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Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

Item ID: DS1

Distortion Effects Pedal for Guitar, Bass, and Keyboard with Distortion, Level, and Tone Controls

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From Our Research Team:

A First-call Distortion Pedal - Since 1978!

Simply put, the BOSS DS-1 distortion pedal is a modern classic. For the better part of 30 years, you've heard this orange box put through its paces on countless top rock recordings - from Kurt Cobain's "Nevermind"-era grunge to the renowned distorted tones of Steve Vai. The DS-1 is affordable, it's incredible sounding, and it's a rock pedalboard staple - the perfect first distortion stompbox and one that may well be your last. Whether you pair it with your guitar's single-coil or humbucking pickups, expect rich, dynamic-laden tone with the BOSS DS-1.

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BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal at a Glance:
  • A proven pedalboard staple - for 30 years
  • Three-control layout for a range of essential distortion tones
  • BOSS guitar pedals: rugged, reliable, more than 10,000,000 sold

A proven pedalboard staple - for 30 years
Since the DS-1's introduction in 1978, guitarists everywhere have been snatching it up, putting it in their signal chain, and using it to achieve their signature distorted rock tones. It's great for all flavors of rock - everything from experimental to indie to modern to heavier grunge-infused genres. That versatility, combined with its great price, make the DS-1 the perfect pick for a first distortion pedal - it's a solid investment toward proven tone.

Three-control layout for a range of essential distortion tones
The BOSS DS-1 features three knobs that can take it in a number of different tonal directions. There's a tone knob, a level knob, and a distortion knob. By cranking each up or down, you can pull out a range of different tones - from subtle bite to rich crunch to all-out fuzz. The midrange on the DS-1 is scooped, which gives it a distinct tonal flavor, which many players prefer. Want sonic reference? Give Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" a listen - all that crunch came courtesy of the BOSS DS-1.

BOSS guitar pedals: rugged, reliable, more than 10,000,000 sold
More than 10,000,000 BOSS guitar and bass effects pedals have been sold to players worldwide, including such esteemed players as Yngie Malmsteen, Dave Navarro, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani. You've also no doubt heard BOSS pedals recorded and onstage beneath the feet of bands of all genres, including Muse, The Killers, and Silversun Pickups. The reason for the success is clear: not only do BOSS effects pedals sound great - but they're also built like tanks and designed with serious use in mind. Each BOSS pedal is housed in a stomp-ready metal box and features a rubberized stomp area and base to help safeguard against slipping. So, whether you're a fresh-out-of-the-gate beginner, an axe-veteran designing your dream pedalboard, or anywhere in between, you can depend on BOSS's proven line of pedals to craft your tone.

BOSS DS-1 Distortion Effects Pedal Features:
  • Tone, Distortion, and Level controls
  • Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu
  • Input Impedance: 470 ohms
  • Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
  • Output Impedance: 1 k ohms
  • Equivalent Input Noise Level: -122 dBu (IHF-A, Typ.)
  • Connectors: Input Jack, Output Jack, AC Adapter Jack (9V DC)
  • Power Supply: 9V DC, either a Dry Battery 9V type or an AC Adapter
  • Current Draw: 4 mA (9V DC)
  • Accessories: Dry Battery 9V type (6F22/9 V)
  • Optional AC Adapter - Roland PSA-120S
  • 2-7/8" W x 5-1/8" D x 2-3/8" H
  • Weight: 15 oz

Trust the BOSS DS-1 for essential distortion tones - it's a modern pedalboard classic!
Specification Detail
Type Distortion
Inputs 1 x Instrument
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Power Supply Included No
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 2.4"
Depth 5.1"
Width 2.9"
Weight 1 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number DS-1

DS-1 Distortion Pedal Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 27 reviews

Great tone

by Wayne Grynowicki from United States
October 18, 2012
Music Background: Pro Musician, ( Imperfect Journey).
I have had this pedal in the 80's, it sounder great then and it sounds great today. I have distortion pedals in the price range of $50- $200. Take away the price tag this is my do too pedal. It has gr... read more [+]eat over tones. You will be able to get the sound you are looking for. You just can't beat A classic. close [-]

Rocks!

by Robert from Waterloo Ontario
September 20, 2012
Music Background: Hobbyist gigging musician
My favourite distortion pedal. I own quite a few, this and a tube amp is :-)

Fantastic Service

by Pedro Rivas from United States
April 2, 2012
Music Background:
I'm happy with the product, the service has been excellent.
I liked the extra that they put on every order.

Estoy contento con el producto, el servicio ha sido excelente.
... read more [+] Me ha gustado el plus que le ponen a cada orden. close [-]

Happy with product

by Andrea from
March 26, 2012
Music Background:
They called and varified my order mailed it immediately and it was exactly what I ordered, along with a few sweets. Totally happy and will do business again

Is this THE best distortion pedal out there..?

by Jezza from Australia
December 4, 2011
Music Background: Musician
I will start by saying that I've been playing guitar professionally for many years and guitar for 26 years.
I've tried all sorts of boutique boxes and then some (I used to own a music store so th... read more [+]at helped) and having just bought me a DS-1 I am totally blown away by it. This, and the SD-1 are the two BEST pedals for drive I've ever played, period. I would never even think about modding them becasue I think it would ruin their beautiful tone. If you are a good guitar player, and your rig is good. You will sound brilliant using these two boxes. THANK YOU BOSS! I also found that it doubles as a suistainer, too, which is very cool. The knobs seem to work differently than in any other pedal I've used before. You will see what I mean if you turn the volume to 0 and check it against any other Boss pedal. close [-]
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See Also: Overdrive Pedals , Boss , Boss Distortion/Overdrive Pedals

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