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Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

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

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

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Item: BOSDS1
 
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Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal Reviews

614 People rated this product :
           9 out of 10
           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: 04/28/2005
9 of 9 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
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           9 out of 10
"Absolutely perfect for grunge, alternative, and punk rock guitarists! A favorite of Kurt Cobain and many other musicians! It's j"
Feature:
This product is to good for "extra accessories." It's sound, sturdiness, easy storagebility, and overall simplicity makes up for anything you were hoping to get along with the stompbox.

Quality:
Amazingly sturdy. It's sturdiness is probably the best part.

Value:
It was a steeeeeeeeeealllllll!!! Don't raise the price though, more people will buy it just the way it is! Don't change a thing! Leave this pedal exactly like it is, its PERFECT!

Desirability:
I just love the orange color, it goes great with it's sound! It's also small and easy to store.

Sound:
The sound quality is awesome, just like almost everything else about it. It really captures yoour nuances and holds them out there. I love NIRVANA, and considering that even Kurt Cobain used this and the DS2, it is the perfect pedal for grunge, alternative, and punk rock. I is perfect for my style of music and, I'm sure, for many others as well.

Support:
It has a 5 year warranty, but I dont think I'll need it at all! Thanks though.

Overall:
This is the perfect distortion pedal! It's younger sister, the DS2, is a very close second!

Submitted: 04/29/2005
Style of Music: Grunge, alternative, and punk rock
2 of 2 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
Thanks for your opinion!
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