other than the transistors how are they different? Was this layout created just because BS170's were more handy at the time? Thanks for any comment.
The Boomstick is based on the dirt side of the Box of Rock, which itself is based off the BSAIB. Where the BSAIB uses u-amps for its gain stages, the BOR uses the SHO arrangements. The are definitely different sounding, although they have very similar voicings (the values for the tone section are identical).
The Boomstick has a meatier and chunkier feel. The BSAIB is much more "slippery" sounding and very nice for leads. That's probably the best way I know how to describe it.