Boss DS-1 Distortion
BossDistortionbeginner

Boss DS-1 Distortion

★★★★★4.6(4,100 reviews)

$62

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Overview

The Boss DS-1 has been the go-to distortion pedal since 1978. Used by Kurt Cobain, Steve Vai, and countless others, it delivers everything from mild grit to full-on distortion.

Specifications

Voltage9V DC
Current Draw20mA
BypassBuffered Bypass
Dimensions73 × 129 × 59 mm
ControlsLevel, Tone, Dist
Levelbeginner

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Incredibly affordable
  • Versatile distortion range
  • Legendary status
  • Reliable Boss build
Cons
  • Can sound fizzy at extreme settings
  • Some find it too bright

Best For

rockgrungepunkbeginner level

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Boss DS-1 Distortion worth the price?

At $62, the Boss DS-1 Distortion offers excellent value. With a 4.6/5 rating from over 4,100 reviews, it consistently earns praise for its incredibly affordable. It's especially well-suited to rock and grunge players.

What bypass type does the Boss DS-1 Distortion use?

The Boss DS-1 Distortion uses Buffered Bypass. Buffered bypass keeps your signal strong even in long pedal chains, which can be beneficial for maintaining high-frequency content.

Where does the Boss DS-1 Distortion go in the signal chain?

As a Distortion pedal, the Boss DS-1 Distortion typically sits in the gain section, after any wah or compressor pedals and before modulation effects like chorus or delay.

Can beginners use the Boss DS-1 Distortion?

Absolutely — the Boss DS-1 Distortion is an excellent choice for beginners. It's easy to dial in great tones right out of the box with its Level, Tone, Dist controls.

How much power does the Boss DS-1 Distortion need?

The Boss DS-1 Distortion runs on 9V DC and draws 20mA of current. It has low power consumption and will work fine on any standard pedalboard power supply.

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