Boss BF-3 Review: Is It Worth It?

The Boss BF-3 is an iconic pedal that has been a staple in many guitarists’ pedalboards since its introduction in 2000. The BF-3 is a digital stereo flanger that offers a wide range of flanging effects and is known for its high-quality sound and versatility. 

In this article, we’ll explore the features of the Boss BF-3, how it sounds, and why it’s considered one of the best pedals on the market.

Boss BF-3 Main Features

The Boss BF-3 is a digital stereo flanger pedal that offers a wide range of flanging effects and unique features. Let’s take a detailed look at its features:

Types of Modes 

The BF-3 has three different modes of flanging effects: Standard, Ultra, and Gate/Pan. The Standard mode offers a classic flanger sound with a rich, swirling modulation that can be adjusted using the rate and depth knobs. The Ultra mode is a more intense and dramatic version of the Standard mode, with a deeper and more pronounced modulation. The Gate/Pan mode adds a gating effect to the flanging sound, creating a rhythmic and dynamic effect that can be panned from left to right.

Tap Tempo  

The BF-3 has a tap tempo function that allows you to set the tempo of the flanging effect using your foot. This is a useful feature for live performance, as it allows you to synchronize the effect with the tempo of the song you are playing.

Momentary Mode  

The momentary mode allows you to activate the flanging effect for as long as you hold down the footswitch. This is a useful feature for creating dynamic and rhythmic flanging effects.

Manual knob 

The manual knob allows you to adjust the delay time of the flanging effect manually. This creates a unique sound that is not possible with other flanger pedals, as it allows you to create a subtler or exaggerated flanging effect depending on your preference.

Resonance knob 

The resonance knob allows you to adjust the feedback of the flanger effect, creating a more intense and pronounced modulation.

Stereo output 

The BF-3’s stereo output allows you to create a wide and spacious sound that is perfect for recording or live performance. The stereo output can be used to create a stereo image of the flanger effect, panning it from left to right or spreading it out across the stereo field.

Intuitive controls  

The BF-3 has four knobs for adjusting the rate, depth, resonance, and manual settings of the flanger effect. There are also two switches for selecting the mode and the tempo of the effect. The controls are simple and easy to use, making it an ideal pedal for live performance.

Rugged build quality  

The BF-3 has a classic Boss look and is built to last, with a rugged metal casing that can withstand the rigors of touring and gigging. It runs on either a 9V battery or an AC adapter and has both mono and stereo inputs and outputs.

How it Sounds

The sound of the BF-3 is smooth, rich, and creamy, with a wide range of tonal possibilities. The digital technology used in the BF-3 ensures that the flanging effect is consistent and stable without any unwanted noise or distortion.

 The flanging effect in the Standard mode is smooth and subtle, adding a touch of dimension and depth to your guitar tone.

The Ultra mode is a more intense and dramatic version of the Standard mode, with a deeper and more pronounced modulation. This mode produces a more extreme flanging effect that can be used to create a psychedelic, spacey sound. 

The Gate/Pan mode adds a gating effect to the flanging sound, creating a rhythmic and dynamic effect that can be panned from left to right, creating a sense of movement and momentum in your guitar tone.

By adjusting the manual knob, you can create a sound tailored to your style. The resonance knob adds a touch of resonance to your guitar tone, making it more vibrant and alive. By adjusting the resonance knob, you can create a more or less pronounced sound, depending on your preference.

Overall, the Boss BF-3 produces a high-quality flanging effect that is warm, full-bodied, and dynamic. Whether you are looking to add a touch of dimension to your guitar tone or create a more extreme flanging effect, the BF-3 is a versatile and reliable pedal that can help you achieve the sound you are looking for.

Here’s an example of how the BF-3 sounds:

Price

The price of the Boss BF-3 flanger pedal can vary depending on where you buy it and the region you are in. The average price of the BF-3 is around $175, although it can be found for slightly less or slightly more, depending on the retailer. The price of this pedal is reflective of its high-quality sound, versatile features, and durable construction.

Alternatives

If you’re interested in the Boss BF-3 flanger pedal, you may also want to consider several similar pedals on the market. Here are a few similar pedals to consider:

MXR M152 Micro Flanger

The MXR M152 Micro Flanger is a compact and affordable flanger pedal that offers a classic analog flanging effect. It features simple controls for rate, width, and regeneration and is a great option for guitarists looking for a straightforward and affordable flanger pedal.

Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger

The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger is a classic analog flanger pedal that offers a range of features, including a filter matrix mode and a sweep filter control. It produces a warm and musical flanging effect that can be adjusted using the rate and depth controls.

Strymon Orbit Flanger

The Strymon Orbit Flanger is a high-end digital flanger pedal that offers a range of features and advanced controls. It features two different flanger modes and a unique feedback control that allows you to manipulate the feedback path of the flanger effect. It also features stereo inputs and outputs, MIDI compatibility, and high-quality construction.

Famous Guitar Players That Use This Pedal

Here are some of the top artists that have used the Boss BF-3 pedal for their guitars:

John Petrucci

John Petrucci is known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Petrucci has used the Boss BF-3 flanger pedal on many of his recordings and live performances and has praised the pedal’s versatility and range of sounds.

Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen was a legendary guitarist who helped define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal in the 1980s. He used the BF-3 flanger to create his signature “brown sound.”

David Gilmour

David Gilmour is a guitarist best known for his work with the legendary band Pink Floyd. Gilmour uses the BF-3 to create the spacious, atmospheric guitar tones heard on many of Pink Floyd’s classic albums.

Steve Vai

Steve Vai is a virtuoso guitarist known for his work as a solo artist and with the band Whitesnake. Vai has used the Boss BF-3 flanger pedal on many of his recordings and live performances and has praised its sound quality and versatility.

Conclusion

The BF-3 has become a go-to choice for many professional guitarists due to its high-quality sound, intuitive controls, and range of advanced features. Whether you’re looking to create classic, vintage flange tones or more modern, experimental sounds, the BF-3 has the versatility and power to help you achieve your sonic goals. 

So if you’re looking for a flanger pedal that can help take your playing experience to the next level, the Boss BF-3 is definitely worth considering.