Boss DS-1 Compact Distortion Pedal

Compact distortion pedal, the iconic guitar effect that has shaped rock, metal and punk – Orange

The DS-1 Distortion is an icon in the world of guitar effects. Introduced in 1978, it was BOSS’s first distortion pedal and offered a rich, unprecedented sound, with an edgy attack and smooth sustain that has been thrilling guitarists for generations. The DS-1 is the best-selling BOSS compact pedal of all time, and its unchanged design continues to inspire the creation of great music to this day. The DS-1’s famous tone has shaped the sound of countless rock legends – and now it’s your turn. Most distortion pedals that preceded the DS-1 produced a harsh, buzzing sound and a muddy tone when the controls were turned up. In 1978, BOSS engineers broke with this tradition and developed a unique circuit for the DS-1 that produces a clear, edgy gain with harmonics, whilst preserving the unique tonal characteristics of the individual guitar and playing technique. In the 1970s and 1980s, new musical genres such as hard rock, metal and punk emerged, all of which were heavily influenced by the sound of the DS-1. The DS-1 has shaped generations of musicians, and even today, guitarists all over the world swear by its classic sound. Despite its straightforward interface with just three controls, the DS-1 can produce a wide variety of different tones. Its pioneering two-stage circuit incorporates both transistor and op-amp gain stages. This is crucial to the DS-1’s characteristic full-bodied sound, even at low frequencies, which is particularly appreciated by guitarists in heavier genres. The Distortion control offers the full range, from a little extra punch for gently flowing amps and pedals, right through to extreme distortion for powerful rock riffs. Unlike conventional tone controls, which simply cut the treble, the DS-1’s tone circuit features an innovative design that offers significantly more scope. Turning the knob clockwise boosts the treble and cuts the bass; turning it anti-clockwise does the opposite. This allows for settings suited to sharp, cutting rhythms as well as rich, smooth lead tones. With conventional distortion pedals, the low frequencies often become muffled and muddy when used with vintage-style amps. The DS-1 offers the option to avoid this undesirable effect via the tone control, ensuring clear bass response.