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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

Boss DS-1

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
  • 3-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.

3-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!

DS-1 Image Gallery

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

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Reviews

based on 22 reviews

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 [-]

This place is awesome

by from
October 24, 2011
Music Background:
Fast delivery and the best customer service i've ever seen

Greatest Pedal Ever!

by Tyler Phillips from Wisconsin
May 1, 2010
Music Background: Student, Hobbyist, Performer
For a pricee like this you will never get a better pedal! This is the best distortion pedal made in my opinion. I use this pedal everyday and for almost every song. I play punk rock and you can really... read more [+] get that Blink-182 style punk sound from this pedal. close [-]

My first pedal

by Matt from Cleveland, OH USA
January 15, 2010
Music Background: Hobbyist, home-recording
I bought one of these 10 years ago, I was 15 and wanted a distortion pedal, best $40 I ever spent. All the other pedals near this price range were cheap plastic junk, but my DS-1 is still going stron... read more [+]g to this day (a bit chipped up from abuse, and drawn on with permanant marker for my settings, but works fine!). Great for all the punk and rock bands I've been in. Since then, I've bought 8 more BOSS pedals, and have an SD-1 on the way. Love it! close [-]

A great cheap pedal

by Clay from Covington, IN USA
December 23, 2009
Music Background: guitarist, daw production, student, intermediate, hobbyist, bassist
Wow! You really can't get a better pedal for the price. This will probably always be the best pedal $50 and under. It is great for a good ac/dc and zeppelin classic rock tone, along with the classic N... read more [+]irvana sound. It can even get into a bit of a Metallica tone if the drive is turned up all the the way and mids are scooped. Great overall guitar pedal. close [-]
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See Also: Overdrive Pedals , Boss , Boss Distortion/Overdrive Pedals

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