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Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 4,083 ratings

Single Mode
Standard
Pedal
Brand BOSS
Style Standard
Color Orange
Product Dimensions 5.5"L x 3"W x 8.75"H
Item Weight 0.49 Kilograms

About this item

  • Disttion Effects Pedal f Guitar
  • Keyboard with Disttion
  • Tone Controls
  • Level
  • Bass

Product information

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Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal


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Product guides and documents

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.


From the manufacturer

BOSS DS-1
BOSS DS-1

DS-1 Distortion Pedal

THE BENCHMARK IN GUITAR DISTORTION

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.

  • Legendary distortion used by guitarists everywhere since 1978
  • Classic tones for all types of music
  • Hard-edged attack remains clear even at maximum distortion settings
  • Works great as a booster at low distortion settings

BOSS DS-1

BOSS DS-1

BOSS DS-1

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 DS-1

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Price$140.99$70.99$144.49$109.99-10% $89.99
List:$99.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 28
Get it May 24 - 29
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 28
Get it as soon as Monday, May 27
Customer Ratings
Versatility
4.2
4.6
4.0
4.8
4.5
4.5
Value for money
4.4
4.8
4.6
4.6
Easy to use
4.9
4.8
4.8
Flavor
4.9
5.0
5.0
Sturdiness
4.5
5.0
5.0
Sold By
Amazon.com
GearNuts
Future Station
Austin Bazaar
Austin Bazaar
power source
Corded Electric
Corded Electric, Battery Powered
Corded Electric
Battery Powered
Adapter
amperage
20 milliamps
50 milliamps
4 milliamps
0 milliamps
15 milliamps
signal format
Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog
Analog
controls type
Knob
Knob
Knob
Knob
Knob
Knob
voltage
9 volts
9 volts
9 volts
9 volts
9 volts
style
Standard
Distortion
Compact
Distortion
Distortion
Distortion,Multi-effects,Overdrive

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
4,083 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the build quality, quality and ease of use of the guitar effect device. They mention that it's built solid, dependable and easy to set up. They appreciate the rich sound and the way it maneuvers the guitar sound. That said, some complain about the power adapter and have mixed opinions on battery life.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

201 customers mention173 positive28 negative

Customers generally like the quality of the guitar effect device. They mention it's one of the best pedals ever made, and a great starter pedal at a fair price for a new guitarist. Some say it has a high-quality stereo condenser microphone built in for instant audio.

"...But it has that kind of snarl you're looking for. Not muffy or woofy." Read more

"...It's not the most unique or robust pedal out there but it's cheap and effective and can get you that ds-1 sound you want." Read more

"Very nice peddle, Boss is nice." Read more

"This pedal is great. I used it on my Gibson LP 100 and Roland drum machine and man...It sounds like a dream...." Read more

142 customers mention107 positive35 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the guitar effect device. They say it has a rich sound, and simple mechanics. They also appreciate the versatility of sounds that can be achieved using this pedal. Customers also mention that it faithfully reproduces all the lower frequencies and plays a stringed melody of its own.

"The turbo switch sounds best. But it has that kind of snarl you're looking for. Not muffy or woofy." Read more

"...The DS-2 has a higher output level volume!! I cant believe I didnt know this before. I've waited all these years to upgrade, but worth it...." Read more

"...finding the tone you're after a lot easier and makes room for some really interesting sounds. Try to find a used one to save some money...." Read more

"...and adjusted the tone of it to produce lower frequencies and it sounded thick...." Read more

44 customers mention38 positive6 negative

Customers like the build quality of the guitar effect device. They say it's built solid, like a tank, and dependable. Some mention that it'll last a long time.

"...guitar center and spend 25$ for a used one...These things are very indestructible.Hope this helps." Read more

"...Designwise they are built like a brick...." Read more

"...BOSS builds quality lasting products. This company is owned now by Roland, which is mainly known for their keyboard line...." Read more

"Boss is the Standard by which other pedals are measured . They are reliable , built like a tank and they last . The Boss pedals I owned in..." Read more

24 customers mention24 positive0 negative

Customers find the guitar effect device easy to use. They say the settings are easy to deal with, and the pedal is easy to set up. The instructions include some dial settings as shortcuts to get the sound you are looking for. Customers also mention that the pedal has simple mechanics and is easy for them to modify to their liking.

"...as you'd expect and pressing the pedal is responsive and not too hard to press down.Any guitarist would enjoy this pedal." Read more

"...and it becomes a fantastic sounding stomp box that gives great depth and feel to even the cheapest, crappiest chinese plywood guitar...." Read more

"Rockin’ out! It makes me want to play more; and this is great for an ol’ man like me...." Read more

"...The instructions include some dial settings as shortcuts to get the sound you are looking for. It's awesome, one of the best pedals I own." Read more

14 customers mention14 positive0 negative

Customers find the guitar effect device versatile and good for certain applications. They say it's great for everything from old rock to modern hardcore. Some mention it'll give a great classic rock boost.

"...The DS-2 pedal is much more versatile and customizable than the DS-1 but I'm glad I have both as there are times when one is necessary whereas the..." Read more

"...I give this a slight edge over the overdrive box because it seems more versatile. It can take you to places that the overdrive box can't." Read more

"...blue jay which sounds great by it self and the sd-1 gave it great classic rock boost...but i need something to push that little tube amp over the top..." Read more

"Great for classic rock and even heavy metal." Read more

17 customers mention7 positive10 negative

Customers are mixed about the battery life of the guitar effect device. Some mention it takes a battery as well as 9v DC converter, and has reasonable battery life. However, others say that the included battery only lasts about 2 days and is already dead after the initial use.

"...The included battery only lasts about 2 days but that's to be expected)." Read more

"...It came with a battery installed, unfortunately a week after the initial use, the battery was already dead, now powering with an ac adapter." Read more

"Drains batteries very quickly" Read more

"...Nothing fancy or complicated. And with reasonable battery life. I have used this pedal now for 4 gigs and it does exactly what I wanted...." Read more

19 customers mention0 positive19 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the power adapter of the guitar effect device. They mention that it doesn't come with an AC adapter or an extra guitar cable.

"...One thing I didn't know is that it requires a charger, otherwise you will need to purchase batteries..." Read more

"...Just don’t forget to purchase the power adapter. It doesn’t come with one." Read more

"...The cable is not included nor the power supply...." Read more

"...The only problem in have with this pedal is that you have to buy the power adapter separately which is kinda weird I feel like it should be included..." Read more

Not a bad pedal...not sure it's worth the $$$
4 Stars
Not a bad pedal...not sure it's worth the $$$
I'm keeping it, even though for my use, it's probably over-priced...I think the key to this pedal is the same as the regular DS-1...you have to keep that treble way down, otherwise it gets too thin and fizzy. I'm using it to replace my TS-9, as it's old and not reliable anymore, plus, I've never been a fan of the clean-blend circuitry. It sounds pretty good for the basic Strat single coil neck blues tone. You can hear a lot of great demos on YouTube, however, that's all BS. Most of them are using high end amps that the average local player isn't using.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2024
Size: (DS-2)Style: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
The turbo switch sounds best. But it has that kind of snarl you're looking for. Not muffy or woofy.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
You know why you want one, it's because everyone uses it. It's not the most unique or robust pedal out there but it's cheap and effective and can get you that ds-1 sound you want.
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
Size: (DS-2)Style: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
I've used my DS-1 for years, and loved it, but I have always had an issue where the clean signal is higher volume than full level on the DS-1. I purchased a boost pedal which worked, but didn't like having to press many pedals in a row every time switching sounds. I was just about to buy a pedal switcher, and watched a review showing the DS-1 vs DS-2. The DS-2 has a higher output level volume!! I cant believe I didnt know this before. I've waited all these years to upgrade, but worth it. Where I used to have the level maxed, I can now have it 3/4 and its higher volume than the clean tone.
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
Very nice peddle, Boss is nice.
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
While I like this pedal I'm glad I also have Boss's Turbo Distortion pedal (DS-2) and their overdrive pedal (SD-1). The DS-2 pedal is much more versatile and customizable than the DS-1 but I'm glad I have both as there are times when one is necessary whereas the other is not. Using two or three of these together makes finding the tone you're after a lot easier and makes room for some really interesting sounds. Try to find a used one to save some money. I paid a little over $60 for this pedal. It did take a bit of fiddling to dial in the tone I was after whereas the DS-2 seems to be a bit easier to do so. Anyway I recommend this pedal.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
Boutique Pedal makes offer a variety of option, and many times much more. However, this distortion pedal does it all, if your willing to learn it. Texas, Delta, Chicago Blues, and even does the mythical "Dumble Amp" by simply turning down the gain and about about 11 o'clock on the "Tone" and "Level".

When it comes to the gain, it easily goes from mild to wild, a lot of territory that it can easily cover, but my forte is Blues, in style of Robben Ford, Stevie Ray Vaughan (far from playing like him, but at least I can sound like him), BB King, and Gary Moore.

Don't be fooled by the low price, it does much more than many other offerings out there, and has been around since 1978.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
This pedal is exactly as described, so far so good, I was afraid of the parts not being built as the originals but everything is working as expected, no complaints , cant go wrong with this one. One thing I didn't know is that it requires a charger, otherwise you will need to purchase batteries (make sure to turn it off or unplug otherwise you could be in trouble in the middle of a gig)
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2022
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
This pedal is great. I used it on my Gibson LP 100 and Roland drum machine and man...
It sounds like a dream. There's definitely a lot to work with here.

I don't know what these other people mean by saying "mid-high or high-gain is only achievable with this".
I tested the pedal myself and adjusted the tone of it to produce lower frequencies and it sounded thick. I wouldn't ever use this for low, low sounds but, that's not to say that someone wouldn't.
If you're receiving a brighter sound out of it and want it to be lower, it's likely that you are playing an instrument that's already producing a bright sound. I can't hit my cymbal on my drum machine and complain about the lack of bass through the distorted sound because there no low end frequencies to work with in the first place.

There is a meal on a silver platter, and you hold the power to possess this meal. But you have to inquire about it. This pedal is your waiter, menu and utensils that can help you indulge in it.

But in all seriousness. I have spent so many hours on specifically distorting my sounds through digital pre-sets and such. They've sounded great afterwards, but that's not the point...
No the point is, is that this device right here:

1) Cuts the distortion editing process time in half.

2) Saves up RAM + Helps avoid potential latency issues in your DAW (if you're like me and use a shitload of presets) which in turn, creates more efficient, easier work flow.

3) Creates an effortlessly attractive flare to your sound.

If you have the money get it. If you don't, go on eBay or to guitar center and spend 25$ for a used one...These things are very indestructible.
Hope this helps.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Nicolas Calister
5.0 out of 5 stars De acordo com o esperado.
Reviewed in Brazil on March 20, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
Produto bem embalado. Vem com o pedal e uma bateria 9v. Para funcionar sem a bateria você precisa uma fonte, como descrito no produto.
Miguel
5.0 out of 5 stars Buen producto
Reviewed in Mexico on January 9, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
Excelente calidad
bluesmanbill
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tone and variable distortion control
Reviewed in Canada on October 28, 2023
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
I've been a longtime user of Boss pedals and never been disappointed with their products as they are high quality and have never failed me. That being said, and as great as this pedal is, it will never be as good if used with a transitorized amp--tube amps still rock and make a difference, even with pedals. But, it won't disappoint users. It does exude a high level of treble so I agree with a YouTube review that I watched where they said the treble was too much for them and they preferred to dial it done. (I did the same thing when testing it out). Of course, depending on your amp and guitar and pickups you'll have to find you happy settings just like I did.
Luis Mario Martinez Oropeza
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente pedal!
Reviewed in Mexico on August 1, 2023
Size: (DS-2)Style: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
Excelente mercancia y entregado en tiempo!
Lili
5.0 out of 5 stars Sound quality and construction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2024
Size: Single ModeStyle: StandardPattern Name: PedalVerified Purchase
This is my second BOSS distorsion pedal. The first one is quite old now but still works. This is still one of the best pedals out there.
Maybe price point is high but quality does not disappoint