10 best boss overdrive pedals

Boss is a renowned manufacturer of guitar effects pedals, including overdrive pedals. Overdrive pedals are a type of guitar effect that simulates the natural sound of an amplifier being cranked up to its maximum volume. It produces a warm and smooth tone, adding a pleasant grit to the sound without completely distorting it. Overdrive is often used in various music genres, including rock, blues, and jazz, to add character and depth to the guitar tone.

Boss offers a range of overdrive pedals that cater to different preferences and playing styles. One popular model is the Boss OD-3 OverDrive pedal, which provides a natural, smooth overdrive effect. It features a wide range of tone shaping options, allowing guitarists to customize their sound. The pedal has Level, Tone, and Drive controls, giving musicians the flexibility to adjust the output level, tone color, and the intensity of the overdrive effect.

Boss pedals are known for their durability and reliability. They are built to withstand the rigors of live performances and frequent use, making them a favorite choice among professional musicians.Boss overdrive pedals typically run on 9-volt batteries or external power supplies, providing convenience for users during gigs and recording sessions.

In summary, Boss overdrive pedals are popular among guitarists for their high-quality sound, durability, and versatility. They offer a wide range of options for musicians looking to enhance their guitar tones with a smooth and natural overdrive effect.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best boss overdrive pedals on the market
  

BOSS Super Overdrive Guitar Pedal (SD-1)

BOSS

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The SD-1 Super overdrive pedal produces the warm, natural distortion of an overdrive tube amplifier while maintaining the subtle nuances of a player's picking technique. This is one of BOSS' More subtle and smooth overdrive pedals, perfect for blues and rock.

  • Product type :SOUND AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT
  • Package dimensions :7.8 cm L x12.2 cm W x16.7 cm H
  • country of origin :Taiwan
  • package weight :1.06lbs

User questions & answers

Question: Can this pedal make a clean amp go heavy
Answer: Either effect, the metal giant or this one they are both good for lead solo's. It's how you set it. I would go to the music store near you and see the difference for yourself. I don't think you need it.
Question: As a boost, does the sd-1 do a good job to tighten things up? for rythm playing especially
Answer: I assume you mean power cord. No. None ever do. Buy the donner cord with the 5 spilt. Worth it if you plan to ever have more than 1.
Question: I'm kind of confused to the manual: am I supposed to turn on my amp first or turn on this pedal first? What about the order of turning everything off
Answer: Thanks for your questionsour pedals are negative center ,plug polarity is positive on the barrel and negative in the center.you can use it with the Planet Waves mentioned.
Question: cord
Answer: Thanks for your questionNot，there is no power cable included,only a guitar pedal!

Product features

BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive Pedal

The SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal produces the warm, natural distortion of an overdriven tube amplifier while maintaining the subtle nuances of a player's picking technique. It features unique asymmetric overdrive circuitry for a classic, natural tube amp growl. This is one of BOSS' more subtle and smooth overdrive pedals, perfect for blues and rock.

BOSS Overdrive/Distortion Guitar Pedal (OS-2)

BOSS

Based on 97 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The OS-2 gives players a choice of overdrive or distortion, or lets them combine both - all in a single compact pedal. Its distortion maintains the subtle nuances of single-coil guitar pickups.

  • Delivers killer separate overdrive and distortion effects that you can combine for cool blended effects
  • Designed to provide raunchy, hard distortion

User questions & answers

Question: Is it made in japan? i had this pedal in the 90s, now I want it back to my pedal board. Just curious about how well are they made now
Answer: Hi, The pedal is made in Taiwan. I have only used it 5-6 times so far. It can dial up a good "Rush" "Limelight" distorted sound. Based on the higher cost of this pedal compared to cheaper competitors and past performance of Boss pedals (I own a Boss Flanger circa 1983 and it still works fine) I would guess that this pedal will perform well over time. Good luck.
Question: Does it come with an ac adapter cord
Answer: No, it's just the pedal in the box... The ac adapter is apart...
Question: does the boss os-2 take a battery instead of the ac adapter
Answer: Yes the os-2 does accept a 9 volt battery in place of the recommended adapter. Also, most other stomp box 9 volt adapters work just fine with this pedal if you have any extras but beware, using a different adapter from the one recommend by boss may result in voiding the os-2's warranty. So far I have found the os-2 to be a very versatile pedal and recommend it if you are looking to add a little color to your tone.
Question: Can the os-2 pedal also be used with a bass guitar
Answer: Bass does better with pedals that have a blend knob to preserve some dry signal because drive and distortion pedals tend to bleed lower frequencies.

BOSS Overdrive Guitar Pedal (OD-3)

BOSS

Based on 67 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Built in the tradition of the legendary BOSS overdrives, the OD-3 overdrive pedal gives guitarists a greatly expanded range of smooth overdrive tones and improved response while staying true to the original.

  • Dual-Stage Overdrive Circuit offers a level of sustain and compression unmatched by any overdrive pedal
  • Increased dynamics yield a bigger sound than any previous BOSS overdrive pedal
  • Dynamic, non-muffled tones reminiscent of classic overdriven stack amps
  • 1M-ohms Input Impedance
  • 1k-ohms Output Impedance

User questions & answers

Question: does it come with a power adapter
Answer: no, uses a 9 volt or for the power adapter you have to buy it separately. The Boss Tuner allows you to chain a series of stomp pedals to its power supply.
Question: I play guns n roses, aerosmith, ac/dc, oasis, led zeppelin... will this do the trick or a distortion ds-1 is better
Answer: There are better options to cover what you're looking for (try a specifically Marshall Super Lead-flavored pedal), but it's definitely much better than a DS-1 for what you're describing.
Question: can this give me synyster gates lead tone
Answer: This will definitely give your guitar sound a high gain tone distortion and saturation. Synyster uses a lot of different pedals from different manufacturers. He does indeed use some BOSS pedals based on some research predominantly for modulation, delay, pitch shift and eq. While for distortion and saturation and lead he uses a variety of different pedals. Also keep in mind, "tone is in the bone." Google Search Images: "Synyster Gates Pedal Board" Have fun \m/
Question: How is this different than the Sd-1 "super overdrive
Answer: I think the OD3 is a little beefier. I use the SD1 more as a boost and the OD3 as a heavier overdrive.

BOSS Distortion Guitar Pedal, Single Mode (DS-1)

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Here it is. The 1 stompbox for legions of crunch-craving guitarists all over the planet. This DS-1 distortion pedal is a time-proven mainstay of rock and metal tone, no doubt about it. Three knobs make way for practically every rock sound you've ever heard. If you dig it loud and distorted, you've simply got to have a DS-1 in your rig. And that's that.

  • Tone, leveland distortion knobs on face
  • Super-tough construction
  • Lets your true guitar tone shine

User questions & answers

Question: Weird question time: I'm about 135lbs, and a bit over-enthusiastic. If I jump about 2 feet in the air and land on this pedal, will it survive
Answer: Absolutely! You could run it over with a car. A buddy of mine dropped his phone on one and it shattered the screen!
Question: Where is this pedal made
Answer: Although alot of people instantly assume China that's not true for Boss.... Boss pedals were made in Japan up until, I dunno. Google it. But now they are made in Taiwan. The real expensive Boss stuff is sometimes still made in Japan.
Question: Im new to pedals and would like to know if this comes by itself, if it does what cables do i need
Answer: You'll just need one guitar cable from your guitar to the pedal, and a second guitar cable from the pedal to your amp. The pedal runs on a 9v battery, which is included.
Question: some reviews say this ships with no power adapter. is this true? you have to find one and buy it separately
Answer: I haven't seen this be the norm. If the pedal is unable to have a 9v battery, I have seen them include a power supply.

Product features

DS-1 Distortion Pedal

The DS-1 Distortion is a true icon in the world of guitar effects. Introduced in 1978, BOSS’s first distortion pedal defined a bold new sound, delivering hard-edged attack and smooth sustain that’s been a staple of players for generations. The DS-1 is the top-selling BOSS compact pedal ever, and its original, unchanged design continues to inspire the creation of great music everywhere. The classic DS-1 tone is behind the signature sounds of numerous rock legends, and is ready to fuel your own signature sound today.

Genre-Defining Distortion

Before the DS-1, most distortion pedals produced harsh, buzzy tones and muddy sound at high gain settings. In 1978, BOSS engineers changed all that by developing a unique distortion circuit for the DS-1 that produces tight, hard-edged gain with rich harmonics while retaining the unique characteristics of different guitars and playing techniques. Hard rock, metal, and punk styles began to flourish in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the DS-1’s tone had a defining influence on these genres. That trend has endured through multiple generations, and players around the world continue to seek out the classic DS-1 sound.

Gain from Mild to Heavy

From its modest three-knob interface, many different sound colors can be coaxed from the DS-1. Its pioneering two-stage circuit incorporates both transistor and op-amp gain stages. This approach is critical to the DS-1’s characteristic low-frequency fullness, which is loved by guitarists that play heavy music genres. The distortion knob offers an extremely wide range, from a mild boost for driving amps and pedals to full-throttle gain for monster rock riffs.

Powerful Tone Shaping

Unlike typical tone controls that only cut highs, the DS-1’s tone circuit features an innovative design that offers far more range. Turning the knob clockwise increases highs and decreases lows, while going counter-clockwise has the opposite effect. This lets you dial in everything from tight, cutting rhythm sounds to smooth, fat lead voices. The tone control is particularly effective for maintaining low-end definition when using the DS-1 as a booster with vintage-style amps, which often sound muddy when driven with other distortion pedals.

Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal

BOSS

Based on 633 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The BD-2 blues driver delivers the creamy yet crunchy sound associated with great blues guitar. This popular pedal provides instant access to the kind of warm overdrive and emotive distortion usually reserved for 30-year-old tube amps.

  • Classic "blues" guitar tones with tube amp simulation
  • Warm distortion and overdrive
  • Responds to nuance and volume changes
  • AC adaptor (not included) or 9V battery operation (included)
  • BOSS five-year warranty

User questions & answers

Question: This one or the combo drive??? any opinion? I play Rock and blues
Answer: No it it does not include a power supply.
Question: Does this pedal suck the highs and lows from the signal
Answer: The Plumes is basically a Tubescreamer with some options added (asymmetrical clipping, boost, symmetrical clipping). The EQ leans towards being bright and slightly scooped. I don't think Plumes is really fit for purpose for metal tones. In my humble opinion. Perhaps check out the EQD Tonejob plus a metal distortion pedal...
Question: Will the BD2 stack well if placed after a fuzz face to boost and shape the fuzz pedal's sound
Answer: I don't use batteries as I have a large board and use a power supply. I have tried over a dozen ODs, even boutique, and this pedal is the best. I get all the crunch gain from my Mesa, but a light OD on the clean channel is a must. You get 3 different tones with this one, and the price is stupid cheap. Their website does NOT mention battery power so I assume there is no room inside.
Question: Does the bd-2 have more distortion/overdrive available than a tube screamer
Answer: I think this is supposed to be a tube-screamer type pedal. Mine didn’t sound anything like a TS9 or 808 regardless of the settings.

Product features

BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Pedal

The BD-2 Blues Driver delivers the creamy, yet crunchy sound associated with great blues guitar. This popular pedal provides instant access to the kind of warm overdrive and emotive distortion usually reserved for 30-year-old tube amps.

Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive Bundle with Instrument Cable, Patch Cable, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

Based on 999 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adding value to your purchase, Austin Bazaar bundles your instrument with necessary accessories. Everything you need to start playing immediately comes in one box. Save yourself the hassle and save some money while you're at it. Picks are included so you can start playing right out of the box. An instrument cable is included so you have an extra. A patch cable is included so you can chain your pedals together. An Austin Bazaar polishing cloth is included so you can keep your new instrument in mint condition.



The SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal produces the warm, natural distortion of an overdriven tube amplifier while maintaining the subtle nuances of a player's picking technique. This is one of BOSS' more subtle and smooth overdrive pedals, perfect for blues and rock.

Input Impedance: 470 k ohms

Output Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater

Connectors: INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply: DC 9 V: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor

Current Draw: 6 mA (DC 9 V)

Accessories: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V)

Option: AC Adaptor (PSA-Series)



Input Impedance: 470 k ohms

Output Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater

Connectors: INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply: DC 9 V: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor

Current Draw: 6 mA (DC 9 V)

Accessories: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V)

Option: AC Adaptor (PSA-Series)

  • Warm, smooth overdrive sounds
  • Connectors: INPUT jack, OUTPUT jack, AC adaptor jack
  • Includes a Tone control
  • Includes 9V battery
  • BOSS five-year warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Does the pedal need to be plugged into a wall outlet
Answer: No. It will operate on a 9 volt battery ( boss compact pedals like this usually come with one due to testing at the factory) or AC voltage by a Boss PSA adapter or the one mentioned in item description.
Question: what kind of charger does this pedal use? and do most of them use the same charger
Answer: All pedals by boss use the same a 9v battery or a Boss PSA-120S Power Adapter, this adapter is available here on amazon
Question: Will this work for a bass guitar
Answer: Having tried it back in my high school band days, no. It won't. You'll get a weird 'tone suck' effect that'll kill the sound of your bass. Get the Bass Overdrive instead (https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-Audio-ODB-3-Boss-Overdrive/dp/B0002CZVAU/); it will give you the distortion sound you're after and is very very versatile. Be careful using it with a normal guitar though, I managed to rip the speaker in my first guitar amp in half by doing so! It was a very cheap keyboard amp though...
Question: so can you both put 9v batteries in it or charge it
Answer: i dont understand your question but, the pedal have a 9v batts and a slot to connect a power cable... the battery its no recargable, i recommend have one batt working on pedal, one of support and conect the pedal to power bank or direct with Boss PSA-120S Power Adapter available here on amazon too

BOSS 4 String Special Edition Overdrive Guitar Pedal (OD-1X)

BOSS

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Special edition BOSS Pedal with premium tone The OD-1X launches the famous BOSS Overdrive into a modern era Of expression, delivering an unmatched level of performance for guitarists with an ear for tone. This next-generation stomp combines over 35 years of innovation in pedal design with the most advanced technologies, bringing you a completely new tonal experience that’s only possible with the legendary expertise of BOSS. Prepare to be amazed inspiring and ultra-responsive OD-1X will change your thinking about overdrive pedals forever.

  • Special edition BOSS Overdrive pedal with next-generation sound, feel, and response
  • All-new design provides a superior playing experience that’s unattainable with analog overdrive pedals
  • Powerful real-time processing delivers rich, wide-range sounds with natural compression
  • Bold, high-definition tone that’s also smooth and refined
  • Preserves the unique tonal characteristics of different guitars and pickup types

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between the boss x series vs the waza craft, e.g.: boss sd1x vs sd1w
Answer: I am not familiar with the waza craft but I recently purchased the Boss OD-1X and the OS-1x. They are the only pedals I need for an over driven sound ranging from crunch to full blown distortion. I like the way each individual string can be heard when playing chords (if you desire) rather than just one big overdriven or distorted sound.

BOSS Guitar Chorus Effects Pedal, yellow (ODB-3)

BOSS

Based on 94 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The ODB-3 Bass OverDrive delivers the chest-resonating distortion that hard rock, thrash, and punk bassists have been waiting for. This hot compact pedal has been designed specifically for bass applications.

  • Get mild overdrive to hard distortion Works for four- and five-string basses Balance control lets you mix signals Can be used as a two-band EQ

User questions & answers

Question: how to possibly eliminate the "buzz
Answer: Yes , you can but we also make dedicated electric guitar Fly Rigs. The original Fly Rig and the RK Fly Rig. feature set more appropriate for guitar vs bass.
Question: The item title is listed as "chorus," but everything else seems to indicate "bass overdrive." Is the title just incorrect
Answer: I haven't used a V2 sansamp driver. I used someone else's V1 a while back. Unfortunately I can't remember how that compares to the character knob on the Fly Rig. I will say that it seems to be very versatile in sound. You can a really boomy low end SVT sound or go very clean and modern. Don't know if that helps
Question: Can this cut out the bass signal by being turned on and off
Answer: You can use the app on your phone or tablet. I think the connection is stronger and the interface easier to use on the computer. You can do dip editing on the computer to create patches and do on the fly editing with the app, which is what I would do.

Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion Bundle with Power Supply, Instrument Cable, Patch Cable, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

BOSS

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adding value to your purchase, Austin Bazaar bundles your instrument with necessary accessories. Everything you need to start playing immediately comes in one box. Save yourself the hassle and save some money while you're at it. Picks are included so you can start playing right out of the box. A power supply is included so you can plug in and play right away. An instrument cable is included so you have an extra. A patch cable is included so you can chain your pedals together. An Austin Bazaar polishing cloth is included so you can keep your new instrument in mint condition.



The OS-2 gives players a choice of overdrive or distortion or lets them combine both -- all in a single compact pedal. Its distortion maintains the subtle nuances of single-coil guitar pickups.

Input Impedance: 1 M ohms

Output Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater

Equivalent Input Noise Level: -100 dBu or less (IHF-A, Typ.)

Connectors: INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply: DC 9 V: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor

Current Draw: 12 mA (DC 9 V)

Accessories: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V)

Option: AC Adaptor (PSA-Series)



Input Impedance: 1 M ohms

Output Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater

Equivalent Input Noise Level: -100 dBu or less (IHF-A, Typ.)

Connectors: INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply: DC 9 V: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor

Current Draw: 12 mA (DC 9 V)

Accessories: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V)

Option: AC Adaptor (PSA-Series)

  • Flexible distortion pedal capable of producing blended overdrive/distortion sounds
  • Provides both "over-the-top" distortion sounds and less extreme overdrive tones for rhythm playing
  • Includes Level, Tone, Drive and Color controls for precise tonal shaping
  • Distortion maintains the subtle nuances of single-coil guitar pickups
  • BOSS 5-year warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Does anyone else get a whistling sound when it's on? How do i fix it
Answer: It’s the power adapter. I had the same problem. I replaced it with a better adapter (can’t mention the product name but it rhymes with Thru Cone) and the whistling went away.

Boss SD-1W Super Overdrive Waza Craft Guitar Effects Pedal

BOSS

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Passionately designed by the master engineers at BOSS in Japan, the Waza Craft SD-1W Super Overdrive delivers a premium stomp experience that fans of customized pedal tone will love. Crafted with an ear for highly refined sound, the SD-1W hot rods the famous BOSS overdrive with all-discrete analog circuitry. Standard mode captures the classic SD-1 sound while Custom mode offers new tonal range and gain. Since the beginning, the engineers at BOSS have been committed to achieving the finest guitar tones using any technology necessary, from old-school analog circuits to high-tech DSP. Continuing this enthusiastic spirit, we are pleased to introduce the new Waza Craft series. In Japan, "Waza" is the term for art and technique, and these special edition pedals proudly carry the Waza symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS design and craftsmanship. With final sound approval carried out by BOSS in Japan, the Waza Craft series brings you exceptional tone and touch response through carefully-selected analog components, refined circuitry, and meticulous attention to detail.

  • Special edition Waza Craft pedal delivers the ultimate BOSS tone experiencePremium sound based on the legendary SD-1 Super OverdriveNewly revised, all-analog discrete amplifier circuitStandard and Custom sound modes Highly responsive to picking dynamics and volume changesBOSS five-year

User questions & answers

Question: Has anybody compared this pedal to the boss od-1x? differences, similarities
Answer: I own both pedals, and I'd say that it depends on how you use it. The SD-1 is by far one of the best OD's for high-gain/heavy palm-muting style riffs (like thrash metal, etc.); very sharp and clear, and I even prefer it slightly to the TS-9/OD808 and definitely prefer it to the OD1x for that purpose. The OD1x is a bit more brittle sounding, but I like that gain structure when playing around on a low-gain clean channel, when I'm in the mood for pedal gain: I can dial in a Blues Driver-ish sound. Overall, I greatly prefer the SD-1 (Waza or otherwise).
Question: Where's the pedal made
Answer: Depends on what they ship you. Some Waza models before Nov 2017 were actually made in Taiwan (like my Waza tuner), so it will depend on what the seller has on hand. Apparently, the manufacturing has now moved to Japan.

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