Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

Onboard Tone control. Reproduces all the subtle nuances of your playing dynamics.

Item: BOSDS1

  • Pricing
    • $39.00
    • List: $97.50
    • SAVE 60%
  • Standard Shipping
    Ground
    free shipping
  • Expedited Shipping
    2 Day Shipping
    $8.99
     | Overnight
    $25.99

what's new?

  • In Stock :: Will Ship Today

Click here to read details about our 'Play As You Pay' Installment Payment Plan. Play As You Pay is available only by phone.

Or call 800.ZZOUNDS (996.8637) right now. You get the same low price and shipping discounts online or by phone!

No Sales Tax. (Except NJ)

Seen a lower price? We'll beat it! details

Be a zZounds Spy!


related accessories

Main

Boss PSA120S

$21.95

Main

Line 6 DL4

$249.99

Main

Boss TU-2

$99.00

Black

DiMarzio Jumper Cable

from $12.95

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal reviews

Rate and Review This Product:

474 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

 

58 People wrote reviews

Read all Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal reviews...
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

"This unit kicks ass! Nevermind the negative reviews left by inexperienced users!"

Feature:
No accessories were included. All the features I need are there. I dont need any more or less, considering the price of the unit. If this pedal wasnt so good, it wouldnt be around after 27 years. It truly stands the test of time, being the most popular distortion pedal of all time.

Quality:
This unit (as well as all Boss pedals) is built like a tank! I've owned many other bands and Boss just cant be beat for their reliable quality construction that will last a lifetime when taken care of properly.

Value:
Worth every last penny! Definitely more bang for the buck!

Desirability:
I definitely dig the orange color and the old style knobs that have remained the same since it first hit the market. The practicality is a must and I still get an erection just looking at it. ;)

Sound:
I've compared the DS-1 to just about every pedal since the early '80s and the DS-1 produces less noise and more bite for the money. I dont need all the EQ parameters of other distortion pedals that have hit the market over the years since I primarly use it with a Roland MC-202 MicroComposer for some badass acid lines. The tone knob is all I need, since any further EQ adjustments can be made from my mixer. As for playing guitar, I would naturally add a Boss EQ pedal at the beginning of the effects chain to gain all the characteristics most of these inexperienced kids seem to whine about. :p

Support:
I never had any problems with the DS-1 or any other Boss pedal for that matter, but I've ordered parts for other used Roland gear and had no problem with those orders.

Overall:
The DS-1 will always keep me satisfied. I wouldnt replace it, but I'd definitely supplement it with more effects units. This unit entirely meets my musical goals. If it were lost or stolen (which I highly doubt) I'd replace it with the same exact unit. What I like most about it is the fact that it gives me plenty of distortion with minimal noise. Theres conflicting stories that the early Japanese made units are better than the current units made in Taiwan, so I'll have to pick up a vintage DS-1 and compare for myself.

Submitted: 4/28/2005


7 of 7 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

 
 
* * * * * * * * * * 10 out of 10

"Distort your mind now!"

Feature:
Not a lot to play around with.

Quality:
It's a beauty inside and out.

Value:
I've tried a few pedals in it's price range and nothing comes even close.

Desirability:
When I saw it I was like a girl looking at a pair of designer shoes - I had to have it.

Sound:
Damn! Sounds better than a chainsaw!

Ease of Use:
Thumbs up for the manual. However, the controls are so simple you don't need a manual.

Support:
No problems so far but I asked about it in the shop and they said it's covered.

Overall:
It's so good that if I ever go looking for a new pedal it will be BOSS again.

Submitted: 1/9/2007


12 of 12 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

 
 

Read all Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal reviews...

Additional Images:

Main
Main
Application Shot Back
Application Shot Back
Application Shot Front
Application Shot Front

30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Applies On This Item - Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

About This Product!
Description
Docs, Multimedia
From Our Catalog
Perhaps the quintessential effects pedal for the guitar, or any other instrument that needs to be "heavied-up," the distortion pedal reigns supreme. Boss's version of this classic is one of the most popular and longest lived. This pedal was first released over 20 years ago, and as such, transcends the "retro" craze by remaining a vital instrument today.

Music trends may come and go, but it seems that no matter what fad may evolve, a guitar with a good, smooth distortion tone is going to figure into it sooner or later. You can crank the DS1 up to a brutal stonk, or dial it down for a more subtle effect. Spin the tone control to tailor your sound from the bottom-rich tones so cool for harder jams to the trebly, cutting edge, closer-to-a-60's-fuzz tone. Stop anywhere in between to suit your own taste.

A distortion pedal is not a substitute for a good amp, but, in the same breath, amp distortion is not a substitute for a good distortion pedal. If you play guitar, you're going to need a good distortion pedal sooner or later. The DS1 by Boss is a very, very good distortion pedal.

About Boss Pedals
The history of Boss reads like the history of guitar effects. From their legendary CE-1 chorus pedal (the big gray box that started it all) to the world's favorite line of compact pedals, they've been responsible for more guitar innovations than just about anyone else.

Boss's compact pedal line-up began in 1977 with the classic OD-1 Overdrive. Its warm, smooth overdrive sounds and breakthrough Boss pedal features (heavy-duty construction, rubber pads on top and bottom, recessed control knobs, silent switching, a built-in LED, and easy battery replacement) immediately set it apart from other stomp boxes on the market. It established the masterful design for all other Boss effects pedals since.

Throughout the years, Boss has continued to define the cutting edge of guitar effects. Double-layer circuit boards allowed pedals like the DD-5 Digital Delay to deliver studio-quality effects comparable to rackmount units. They recently brought bassists and guitarists the first bass synthesizer in a compact pedal, the SYB-3. On their 20th anniversary they proudly introduced the OD-3 Overdrive, a pedal that takes the smooth, dynamic overdriven tones of the legendary OD-1 to a whole new level. Like all Boss products, it is a level of sound quality and durability that is unrivaled.

Technical Info

Uses 9-volt battery or PSA-120 adapter (not included).

Audio Samples

multimedia

  • Boss DS1 Interactive Demo

x close

Using just 3 controls, the classic DS-1 can deliver jazzy warmth, rhythm grit, singing leads, and metallic grind with ease.

what our customers say about zZounds

"Great product selection and fast shipping." - customer on July 4, 2009

Free Catalog

First Name Last Name
Address 1 Address 2
City State
Zip Email

Would you like to receive periodic email notices of new items, special buys, and promotions? WE WILL NOT SHARE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH ANYONE ELSE. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Tell us

Is there something you want to tell us? How can we serve you better? Want to see different products? Is this shirt ugly? Let us know!

Sound & Vision Magazine

Sound & Vision offers accessible information on home theater, audio, video and multimedia products.

This is not a free trial offer and you will never get a bill. The subscription is included with your purchase.

Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription to begin. If you'd rather not receive the subscription it can be removed from your cart.