800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
Mention reference number L27M50N when you call.
close [x]
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 8AM - 10PM (EST)
  • Sat 9AM - 6PM (EST)
  • Sun 1PM - 7PM (EST)
 
4 Payments No Interest Free Shipping No Sales Tax Lowest Price Guarantee
Cart
Home>Guitars, Amps, and Effects>Guitar Effects>Guitar Distortion Effects

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

Add some weight to your sound with this pedal, which delivers a smooth distortion. You can get everything from '60s fuzz to heavy metal distortion. 629 People rated this product: Rate and Review This Product
Ships to: Can ship to United States Can ship to Puerto Rico
Can ship to APO/FPO
Roll Over to Enlarge Main

Manufacturer's Description for Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

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. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Boss products.
Uses 9-volt battery or PSA-120 adapter (not included).
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 1 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 3 in
with Boss BCB-30 Case
Shipping Weight: 4 lbs
Boss Warranty
Boss Warranty
If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 323-890-3700
Sound Samples
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "zZounds always goes above and beyond to make sure they match or beat their competitors' best prices." - customer on January 19th, 2012
New
$49.00
Play as You Pay
on orders $249+ details
List: $78.50
Savings: $29.50 (38%)
In Stock Will Ship Feb 7   Seen it for less?
Ground: $2.99
Free shipping on orders $49+
Faster Shipping
zZounds Value Pack $24.95 Savings! (28%)
Boss DS-1 with Boss BCB-30 Case
$64.00 In Stock Will Ship Feb 7
Play as You Pay
on orders $249+ details
Separately: $88.95
Free Ground Shipping
Faster Shipping
Product
Qty
Title
Subtotal
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
1
Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
 ($49.00 each)
$49.00
Boss BCB-30 3-Pedal Carrying Case
1
Boss BCB-30 3-Pedal Carrying Case
 ($39.95 each)
$39.95
Our already low price: $88.95
Save $24.95 (28%) with zZounds!
Value Pack Price: $64.00
Related Accessories
Boss PSA-120S Power Supply $21.95
DiMarzio Jumper Cable from $12.45
Whirlwind EGC Instrument Cable from $9.95
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 (629 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "This unit kicks ass! Nevermind the negative reviews left by inexperienced users!"
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 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! Manufacturer 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. The Wow Factor: 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. ;) 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.
18 of 18 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

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

"best distortion pedal for anyone"
Sound: This was the first pedal i ever got and i am not going to ever throw it out. you can get any sound you want from the beatles to metallica Feature: doesn't have any fancy knobs or anything, just distortion. its built like a tank too. Ease of Use: only 3 knobs. how hard is that? Quality: built like a tank. if you throw it out the window it won't break Value: for 30 bucks you cant get a better distortion bedal Manufacturer Support: never needed it The Wow Factor: i only got it because i had no idea about what amps and pedals were good (i just started playing). now that im good at guitar i realize how great it is Overall: this pedal, along with a good lead channel from an amp, can get any sound you want. this is the first pedal i ever got and its not going to leave my pedalboard. for 30 bucks you should get it anyway, whithout trying it out.
Style of Music: van halen
5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

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

BizRate Customer Certified (GOLD) Site
Questions? Our gear experts can help!
800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
Mention Reference Number L27M50N When You Call. Toll Free En Español: 800-460-7976 m-f 9AM to 5PM EST Follow zZounds on:
 Customize Search Results for Your Location



Sitemap View Our Sitemap Contact Us By Email Place a Purchase Order Return Request
Let Us Help You FAQs Product Condition Shipping Information Payment Options Order Verification Returns Affiliate Program Join Our Affiliate Program
Shop with those who respect your privacy — we do. Copyright © 1996-2012, zZounds Music, LLC. Terms of use apply. A-ID: 304236
[x] close
Send cool stuff to my old-fashioned mailbox, too
To get your cool stuff, we'll need your address:
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
 
close [x]Faster Shipping Options2 Day $9.99
Overnight $22.99
close [x]Faster Shipping Options2 Day $10.99
Overnight $27.99
close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
 
learn more

You don't have to trade service for savings when you shop at zZounds!

We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
close [x]
 
learn more

With zZounds you'll never have to worry that you paid too much.

We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
close [x]
on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
close [x]
learn more

A guarantee so solid, you never have to worry about price when shopping at zZounds

We'll beat any price
Simply click the Seen it for less? link next to the gear you want or call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
Got a coupon from another site?
Use it with us - we'll beat those prices, too!
Find a better price after buying from us?
No problem. We'll refund you the difference for 30 days, so you'll never regret buying from zZounds.

You'll still get the trustworthy service you've come to expect from zZounds, without paying more for your gear!