Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $771

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience the dynamic blend of vintage warmth and modern versatility with the Boss DB-5 Driver. This overdrive effects pedal is a staple for guitarists seeking to enrich their sound with smooth, expressive overdrive tones. Designed to capture the essence of natural tube amp distortion, the DB-5 Driver offers musicians a broad palette of sonic possibilities, from subtle warmth to a rich, saturated crunch.

Equipped with an advanced clipping circuit, the DB-5 Driver stands out by delivering a highly responsive playing experience. The pedal's intuitive controls allow for precise shaping, making it easy to dial in your desired tone. Whether you're looking to add a hint of edge to your rhythm or unleash a full-bodied lead tone, this pedal adapts effortlessly to your playing style.

Housed in Boss's renowned durable casing, the DB-5 is built to withstand the rigors of touring and frequent use. Its compact design ensures it fits comfortably on any pedalboard, making it a reliable companion for stage performances and studio sessions alike. Musicians of all genres will appreciate the DB-5's ability to enhance their sound without compromising clarity or character.

Key Features:

  • Advanced clipping circuit for responsive overdrive tones
  • Intuitive control layout for precise tone shaping
  • Versatile sound range from subtle warmth to saturated crunch
  • Durable and compact design ideal for live and studio use
  • True bypass switching for maintaining signal integrity when the pedal is off

Product specs

Power 9V
Analog/Digital analog
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Vintage Boss DB-5 Driver

Video thumbnail for Vintage Boss DB-5 Driver by niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick

Vintage Boss DB-5 Driver

niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick

niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick

Video thumbnail for Boss DB-5 Driver / Fender Blender by effeken

Boss DB-5 Driver / Fender Blender

effeken

effeken

Video thumbnail for boss DB-5.mov by jermsfuzz

boss DB-5.mov

jermsfuzz

jermsfuzz

Video thumbnail for BOSS DB-5 (1/2) by effeken

BOSS DB-5 (1/2)

effeken

effeken

Video thumbnail for Boss DB-5 Driver (vintage distortion/graphic equalizer/fuzz) by Francisco Sánchez de la Vega

Boss DB-5 Driver (vintage distortion/graphic equalizer/fuzz)

Francisco Sánchez de la Vega

Francisco Sánchez de la Vega

Video thumbnail for BOSS: DB-5 & MO-2: "Twinkle Twinkle Supernova" by JHS Fresh Clips

BOSS: DB-5 & MO-2: "Twinkle Twinkle Supernova"

JHS Fresh Clips

JHS Fresh Clips

Video thumbnail for BOSS DB-5 by effeken

BOSS DB-5

effeken

effeken

Video thumbnail for BOSS Driver DB-5 by SENSHO1500

BOSS Driver DB-5

SENSHO1500

SENSHO1500

Video thumbnail for BOSS DB-5 - sound test by つつちちち

BOSS DB-5 - sound test

つつちちち

つつちちち

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DB-5 Driver.

Build quality

  • The DB-5's original finish likely involves a custom powdercoat with a textured surface, challenging to replicate without specialized equipment.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Restoring the original appearance involves stripping the enclosure to bare metal due to potential compatibility issues with new coatings.

    Source
  • Solvents might remove non-original paint without damaging the powdercoat, but this requires careful testing and could be labor-intensive.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The circuit board may include factory-added components not detailed in public schematics, typical of Boss's production changes in the 1970s.

    Source
  • The Boss Driver DB-5 is noted for its impactful crash sound when strings are struck, offering a dynamic and versatile overdrive experience.

    Source

Other

  • Restoring a DB-5 involves balancing aesthetic restoration with ensuring functionality, as operational issues may coexist with cosmetic concerns.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DB-5, while performing octave-like fuzz, stands apart with a distinct sound compared to other octave fuzz pedals like the Univox Superfuzz.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Allegedly, only 500 units of the Boss Driver DB-5 were produced between 1977 and 1980, contributing to its rarity and collectible status.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the DB-5 as one of the rarest pedals in collections, emphasizing its collector appeal rather than frequent use.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rory Gallagher uses Boss DB-5 Driver

Rory Gallagher

Guitarist, Singer

Taste

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured on Rory Gallagher's official website, which notes its mention (albeit under the misremembered name "Boss BD-1") in an interview for the July 29, 1989 issue of Sounds.

If you get them set just right they can inspire your playing, but I don't use that many effects. About the first one I got was the Boss BD-1 [sic DB-5] Driver, which I still use. It’s a big green box (rather like the old Boss CE-1) with three settings: Distortion, Fuzz, and a third which is almost straight -a plain graphic and overall volume boost, which is the setting best suited to me. It can really change the character of your guitar.

See how Miguel Ángel Huidobro Preciado uses Boss DB-5 Driver

Miguel Ángel Huidobro Preciado

Bassist, Rapper

Molotov

...
Verified via Photo

Un conocido mio me dejo entrar al SoundCheck del dia de 18 DE MAYO DEL 2016 en Culiacan Sinaloa,aproveche la oportunidad de tomar le foto a lo que pude.

See how Amir Yaghmai uses Boss DB-5 Driver

Amir Yaghmai

Guitarist

The Voidz

...
Verified via Photo

In a post shared on Instagram by Beardo, Amir Yaghmai is shown using the Boss DB-5 Driver pedal.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss DB-5 Driver, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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