BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal, Classic Tones for All Types of Music, The benchmark in Guitar distortion,Orange

Product Information

Level adjusts volume. We did notice the DS-1 is not as loud as most of the other pedals on this list. If you start to think of this as a utility pedal, it really opens up some doors. By “utility” I mean using it alongside other pedals to add a little something extra.

To bring you the best distortions out there, we keep current and extensively research new products. We periodically review and revise this list as new pedals are released. Essentially, because distortion is critical to good metal tones, pedals that target metal are relatively full featured and nuanced.

Distortion Pedals That Didn't Make the Cut

Phaser is a naturally versatile modulation effect. From overdrive to reverb, it can enhance, expand, and excite a guitar tone. Read more… Pedal Partners: Combining Chorus with Other Effects The Boss DS-1 has a very simple set of controls consisting of three knobs: tone, level, and distortion. We run them through different combinations of guitars and amplifiers, since changing the signal chain can greatly affect the sound of a distortion pedal. Another great feature is that it can be powered using either a mains adaptor or a 9v battery. This is pretty handy if you’ve ever forgotten to bring your adaptor to a gig (as I’ve done before…). Build Quality It's not our favorite sounding in any single category, but it can handle them all extremely well. If you are limited to a single drive pedal or want to put together a minimal pedalboard, this is a great option.

AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately) Current Draw 10 mA Expected battery life under continuous use Carbon: Approx. 50 hours

If an item can not be repaired, a similar alternative product or cash discount (as defined in this policy) will be offered The version 3 is an update that adds a little headroom, slightly different voicing, as well as a more extensive EQ instead of the tone control knob on the V2. We should also mention there is an Andy Timmons signature pedal from JHS that is based on this platform with selectable headroom (15, 50, or 100 watts), if that is important to you, but you will sacrifice some control in the EQ. Really, though, you can’t go wrong with either option. The level knob sets the loudness of the pedal’s output. As you’d expect, turning it down makes the pedal quieter, and turning it up makes the pedal louder. Discover the differences between these three pedals. Explore how they sound, how they’re used, and which one might work for you. Read more… What’s the Difference Between Overdrive and Distortion?

Fuzz pedals are a different beast altogether, clipping your sound hard and resulting in a huge sound. However, it's more difficult to articulate individual notes with a fuzz pedal. The different types of drive pedals, explained. Overdrive vs. Distortion vs. Fuzz Brendon Small is a TV writer, producer, comedian, and voice actor who’s best known as co-creator of the hit animated series Metalocalypse on Adult Swim. Read more… The distortion tones, features, and build quality of the Pugilist had us in disbelief how far Fender has come with effect pedals. The Pugilist has a well-designed gold anodized aluminum chassis and features magnetically latched 9V battery door that is spring loaded so you can reach the battery without even taking the pedal off your board. The cleverest design feature though is the control knobs are illuminated with blue LEDs, giving the pedal an easy to read sapphire glow, which can be switched off if its not your thing. All this attention to detail and the golden Fender amp-style jewel indicator light combine to make a gorgeous minimalist pedal. The Pugilist has brilliantly lit knobs and an indicator reminiscent of a Fender amp jewel. It really is a beautiful pedal. The RAT is the most unique sounding. It has a very distinctive 70% distortion/30% fuzz kind of sound, and there are dozens of pedals out there that try to capture its tone and improve on it. Many have come close, but if you want that RAT sound, it's simple - get a RAT! For what it costs, it's easy to buy and similarly easy to sell if it ends up not being your flavor. Legendary guitarist Steve Vai is a longtime user of BOSS pedals and Roland gear, including the DS-1. The orange distortion was essential to his tone in his earlier years. He’s since moved on to a now-discontinued dual-distortion signature pedal, of which one side is influenced by the DS-1. However, as Thomas Nordegg, his longtime guitar tech, told BOSS Users Group , “From ’99 on up, yeah, he used the DS-1. That was his main pedal. Forever he had the DS-1, always.” George Lynch

But, it’s not all about rhythm. I think the DS-1 really shines when it comes to lead guitar. Lead guitar tones Unlike typical tone controls that simply cut highs, the DS-1 features a “tilt” EQ that affects lows and highs with a single control. Turning the knob simultaneously boosts and cuts each end of the spectrum, providing just the right sound for any playing scenario.