BOSS Guitar Pedal Overview

Guitar pedals are one of the most sought-after pieces of gear for guitar players. If you have been considering getting these devices, then you have come to the right place.

These stompboxes are something that gets every musician excited. Though you may still be unfamiliar with them. But, some instruments and tools can turn your guitar into a more versatile machine. There is a wide market for stompboxes, which makes choosing quite challenging. Particularly if you don't know what to look for.

different kinds of BOSS stompboxes are laid out on a table

Is BOSS A Trusted Brand For Stompboxes?

There are a lot of companies in the stompbox game. For a guitarist who relies on effects pedals heavily, it might be confusing about what to get.

But despite this sea of competitors, one brand continues to stand out above all others: BOSS.

BOSS, a leader in stompbox design, is part of the world’s largest musical brand. Their stompboxes come in all shapes and sizes. With distortion, overdrive, flanger, phaser, and even reverb effects available.

So, if you’re in the market for a new pedal and have yet to try one from BOSS, the variety of effects available is limitless.

Whether you’re looking for distortion, delay, or any kind of effect, you should be able to find it among these carefully curated stompboxes.

Are BOSS Guitar Pedals Good? Why You Should Get Stompboxes From BOSS

It’s not a tough question to answer, given the rich history that BOSS pedals have had. These iconic pedals were the ones that drew most musicians in. With their compact and portable enclosure design, consistent sound quality, and robust construction.

Despite the tons of pedal brands out there, BOSS has so many adoring fans due to its renowned products. Instead of becoming complacent as others, BOSS still strives to pioneer new effects. Above all, they aim to provide guitarists with a wide range of tones to play with.

BOSS guitar pedals have been around for 40 years. You'll notice that their early launches might not seem like much. But compared to those we see now, they were innovative for their time.

Offers a great deal of variety

Professional musicians worldwide use BOSS guitar pedals. BOSS makes a huge range of products. They manufactured innovative devices. From guitar pedals to modular effects and metronomes. The majority of its consists of various types of stompboxes.

Since its founding in 1973, BOSS is the go-to stompbox for tours, recordings, and TV programs.

If you’re looking for a specific stompbox that will suit your needs, BOSS has something to offer! Different effects such as Distortion/Overdrive, Acoustic, 200 and 500 series, and more!

Solidly built products

BOSS is the top brand when it comes to durability. From the first BOSS pedal from 1970 to the modern contemporary range. It can be easier to think of BOSS effects with reference to generations.

Musicians love BOSS effects pedals because of their flexibility and sturdy construction. If you're starting with BOSS guitar pedals, they won't let you down. Since the start, they have had a reputation for creating solidly built products. Expect that these can survive repeated stomping.

They look like black-to-colored, metal beasts! But, upon closer inspection, pedals in the BOSS lineup are durable and built with a lot of care.

But the main reason that BOSS pedals are so popular? They’re built to last.

BOSS Guitar Pedals Variants

Musicians salute BOSS for their products but their pedals are among the most popular. They're touted throughout the guitar industry as some of the best stompboxes on the planet.

Guitar pedals are beautiful buzzing pieces of gear. When you have the instrument and amp dialed in, all you need to do is tweak, but what type of tweak?

different types of stompboxes are laid out on a carpet with an electric guitar and wires

Below is an overview of the different types of guitar pedals available. So that you can choose between them and find what piece of gear is right for you.

Distortion & Overdrive

Distortion

Distortion pedals are the most recognizable type of effects used by electric guitarists.

While they can come in different shapes and sizes, they all have one in common. It is the ability to alter the basic sound that comes from the guitar more dramatically. The effect created an already distorted signal into a circuit which provides even more distortion.

It adds an edgy and gritty quality to the sound making it more interesting when playing. You can get a lot of different tones with distortion. But that gritty overdriven sound will always be like Rock. The tone produced sounds like your amp is being pushed to its limit. BOSS designed this stompbox to emulate that rock tone. Also, it enables players to switch between distortion and clean sounds.

Distortion pedals can range from minor overdrive to extreme amounts of clipping.

Overdrive

The overdrive is a guitar effect. It produces a distorted sound, emulating the sound of an amplifier when pushed past its capabilities. In standard electric guitar and bass amplifiers, the preamp stage is followed by one or more power stages driven by the main voltage coming from the mains.

They’re affordable and can do wonders for your tone. Whether you’re a beginner, looking to upgrade to something better, or want to see what this whole overdrive pedal craze is all about.

We’ve included the top distortion/overdrive pedals produced by BOSS. Each has its unique sound and personality—you need to find one that fits your playing style!

BOSS Guitar Pedals: Distortion/Overdrive

Delay & Reverb

Delay

Delay pedals are a necessary tool for guitar players. They can turn your average guitar riff into something more exciting and satisfying.

Delay on guitar has changed dramatically in recent years. With the rise of indie, punk rock, and stadium rock, the delay pedal has seen exponential new uses.

There's a delay in your signal. That is, there's a time gap between the original sound and its delayed version. Delay pedals create this time gap to give you some unique audio effects. This enhances your lead and rhythm guitar playing.

But that isn't all that delay pedals do. They also create ambient sounds and add depth to your clean playing. It also creates swells and builds crescendos, or even creates “fills”.

Yet, these pedals can be frustrating to a beginner new to the stompbox game. When you first fire up your pedal, it's not uncommon to hear white noise or silence—or even a buzzing guitar chord. This is more than likely a delay pedal clashing with your tone and sound.

Finding the right sound is sometimes an elusive goal of many guitarists. Especially when they are starting.

Reverb

Reverb is one of the most important aspects of recording and it’s one of the best effects you can have on your guitar rig. But it’s also super fun to mess around with and even use as a standalone effect.

Reverb can make even the simplest guitar parts sound more full and like they’re in a huge space. It’s a brilliant effect that knows no musical bounds.

A reverb is basically an echo. How we hear reverb by hearing the original sound (dry) and then the reflections of that sound (wet). So with one pedal, you can get 100 different sounds! Of course, it's more complicated for the player because you have to figure out how long to hold the note. And when to turn off the effect which plays a big part in getting that sound.

It may be one of the most misunderstood effects in the world of music. But, they consider Reverb an essential effect. Because it can add a sense of space or dimension to your sound depending on how they use it.

The only trouble is that it is easy to overuse, which can throw off the ambiance you are trying to create.

Reverb effects pedals are great tools to enhance your rig. There are a lot of options out there today. But if you take the time to understand how reverbs work, you'll be able to choose the best reverb pedal for your style.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: Delay/Reverb

RE-202 Space Echo
RE-2 Space Echo
DD-8 Digital Delay
DD-3T Digital Delay
DM-2W Delay
DD-200 Digital Delay
DD-500 Digital Delay
DD-3 Digital Delay
DD-7 Digital Delay
RV-500 Reverb
RV-6 Reverb
TE-2 Tera Echo

Pitch & Modulation

Pitch

Pitch effects pedals have been a huge part of the world of music from early on.

They were some of the first popular guitar effects, and they are still going strong today. With advances in technology, they’re becoming smarter and more intuitive all the time.

Pitch, pitch shift, octave, and harmony effects all belong to a family of audio effects known as pitch/frequency effects.

Pitch effects change the pitch of an initial sound. While pitch shift makes the primary sound higher in frequency, adding a new harmony to it. The octave and harmony effects do both. Some pitch/frequency effects cause the guitar’s signal to be cleaner or brighter overall. While others produce harsh or metallic sounds.

Modulation

When it comes to making use of pedals, modulation effects are the most transformative of all. They work by altering the tonal properties of the guitar’s signal. Causing variations in the prominence of a particular effect over time.

You’ll find that modulation effects can enhance a wide variety of your playing. Everything from clean blues licks to wailing solos. While also creating soundscapes and textures which are impossible before.

Modulation is the process of altering sounds by adding electronic information to them. At its most basic, modulation could include overdubbing something onto itself. Simple speed variations and delay can be forms of modulation.

You’ll find that endless variations of pitch are also forms of modulation.

This is one of the most common techniques used in making stompboxes. It has several different effects in the subheadings of the chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, wah-wah, and octaver.

Because all these different effects use similar electronic filters. This has been shifted or modulated around a basic tone to create the impression of different tones. These different mods do use a similar base concept, each has its characteristics and uses. E.g., a chorus will generate an effect much like it sounds like many people playing the guitar at once. This particular mod will usually give you a richer tone while also affecting notes that are higher up on the fretboard.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: Pitch/Modulation

OC-5 Octave
DC -2W Dimension C
CE-2W Chorus
VB-2W Vibrato
MD-200 Modulation
MD-500 Modulation
BF-3 Flanger
CE-5 Chorus Ensemble
CH-1 Super Chorus
MO-2 Multi Overtone
PH-3 Phase Shifter
PS-6 Harmonist
TR-2 Tremolo

different variants of BOSS stompboxes ready to be used by the musician

Dynamics & Filter

Dynamics

Dynamics need to be controlled! There's no way around it. You may think that you can get away with a certain volume range and skip over these. But as mentioned, not having these pedals will make some of the effects hard to use in a signal chain. And it's not about how much gain or effect your signal is getting either.

These pedals control how much signal is being passed through without changing the sound itself (volume level). What good is it to have a digital delay if you can't mute all of the delay repeats but also get it loud enough in the mix?

Along with delay, a dynamics pedal is pretty much the first thing that should add to a guitar pedalboard. Many guitar players don’t realize how important these volumes are in their signal chain.

The more intricate effects such as distortion and overdrive can provide you with excellent tones. But it is important to have control over your overall level and volume if you want them to work well.

Filter

Looking to add a new sound or some genuine color to your tone? Consider investing in one of these filter pedals.

So what does a filter do? It chops off the tops or bottoms of your sound wave. It's possible to take the square waves you get from an envelope. And turn them into filtered waves by removing unwanted frequencies.

In adjusting the filter, you're changing both frequencies in your sound and their amplitudes.

Filter pedals are a great way to refine the quality of your guitar tone. This can help you achieve that perfect sound that is different for every user. Not only this, but they also enable you to sculpt the tone of different parts of the same song.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: Dynamics/Filter

EQ-200 Graphic Equalizer
CP-1X Compressor
PW-3 Wah Pedal
AW-3 Dynamic Wah
CS-3 Compression Sustainer
GE-7 Graphic Equalizer

Acoustic

Known for their superior sound quality and material, acoustic guitars are widely played today. They have gained popularity over the years. Becoming the go-to choice of musicians who play at smaller gatherings and don’t need a loud sound.

Yet, one of the problems of acoustic guitars is that they don't have any effects, unlike electric ones. But, you can solve this by using stompboxes. The acoustics sound great on their own. But using an effects pedal with it can enhance the guitar’s sound even further.

Stompboxes are effects pedals used on electric guitars. Today, acoustic guitar players also used this, too.

Preamps — or "pre-amps" — are the key to getting any sort of voiceable sound out of your acoustic guitar. With some creative ingenuity and a keen ear, a good preamp can be what you need to get that full, strong sound you hear in your head.

Here is the list of Acoustic Preamp, Singer, and Simulator you should check out.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: Acoustic

AD-10 Acoustic Preamp
AD-2 Acoustic Preamp
VE-8 Acoustic Singer
AC-3 Acoustic Simulator

Bass Pedals

Bass pedals can be an awesome addition to your live sound, studio setups, and even for recording. They are capable of adding complex audio harnesses to your bass tone.

Bass guitar pedals are for these main favors: to add a baseline to your bass, to improve your sound, and emphasize various frequencies.

Your sound is the most important aspect of your playing. There are a wide variety of pedals out there to help you achieve your tone. Bass pedals are great for realigning your sound, and many use this for both live and studio setups.

BOSS guitar pedal are the perfect example of how a pedal can change your tone and playability. There is also an extensive variety to choose from. You'll find bass pedals from the BOSS range. This includes compact stompboxes that let you get creative on the go.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: Bass Pedals

BC-1X Bass Comp
BB-1x Bass Driver
CEB-3 Bass Chorus
GEB-7 Bass Equalizer
LMB-3 Bass Limiter/Enhancer
ODB-3 Bass OverDrive
SYB-5 Bass Synthesizer

200 Series

It's been almost two decades since the last generation of BOSS guitar pedal arrived. And we're back again with the latest generation!

They sport improved build quality and offer a wide range of sounds that can be adapted to any style. From clean to distorted, you'll find one in this series that will meet your needs.

Whether you're a musician who's looking for vintage stompbox sounds, or a sound engineer looking for pristine audio quality, the BOSS 200 series has something for you.

The BOSS 200 series features pedals has advanced sound and versatility. BOSS invested in new technology to create a streamlined size with easy-to-use controls. These stompboxes help to make your music sound better. All 200 series pedals use innovative technologies to bring you the best quality effects pedal.

BOSS is serious about its music, so you can be sure you'll get the best tone out of each of these amazing pedals.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: 200 Series

IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet
SY-200 Synthesizer
DD-200 Digital Delay
EQ-200 Graphic Equalizer
MD-200 Modulation
OD-200 Hybrid Drive

500 Series

Since 1977, BOSS has been a leader in the effects processing industry. They produce everything from guitar pedals to high-end studio rack processors. And their new 500-series pedals are no different.

The most powerful 500-series BOSS guitar pedal are three of the most capable, inspiring tools in the world. With a single stomp, it can transform your tone into a world of experimental possibilities. The new BOSS 500 series is an innovative and powerful tool for any creative musician.

BOSS’s trio of 500-series stompboxes deliver expressive tone shaping and modern effects. Processing in a compact design, perfect for pedalboard setups or even home studios.

The three pedals are BOSS’s flagship 500 series pedals.

The DD-500 delivers high-quality sound and they’ve never reverb sounds so great before. The RV-500 operates with studio-quality sounds like you would hear in professional studios. It has an intuitive control that allows for subtle movements to change the effects dramatically. And the MD-500 does bring a new horizon in modulation effects.

BOSS Guitar Pedals: 500 Series

DD-500 Digital Delay
MD-500 Modulation
RV-500 Reverb

Others

So far, we've covered some of the most important stompboxes that you can use and consider. Of course, there are a lot more!

Let us share with you other variants of BOSS guitar pedal that can help you perform better.

different types of stompboxes laid in a wooden floor with a guitar

The BOSS also offers a Slicer stompbox. If you already have a flanger or chorus pedal and want a unique effect, look into this BOSS guitar pedal.

Check the depth control to hear how it sounds without the modulation sequence engaged. This allows you to get a sound that's like an envelope gate.

SL-2 Slicer

If you enjoy jamming around or doing some recordings, you might need a Loop Station pedal. The BOSS guitar pedal Loop Station allows you to record yourself. And play those recordings back in real time.

This provides creative musicians the tools necessary to perform their music live with the capability of hard rock.

RC-5 Loop Station
RC-1 Loop Station
RC-600 Loop Station Floor-Based Looper

Also, there is the effects switching system. You use it to simplify switching effects and create new sounds. But BOSS, also designed this pedal to make sure your guitar signal is delivered to the amp accurately.

ES-8 Effects Switching System
ES-5 Effects Switching System

For an upgraded version, you may opt for a Multi-effects switcher. Whether you're a pro player or a weekend warrior, BOSS guitar pedal have always been an easy way to add some attitude to your rig.

The MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher is a new and improved version of their switchers. They provide even more flexibility for effects switching.

MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher
VE-20 Vocal Performer Multi-Effects

Are you tired of modifying the EQ when you want to use the talk box? Do you want to be able to change vocal effects live? The VO-1 vocoder is a new way for guitar and bass players to change their tone. Vocalize into a connected mic as you play. You can transform your tone with new colors, talk box sounds, and vocal ensemble effects.

VO-1 Vocoder

Imagine a pedalboard with many pedals and amps, but you don't want to run lines to each one. This is where the Line Selector comes in.

The pedal has one input and two outputs. Switching devices is as easy as stepping on the pedal, plugging into input, and selecting your device on the pedal. These are useful if you're playing live or using several types of effects at once. It will give you defined switching options.

LS-2 Line Selector

One of the coolest things about being a guitarist is all the different kinds of effects pedals you can use. Whether it's an overdrive, distortion, fuzz, or delay. Each one brings different tones and textures to your guitar sound.

But, with all these pedals and pickups running through your rig there will almost always be some form of noise and hum coming from both your guitar and your amp and multiple cables.

Luckily, we have a solution for those unwanted sounds — the NS-2 Noise Suppressor from BOSS.

The BOSS NS-2 is the ideal pedal for eliminating any extra noises. Like hum created by single coils and excess electrical interference from your amp or other players. It also gives you control over your tone. Which allows you to add rich overtones or suppress high frequencies and harshness.

NS-2 Noise Suppressor

BOSS presents the next generation of Loop Stations, the Rhythm Loop Station (RLS-50).

This new pedal provides real-time, error-free overdubs as well as spontaneous song creations. Whether it's a three-part drum beat or a layered guitar riff and synth sequence. Everything you record syncs instantly so you can develop seamless songs in real-time.

RC-10R Rhythm Loop Station

When you're at a gig, you want to be able to set up and be ready to go with minimal fuss. This is why chromatic tuner pedals are perfect. All it takes is one glance at the pedal. Then, you'll know exactly when your guitar is in tune, I guess even before you strum that first chord!

Chromatic tuners are easy to use, intuitive, and easy to set up, making them my first choice for any guitarist.

Some folks may have to use good tuning software, but even those can't compete with the accuracy of a pedal tuner.

The BOSS synth pedal works great with rock, blues, and all kinds of music. You can now express yourself with a wide range of synth sounds, classic and modern. Music has never been so much fun!

Synth pedals come in two flavors: sample and hold (S/H) and oscillator. S/H pedals use a sample of the input signal to create a synth-like sound. Oscillators use an LFO or VCO to create sound.

SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer

No matter what style of music you play, from country to metal, you’ll need a volume pedal.

A volume pedal operates just like a traditional volume knob on your guitar. It changes the gain of your signal by altering the input volume. Lets you control volume and adds lush soundscapes to your instrument.