Description

BOSS's Legendary Super Overdrive Sound
Since its release in 1981, the workhorse SD-1 Super Overdrive has been the core gain pedal for generations of players across every musical genre. Based around the revolutionary asymmetrical clipping circuit from the OD-1 Overdrive-one of the three original BOSS compact pedals from 1977-the SD-1 delivers rich, smooth, and highly musical overdrive tones that continue to inspire guitarists everywhere.

• Genre-defining BOSS overdrive sound
• Unique asymmetrical clipping circuit produces tube-like overdrive characteristics
• Mild-to-moderate drive tones with focused midrange and tight low end
• Ideal for use with clean and slightly driven amps
• Also works great for bringing tightness and definition to high-gain amp tones
• Stacks well with boost, overdrive, and distortion pedals

The Clipping Circuit That Defined "Overdrive"
In 1977, BOSS created an entirely new stompbox category with the OD-1, bringing natural overdrive in pedal form to guitarists for the very first time. Producing a signal rich in even-order harmonics, its unique asymmetric clipping circuit replicated the pleasing sound and feel of a driven tube amp-but at controllable volume levels. Four years later, this breakthrough design evolved into the more versatile SD-1, which added an active tone control for shaping the treble response and subtle enhancements for more low-end body.

Overdrive Perfection
The SD-1 allows players from beginner to pro to get inspiring sounds right away, thanks to its natural behavior and the subtle mid boost that's part of its design. It gives your tone a push where it matters most, ensuring your guitar always sits perfectly in the mix with warmth, clarity, and rich presence. Lower drive settings are great for rhythm parts, while higher settings are ideal for fat, singing leads. The SD-1 is also very sensitive to input gain, letting you dial in different shades of overdrive simply by adjusting your guitar's volume control.

The One Pedal Every Player Needs
With its organic character and responsive drive and tone controls, the SD-1 delivers the right sound for just about any style of music. Kick on the pedal with your favorite clean or slightly driven amp for mild-to-moderate overdrive that's ideal for everything from classic rock and gritty blues to pop, country, jazz, and beyond. The SD-1 also shines as a booster for high-gain amps and other drive pedals, providing mid focus, tight bass, and smooth top end that's perfectly suited for heavier sounds and solo playing.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive pedal?

• The BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive is a guitar effects pedal that produces warm, natural overdrive tones similar to an overdriven tube amplifier.

2. What controls are available on the BOSS SD-1?

• The pedal has DRIVE, TONE, and LEVEL knobs to adjust the overdrive amount, tonal brightness, and output volume.

3. Is the BOSS SD-1 compatible with different amplifiers and music genres?

• The SD-1 works with various amplifier types, including solid-state and tube amps, and is suitable for blues, rock, and heavy metal.

4. Can I use the BOSS SD-1 with other pedals in my setup?

• Yes, the SD-1 can be combined with other pedals, typically placed before a distortion pedal to tighten the low end, enhance sustain, and boost solos. It can also be stacked with other overdrive or fuzz pedals for added tonal flexibility.

5. Can I use the BOSS SD-1 as a clean boost?

• Not entirely. The BOSS SD-1 can boost your signal, but it will still introduce some overdrive due to its clipping circuit, even when the DRIVE knob is set to zero. It works as a boost with added warmth and grit, but not a pure clean boost.

6. Does the BOSS SD-1 work well for metal music?

• Yes, it can tighten the low end, enhance pick attack, and add sustain, making it a good choice for high-gain amplifiers often used in metal genres.

7. How does the BOSS SD-1W Waza Craft edition differ from the standard BOSS SD-1?

• Both the BOSS SD-1 and the SD-1W Waza Craft edition feature DRIVE, TONE, and LEVEL controls. The SD-1W adds two modes: Standard for classic tones and Custom for higher-gain, richer sounds. It also includes discrete analog circuitry, which enhances sound clarity and reduces noise for improved tonal flexibility.

8. What are the input and output specifications of the BOSS SD-1?

• The pedal has a nominal input level of -20 dBu with an input impedance of 1M ohm and a nominal output level of -20 dBu with an output impedance of 1k ohm.

9. Does the BOSS SD-1 have a buffered bypass?

• Yes. The SD-1 has a buffered bypass to maintain signal integrity.

10. What is the current consumption of the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive pedal?

• The BOSS SD-1 has a current draw of 10 mA.

Specifications

• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu
• Input Impedance: 1 M ohm
• Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
• Output Impedance: 1 k ohm
• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
• Bypass: Buffered bypass
• Controls: DRIVE knob, TONE knob, LEVEL knob, Pedal switch
• Indicator: CHECK indicator (Used for indication of check battery)
• Connectors: INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type, OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type, DC IN jack
• Power Supply: Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22) or Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61), AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
• Current Draw: 10 mA
• Expected battery life under continuous use: Carbon: Approx. 60 hours, Alkaline: Approx. 90 hours
• *These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
• Accessories: Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information"), Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
• Options (sold separately): AC adaptor: PSA series

Size & Weight
 

• Width: 73 mm, 2-7/8 inches
• Depth 129 mm, 5-1/8 inches
• Height: 59 mm, 2-3/8 inches
• Weight (including battery): 360 g, 13 oz

*0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.