The JHS modified Boss TR-2 "Versa-Trem" is a Boss TR-2 tremolo pedal that JHS Pedals has reworked with its Versa Trem mod. JHS turns what it calls a standard mass-produced trem into what the company describes as "a vintage tone monster able to cover everything from vintage optical tremolo" through Fender-style to bias tremolo tones1. The mod expands the pedal's depth and speed range "for everything from vintage to modern tones," and JHS says the result gives you "the body and character that a quality tremolo should have"2.
Why modify a TR-2
The stock TR-2 is a widely sold tremolo, but JHS's Jim notes in the company's demo video that "most Tremeloes suffer a volume loss when the effect is engaged," the stock TR-2 included1. The Versa-Trem addresses that with an added output volume knob. Jim says "we've fixed the volume drop problem by adding an output volume knob," and adds that "this volume knob has plenty of headroom to push our amp into overdrive"1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate | Sets the tremolo speed across a wide range; Jim notes the highest settings "can sound almost like a ring modulator"1 |
| Wave | Sets the wave shape, including a square wave setting for what Jim calls "a very modern tremolo sound"1 |
| Depth | Sets tremolo depth from barely-there to full; turned all the way left, Jim says the pedal "can even be used as a clean boost"1 |
| Volume | Output level, with headroom to drive an amp into overdrive1 |
The Two Speed version
JHS also offers a further modification, the JHS BOSS TR-2 Two Speed Mod. It includes the Versa Trem mod, which JHS says "gives you that vintage amp trem character and body you're looking" for, and adds a second speed knob and a footswitch "that allows you to alternate between two independently controlled speeds" during play3. JHS describes the Two Speed conversion as turning "this standard mass produced trem into a vintage Two-Speed tone monster"3.
The Versa-Trem and the Two Speed mod are separate offerings: the Two Speed mod contains the Versa Trem mod plus the second speed knob and footswitch3.
Demo
JHS's own demo video, presented by Jim, walks through the rate and wave controls, the volume knob fix, and the clean boost trick, and notes you can "pick up a new one or have as mod your old one today at JHS pedals"1.
For other tremolo options from JHS, see the Tremolo Pedals page, including the JHS Honey Comb Deluxe and the JHS 3 Series Harmonic Tremolo.
Videos
Curtis Kent
Mike Hermans
Questions
What is the JHS modified Boss TR-2 Versa-Trem?
It is a standard Boss TR-2 tremolo pedal that JHS Pedals has modified with its Versa Trem mod. The mod expands the pedal's depth and speed range and adds an output volume knob that addresses the volume loss the stock TR-2 suffers when the effect is engaged. JHS describes the result as a vintage tone monster covering everything from vintage optical tremolo to bias tremolo tones.
How is the Two Speed mod different from the Versa Trem mod?
The Two Speed mod includes the Versa Trem mod and adds a second speed knob plus a footswitch, so you can alternate between two independently controlled tremolo speeds during a performance. The Versa Trem mod on its own expands the depth and speed range for vintage to modern tones without the second speed control.
Can the modified TR-2 be used as a clean boost?
According to JHS's Jim in the demo video, turning the depth knob all the way to the left lets the Versa-Trem be used as a clean boost. He also notes the added output volume knob has plenty of headroom to push an amp into overdrive.
Sources (3)
- JHS Pedals Modified Boss TR-2 Tremolo "Versa-Trem" HD Demo, JHS Pedals (YouTube channel), 2011-02-22
- BOSS TR-2 VERSA TREM MOD, JHS Pedals
- BOSS TR-2 TWO SPEED MOD, JHS Pedals
