch (no Vol drop when OC-1 soloed).
Direct signal mute footswitch w/ LED (OCT 1 solo on the fly).
 
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Alright...more nerdiness here...
I got the April '82 one yesterday and compared it to the May '82.
There's actually 2 cosmetic differences and potentially one audio..

In the following pics, I have the April one on the right and it clearly has a 'Z' on the circuit board by the wires while the May one does not.
IMG_20231027_103719_HDR.jpg
The paint is a bit different, too. The April one has less sparkle to it/more solid in color. It's also a bit brighter...a little bit. I hope it comes out in the pic.
IMG_20231027_103409_HDR.jpg IMG_20231027_103258.jpg
For the sound, I had the second oct. Off and the first Octaver and direct level dimed. Always have to realize that even though they have the same pot brands and variety, pot tapers are not always the same. First off, they had different battery types. The April one had a carbon-zinc which is new but is usually right at or slightly below 9volts while the May one was an alkaline battery usually right above 9volts. Does it matter? I don't know.
They sounded the same..but the April one has slightly more fidelity/transient to the attack of the note.
I find it interesting that even after a month of production there were a couple differences in the construction. The sound may just be me but I think I have a pretty good ear. Who knows.
 
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I love my Made in Taiwan OC2. Would love a Japanese as well, but the prices are crazy. Even the MIT prices are climbing it seems. Is there anything out there that can top this thing in terms of giving a deep rubbery tone, or is it still the king?
 
I love my Made in Taiwan OC2. Would love a Japanese as well, but the prices are crazy. Even the MIT prices are climbing it seems. Is there anything out there that can top this thing in terms of giving a deep rubbery tone, or is it still the king?

MXR Vintage Octave is modelled after Janek Gwizdala's MIJ OC-2.
He used only OC-2, but lately he's been using MXR!

 
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MXR Vintage Octave is modelled after Janek Gwizdala's MIJ OC-2.
He used only OC-2, but lately he's been using MXR!


Yep, I have this one too. Your post inspired me to plug them both in and A/B. They are both very very similar at the same settings. I can easily use either one and be fine. The MXR tracks better on lower notes.

I thought maybe someone took the oc2 sound and tweaked it to be even deeper and better, but it appears these are still the kings.
 

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