**Important Shipping Notice** Please note that this item will be shipped internationally from Japan. Although this is a compact effects pedal, international shipping costs may be relatively high compared with the item's size or value. In addition, depending on the destination country, import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, and other import-related charges may also be substantial. We kindly ask all bidders to carefully review the shipping costs and potential import-related charges before placing a bid. --- # BOSS BF-2 Flanger – Early Made in Japan Vintage – Estimated May 1981 – Black Label / Black Screw – Transitional Features – Serviced **Specifications** Brand / Model: BOSS BF-2 Flanger Type: Analog flanger effects pedal Serial number: 068200 Estimated production: May 1981 production lot Made in: Japan Label: Early black label with coin-screw battery replacement instructions Screw: Black screw Control knobs: Black-top style Circuit: Analog BBD Power: 9V battery or ACA-type adapter Included: Pedal only **Overview & Cosmetic Condition** This BOSS BF-2 Flanger is an early Japanese-made vintage effects pedal, estimated to belong to the May 1981 production lot based on its six-digit serial number. The BF-2 was introduced in June 1980, making this unit an early example from the Made in Japan black label period. This particular pedal has several characteristics associated with very early BF-2 production and the transitional period between the silver-screw and black-screw generations. These include the black label retaining the earlier coin-screw battery replacement instructions, the black screw, black-top style control knobs, and the early-style routing of the 9V battery snap wiring. These details are particularly interesting from a vintage BOSS collector's perspective because they reflect features associated with the early production period. The pedal has been carefully cleaned, inspected, and serviced while preserving its original circuit and electronic components wherever reasonably possible. The exterior shows scratches, marks, dirt, oxidation, and other signs of age and use consistent with vintage equipment of this period. Although the pedal has been cleaned, its exterior has not been cosmetically restored to a factory-new appearance. Please examine the photographs carefully for details of its cosmetic condition. **Early Production Characteristics / Transitional Features** This unit has several noteworthy features associated with the early BOSS compact pedal production period. **1. Early black label with coin-screw instructions** The black label on the bottom of the pedal retains the earlier battery replacement instructions, including the following English wording: "Use a coin to open battery compartment lid when replacing battery." The Japanese instructions on the label also describe loosening the coin screw to replace the battery. This wording originally referred to the early silver battery-compartment screw, which featured a slot that could be operated using a coin. BOSS subsequently transitioned from the silver screw to the black thumb screw around 1981. During this transitional period, some pedals were manufactured with the newer black screw while retaining the earlier label instructions referring to the coin-operated screw. The combination of a black screw and an early-style coin-screw instruction label is therefore consistent with a transitional production period. The presence of these features does not, by itself, establish an exact manufacturing date. **2. Early-style 9V battery snap wiring** Another notable feature is the routing of the 9V battery snap wiring inside the battery compartment. On this unit, the battery snap wiring emerges through the lower rectangular cutout opening rather than from the footswitch mounting area. This physical arrangement is documented as an additional early-style construction characteristic of the present unit. It is included as a reference for collectors examining production differences, although the exact timing of changes to this wiring arrangement has not been independently established. **3. Black-top style control knobs** The pedal is equipped with black-top style control knobs associated with early BF-2 production. Together with the early black label, black screw, battery snap wiring arrangement, and internal electronic configuration, these details are consistent with an early Japanese-made BF-2. **Maintenance & Operational Condition** Before servicing, slight scratchy contact noise was present in the DEPTH potentiometer. All four control potentiometers were therefore carefully disassembled and serviced. The internal contact surfaces were cleaned using electronic contact cleaner, contact conditioner was applied, and the potentiometer wiper contacts were carefully polished. This maintenance was performed on all four potentiometers rather than only the DEPTH control. Oxidation was also found on the INPUT and OUTPUT jack contacts. Both jack contacts were polished with compound to remove oxidation and improve their electrical contact surfaces. The deteriorated rubber bushing was replaced with a new replacement part. Other than this rubber bushing, no components were intentionally replaced during servicing. The pedal was cleaned, inspected, and operation-checked following maintenance. The objective of this work was to improve reliability while preserving the original electronic components and characteristics of this early Japanese-made unit. **Serial Number & Estimated Production Period** Serial number: 068200 Estimated production lot: May 1981 Estimated production period: Spring 1981 The BF-2 was introduced in June 1980. The estimated production period of this particular unit is based primarily on the six-digit BOSS serial number system used during this era. Under a commonly used interpretation of this serial number system, the "06" prefix corresponds to an estimated May 1981 production lot. This places the unit relatively close to the beginning of BF-2 production. However, BOSS serial numbers from this period are generally better regarded as production-lot references rather than exact individual manufacturing dates. Therefore, May 1981 should be considered an estimated production period rather than a definitively confirmed manufacturing date. The early label design, transitional screw characteristics, PCB type, IC configuration, and component markings provide additional supporting information. **Internal PCB Markings & Production Dating Evidence** The following markings were documented during internal inspection. PCB front marking: ET5211-510A PCB reverse marking: 2291030200 The PCB type is consistent with early BF-2 production. For comparison, another documented early-production BF-2 with serial number 153600 also uses the ET5211-510A board, while its reverse PCB marking is: 2291033200 This chronological relationship does not conflict with the earlier estimated production period of the present S/N 068200 unit. However, the PCB reverse number is recorded here as supporting information only. It is not presented as a confirmed manufacturing date code. **Major IC Configuration & Component Markings** The internal IC configuration was examined and documented as follows. **Operational amplifiers** NEC C4558C × 2 One IC, identified as IC1, carries the following markings: NEC JAPAN C4558C W12243 **BBD (Bucket Brigade Device)** MN3207 Additional marking: 13 **Clock driver** MN3102 Additional marking: 11 **Additional operational amplifier** TL022CP Additional marking: J/05 AB This IC configuration is consistent with the early Japanese BF-2 analog BBD circuit design. No component in the documented IC configuration clearly conflicts with the estimated May 1981 production period. However, the precise manufacturing dates represented by the individual IC markings have not been conclusively verified. **Electrolytic Capacitor & Other Component Markings** Several internal components contain markings that may be consistent with parts manufactured shortly before the estimated May 1981 assembly period. Multiple electrolytic capacitors have markings including: 13 14 A SANYO component carries the following marking: 0.E.14 If the "13" and "14" markings represent early-1981 production codes, they could correspond to components manufactured shortly before final pedal assembly. However, the exact manufacturer-specific marking systems have not been conclusively verified. For this reason, these markings are treated only as supporting evidence and are not used as the primary basis for dating the pedal. The same caution applies to the "13" marking on the MN3207, the "11" marking on the MN3102, the NEC C4558C marking W12243, and the TL022CP marking J/05 AB. None of the documented component markings currently presents a clear contradiction to an estimated May 1981 production period. Taken together, the serial number, PCB type, PCB reverse marking, IC configuration, component markings, and external transitional features are consistent with very early Japanese BF-2 production. Nevertheless, the exact manufacturing date cannot be definitively established from these observations alone. **Originality & Preservation** The deteriorated rubber bushing was replaced during servicing. Other than this replacement, the pedal appears to retain its original electronic components. No visible signs of electronic component replacement were found. The existing potentiometers and jack contacts were serviced rather than replaced. However, the complete ownership and repair history before our acquisition is unknown, and the absolute originality of every component cannot be guaranteed. The servicing approach was chosen to preserve as much of the original early-production BF-2 hardware and circuitry as reasonably possible. **About the BOSS BF-2 Flanger** Introduced in June 1980, the BOSS BF-2 is one of the classic analog modulation pedals from the early Japanese production era. Its analog BBD circuit produces a wide range of flanging effects, from subtle movement and chorus-like modulation to distinctive metallic and jet-style sweeping sounds. The pedal features four controls: MANUAL / DEPTH / RATE / RES This early Made in Japan example represents an interesting piece of BOSS compact effects pedal history. Its transitional external features and documented internal component configuration make it particularly noteworthy for collectors and musicians interested in the development of vintage Japanese analog effects. **Included** BOSS BF-2 Flanger pedal only. Battery and ACA-type power adapter are not included. **Important Notice Regarding Vintage Equipment** This is a vintage electronic effects pedal manufactured more than 40 years ago. The described condition, servicing information, and operational test results reflect its state at the time of inspection. Due to the age of the equipment, future component deterioration or changes in performance cannot be completely ruled out. Please review all photographs and the description carefully before placing a bid. **Shipping & Import Charges** The item will be carefully packed and shipped from Japan using eLogi, an international shipping service that officially supports integration with Catawiki. The shipping carrier will be selected according to the destination, shipping conditions, service availability, cost, and other relevant circumstances. Depending on the destination and conditions at the time of shipment, FedEx, DHL, UPS, or another carrier available through eLogi may be used. The final shipping carrier will be selected by the seller based on the most appropriate available shipping option for the destination. Shipping is available only to countries and regions where an appropriate shipping service is available through eLogi and where the item can legally be accepted for import. If no suitable shipping service is available for the buyer’s country, region, or address, or if applicable shipping or import requirements cannot be met, the order may be cancelled in accordance with Catawiki’s applicable policies and procedures. Shipping costs are to be paid by the buyer. Unless otherwise required by the selected carrier, destination country, or applicable Catawiki procedures, shipments will generally be sent under DDU/DAP terms. Under DDU/DAP terms, import duties, customs clearance fees, carrier clearance or handling fees, taxes, and other import-related charges that are not already collected by Catawiki at the time of purchase are the responsibility of the buyer. The seller does not cover import duties, taxes, customs fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country or carrier unless otherwise required under Catawiki’s applicable policies or the shipping service used. Please note that customs regulations, import restrictions, tax requirements, and clearance procedures vary depending on the destination country. Some items may be restricted or subject to specific import conditions in certain countries. Before placing a bid, buyers are responsible for confirming that the item can be legally imported into their country and that an appropriate shipping service is available to their destination. **Important Notice for Buyers in the European Union** For eligible EU orders, Catawiki may collect import VAT from the buyer at checkout under the IOSS system or other applicable VAT arrangements. Where import VAT has already been collected by Catawiki and the shipment qualifies for the applicable IOSS procedure, the same import VAT should not normally be charged again upon delivery, provided that the shipment is processed correctly under the applicable customs procedure. The appropriate Catawiki-provided IOSS information will be used for eligible shipments where required. Please note that the use of the IOSS procedure for VAT does not necessarily mean that the shipment is sent under DDP terms. Eligible shipments may still be sent under DDU/DAP terms. Therefore, even where VAT has already been collected by Catawiki, import duties, customs handling charges, carrier clearance fees, administrative fees, or other import-related charges may still apply depending on the destination country and the circumstances of the shipment. These charges are separate from VAT already collected by Catawiki and, where applicable, are the responsibility of the buyer. 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We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding regarding the evolving EU import and customs environment. **Refused, Unclaimed, Undeliverable, Returned Shipments and Reshipping** If a shipment is refused, unclaimed, undeliverable, returned to the seller, or cannot be completed due to circumstances attributable to the buyer—such as refusal of delivery, failure to pay applicable import duties, taxes, customs or carrier charges, failure to complete customs procedures, failure to respond to the carrier or customs authorities, failure to collect the shipment, or an incorrect or incomplete delivery address provided by the buyer—the matter will be handled in accordance with Catawiki’s applicable policies and procedures. 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