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.

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 read more 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 different level. Like all Boss products, it is a level of sound quality and durability that is unrivaled.
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Uses 9-volt battery or PSA-120 adapter (not included).
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 1.05 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): DS-1

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (498 ratings)
Submitted January 10, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com

"A Distortion Dream"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This is great, i'd buy another one without a thought. Looking at the overdrive pedal as the next pedal. well done.
Sound
I use this with a zoom g2 and a bugera 1960 head. i can get plenty of distortion with this unit. I crank the distortion to near full back off the tone a little past half way and put level at half way. I gig a lot and every musician I've talked to has told me they love the sound I get from that set up. Sustain is unbelievable.
Features
basic pedal easy to operate solid metal chassis
Ease of Use
set the three knobs where you want it and let it rip. This unit will make a bad amp sound great.
Quality
I've be around the block with pedals. Multi-effects units leave the distortion empty and very digital sounding. If you are looking for a great distortion don't let this pass you by.
Value
Here's the best part. I'm a part time musician. When I do play I don't make thousands more like hundreds. that being said 40 for a boss pedal that kick this much A$$ is outrageous. They should lock someone up for that.
Manufacturer Support
I've never dealt with them before.
The Wow Factor
most of the musicians can't believe the sound i'm getting from this thing. I have people asking me about the pedal and the amp.

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

rock, blues, etc
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