Boss Guitar Pedals — The Industry Standard
Since 1976, Boss has been the most trusted name in guitar effects. Their compact, indestructible pedals have appeared on more pedalboards — from bedroom players to stadium headliners — than any other brand in history.
Why Boss Dominates the Pedalboard
Built to Last
Die-cast zinc enclosures survive decades of touring. Boss pedals from the 1980s still work perfectly today.
Unbeatable Value
Professional-quality effects at accessible prices. The DS-1 costs $62 and has been used on countless hit records.
Proven by Legends
Kurt Cobain, Steve Vai, John Frusciante, and thousands of touring pros trust Boss on stage every night.
Boss Pedals — Full Lineup (15 pedals)
Boss Brand History
Boss was founded in 1976 as a division of Roland Corporation in Japan. Their first pedal, the CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, set the standard for chorus effects and is still sought after today.
The iconic compact pedal format — the same size used today — was introduced in 1977 with the OD-1 OverDrive. This design became the template for the entire industry.
Through the 1980s and 90s, Boss released some of the most influential pedals ever made: the DS-1 Distortion (1978), the DD-2 Digital Delay (1983, the world's first digital delay pedal), and the MT-2 Metal Zone (1991).
Today Boss continues to innovate with digital multi-effects, the Waza Craft premium line, and modern takes on their classic designs — while maintaining the same bulletproof build quality that made them famous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Boss pedals true bypass?
Most Boss pedals use buffered bypass, not true bypass. This is actually a feature — Boss buffers are high quality and help maintain signal integrity over long cable runs.
What is the best Boss pedal for beginners?
The Boss DS-1 and SD-1 are both excellent starting points. They're affordable, durable, and cover the most essential gain tones.
How long do Boss pedals last?
Boss pedals are legendary for durability. Many players use pedals from the 1980s that still work perfectly. The die-cast zinc enclosure handles decades of gigging.
Do Boss pedals need a power supply?
Boss pedals run on 9V DC (center negative) or a 9V battery. Compatible with any standard guitar pedal power supply.