Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $64
Budget/Beginner
$80
$181+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Boss DS-1 Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
For over three decades, the Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal has been the backbone of countless classic rock and grunge records. With its unmistakable bold, crunchy tone, and robust, tour-ready design, it's the ideal companion for guitarists of all stripes.
This pedal offers a plethora of distorted rock sounds, from subtle to aggressive, all accessible through its three intuitive control knobs - Level, Tone, and Distortion. The level and distortion knobs give you full command over the gain and saturation, while the tone knob lets you shape the overall EQ, allowing you to tweak from a bass-heavy growl to a bright, articulate distortion.
Bold as it is, the DS-1 is far from a one-trick pony. Its versatility has made it a mainstay on pedalboards across the globe, being equally adept in delivering a range of tones, from the searing leads of Steve Vai to the grunge-infused chug of Kurt Cobain's "Nevermind" era.
Constructed with a sturdy metal chassis and a hard-wearing footswitch, this pedal is built to withstand the rigors of the road. Its analog circuitry, largely unchanged since 1978, is a testament to the timeless and enduring design Boss pedals are known for.
Key Features:
- Classic, versatile distortion pedal
- Three intuitive control knobs: Level, Tone, and Distortion
- Delivers a range of distorted rock sounds
- Sturdy metal chassis and hard-wearing footswitch
- Reliable analog circuitry, largely unchanged since 1978
- Ideal for all styles of rock music
- Can be powered by a 9V battery or an AC adapter
Owner's manual
Boss DS-1 Distortion User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Bypass Switching | Buffered |
| EQ | Tone Control |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Power Usage | 10mA |
| Height | 2.37" |
| Width | 2.87" |
| Depth | 5.12" |
| Weight | 1 lbs. |
FAQs
-
What kind of distortion sound does the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal produce?
-
The Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal delivers a tight, hard-edged distortion with rich harmonics, ideal for rock and metal genres. It maintains the unique characteristics of different guitars and playing techniques.
-
Is the Boss DS-1 suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?
-
Yes, the Boss DS-1 is versatile enough to handle both rhythm and lead guitar parts, offering clarity and sustain for solos while providing a powerful edge for rhythm sections.
-
Can the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal be powered with a battery?
-
Yes, the Boss DS-1 can be powered using a 9V battery, making it convenient for portable use. It can also be powered with a 9V DC power supply for extended use.
-
Does the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal work well with a buffered bypass?
-
The Boss DS-1 features buffered bypass switching, which helps maintain signal integrity and tone across long cable runs and complex pedalboards.
-
How does the tone control on the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal affect sound?
-
The tone control on the Boss DS-1 allows you to shape the high-frequency content of your distortion, providing a range from warm, rounded tones to sharp, cutting edges.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
The Classic Distortion
The Boss DS-1 Distortion is a pedal that's been around for decades, and for good reason. In our tests, we found it to be a reliable workhorse that can deliver a wide range of tones. The build quality is impressive; it's built like a tank and can withstand heavy use on stage or in the studio.
We appreciated the simple, straightforward controls that make it easy to dial in your desired sound. The pedal is versatile enough to cover genres from rock to punk and even some metal. For us, its versatility came through when it shined when paired with a variety of amps, giving them a much-needed boost in character.
However, the DS-1 isn't without its quirks. We noticed that at higher tone settings, it can produce a fair amount of buzz and noise. The overall sound tends to lean towards the brighter side, which some players might find tinny or thin.
Value-wise, it's hard to beat the DS-1. It's affordable and widely available, making it a great option for beginners.
The Boss DS-1 is best suited for guitarists looking for a reliable, no-frills distortion pedal that can cover a lot of ground. It's particularly good for those playing rock or punk. However, metal players or those seeking a more modern, high-gain sound might want to look elsewhere or consider stacking it with other pedals.
Videos
BOSSchannel
BOSS DS-1 Distortion [BOSS Sound Check]
![Video thumbnail for BOSS DS-1 Distortion [BOSS Sound Check] by BOSSchannel](https://img.youtube.com/vi/UKFuwErM2ZA/mqdefault.jpg)
BOSS DS-1 Distortion [BOSS Sound Check]
BOSSchannel
Boss DS-1
ProGuitarShopDemos
WILL IT CHUG? - BOSS DS-1 DISTORTION
Ola Englund
Comparing 4 Kurt Cobain Distortion Pedals | Nirvana Tone
NirvanaGuitars
This Is WAY Better Than The Tubescreamer (The Boss DS-1 Sound)
Rhett Shull
![Video thumbnail for You're Using Your Boss DS-1 All Wrong! [No Really, You Are] by That Pedal Show](https://img.youtube.com/vi/hegRB27zIdg/mqdefault.jpg)
You're Using Your Boss DS-1 All Wrong! [No Really, You Are]
That Pedal Show
Guitar Pedals for CHEAP! Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal - Thursday Gear Video
Marty Music
Is the Boss DS-1 The Best Distortion Pedal Ever? Boss DS-1 Demo & Review
PMTVUK
BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal Demo by Pete Thorn - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
How to use the Boss DS-1 - Stop using it wrong! - Amazing tones with iconic distortion
We As A Company
Boss DS-1 Distortion | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
What Makes This Pedal Great? Boss DS-1
Wampler Pedals
DS-1 Distortion
BOSSchannel
BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal Review
Sweetwater
5 Ways How You Can Use The Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
SRGuitar
The Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal Review | How Good is it?
intheblues
Boss DS-1 Distortion (Are You Using It Wrong?)
Elmo Karjalainen
Battle of the 70s! MXR distortion plus vs BOSS DS-1 vs Proco RAT (all vintage!)
Jerry Yeaaah
Talk with BOSS - #2 DS-1 Distortion (Archive)
BOSSchannel
Reviews
PROS
-
Wide range of distortion tones from mellow to harsh
-
Versatile for genres like punk, grunge, and classic rock
-
Tone control significantly alters sound
-
Great value for money
-
Durable and well-built
-
Simple and easy to use controls
-
Works well with both tube and solid-state amps
-
Can be modified for customized sounds
-
Compact and pedalboard-friendly
CONS
-
High tone settings can produce unwanted buzz
-
Lacks bass on certain settings
-
Some find it too bright or tinny at higher settings
-
May not be suitable for metal genres without modifications
-
Can sound harsh with certain guitar and amp combinations
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DS-1 Distortion.
Use cases and applications
-
The pedal excels when used to enhance an already slightly-distorted sound, particularly in 70s-90s rock and 80s metal genres.
Source -
The DS-1 is praised for cutting through a mix with single coils, providing a harmonically rich, aggressive distortion that helps the guitar stand out.
Source -
The DS-1 is noted for fattening up a Strat's sound, adding thickness and richness often associated with Gibson guitars, especially when the tone knob is nearly off.
Source -
Despite its mixed reputation, the DS-1 is favored by some for its "trashy and grungy" sound when playing big power chords, especially with the tone knob rolled off.
Source -
The DS-1 can produce a grimy, distorted bass sound when used with a dry signal blend, particularly effective for heavier genres of metal.
Source
User experience
-
Some owners report that the DS-1 can sound thin and shrill when used with a clean amp, but it pairs well with amps that are starting to break up.
Source -
A Fender Rumble 40 amp may require EQ adjustments to compensate for the DS-1's low-end cut when used with bass.
Source -
Users report that the DS-1 can work effectively when used to push into a Tube Screamer, particularly for cutting through a mix, with the DS-1 placed before the screamer.
Source
Comparisons
-
The ProCo Rat and Tube Screamer are frequently recommended as alternative pedals for those seeking more versatile or specific distortion tones.
Source -
The Boss ODB-3 Bass Overdrive is suggested as a better alternative for bass, providing distortion without sacrificing low-end frequencies, making it suitable for heavier music styles.
Source
Value and pricing
-
The DS-1 retains its resale value well, with many users noting they can sell a used unit for nearly the purchase price.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Saturnworks' loop switcher with dry blend is recommended for maintaining the bass presence alongside the DS-1's distortion.
Source -
Utilizing a Boss LS-2 Line Selector allows bass players to blend the DS-1 with clean tones, mitigating low-end loss and enhancing the overall sound.
Source -
Owners suggest a modded version of the DS-1, such as those by AnalogMan or Keeley, can significantly enhance its sound quality, making it a worthwhile investment.
Source -
Some users recommend the MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion as a more natural-sounding alternative to the DS-1, offering improved clarity while maintaining tonal fatness.
Source -
Owners mention that clipping out a couple of diodes can transform the DS-1 into an excellent overdrive pedal with strong boosting capabilities.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The DS-1 is noted for its limited control options with just volume, gain, and tone knobs, making fine-tuning challenging but offering simplicity for beginners.
Source -
Implementing an AB-Y pedal setup can maintain clean low-end tones while adding the DS-1's distorted tones, though this requires two separate amps.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 230 Reviews and 1150 Ratings
3437
Classic for a reason!
This is a classic for a reason. it doesn't get the fan-boy level love that a lot of other boss pedals do ... But I'll bet it's on way more albums than most. Just ask Steve Vai. On the other side please bear in mind this is a distortion, not an OverDrive.
good
it's a good distortion but it depends to the genre u wanna do and what setting do u prefer, it will work if you wanna play some hardcore / grunge / shoegaze (it's better with fuzz tho). The DS-2 has better sound imo.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
TONE: 4 / 4.5 LEVEL: 10 GAIN: 6 - 10
193
Best pedal
Love distortion and Boss. Love changing settings for grunge and alt rock. I also love chrous pedal by Boss, i tried my friend's one so I doesnt have it, I only tried then I visited him with my Strat. What I have to say guys?? It's classic pedal.
387
At least it's cheap
There are worse distortion pedals out there than the DS-1, and I know some people think that harshly criticizing any Boss pedal is blasphemy, but the DS-1 just isn't very good. Out of the box, it just feels like you can't push it hard enough to get the sound you actually want. There's no bite in the mid-range, nothing special about the character of the distortion, and out of control noise when you try to compensate for its shortcomings by cranking the volume. Of course a lot of this can be fixed by running it alongside an EQ pedal, but if you have to have a second pedal to make the first one worth playing, that's a bad sign.
Only recommended if you literally can't afford anything else of similar build quality, or if you're a tinkerer and want to do one of the many mods that vastly improve on its stock sound.
119
Boss DS-1: Never leave home without it!
Common theme is that it does what it was designed for, distortion. For the price and ease of operation, you can't beat it. I got mine for $25 used. There was a time and place a long long time ago in a land far away that I showed up somewhere to play and guess what, I did not have my pedal. We had to go straight to the board/PA and I was screwed. If only I had a DS-1 (or any other pedal for that matter). Bottom line, even if it's not permanently on or even on your board, throw one in as a back up/last resort, you won't be disappointed.
131
Really Great!
Got this as my first pedal for my graduation. always been a huge Nirvana fan so i needed Kurt's distortion naturally. Plays so well and does more than just live Nirvana-Esque distortion. It also helped me dial in a tone very close to Dave Navarro from Jane's Addiction.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Tone at 11:00, any higher it sounds like a tin can of bees. Distortion MAXED. i love it loud and angry. Level to taste. Doesn't matter much to me, i like how it sounds, loud for shows or quiet for a bedroom jam.
Simply a good distortion
They say they put one prototype in each of the voyager probes. You also find one being hatched by a penguin at the South Pole and are not surprised. It's everywhere for a reason: it is a very affordable and very good distortion pedal. You want to dial the tone down a little as it can wear out your tooth fillings. You can get a decent sound in front of a clean amp, but these were actually built to blow on large amps that have already reached saturation. You can also put it before a low gain OD and get some amazing results.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Guitar -> NS-2->BB-2->DS-1->ST-2->CH-1->EH-1->RF-1->TU3-> Amp
633
nostalgia
so this was the first pedal i ever got, and i loved it instant 90s punky distortion even through my shitty practice amp i would have had at the time, however i ended trading it for my proco rat that i still have now and has been my number 1 pedal pretty much ever since so i cant say i regret getting rid of it
1562
perfection
i used this for all distortion needs, from grunge to punk to nu metal to black metal, does it all perfect. i love this thing so much
Artist usage
Add artist
.png)
This screenshot from the Julien's Auctions website (slightly altered to make it fit better) shows the auction for Kurt Cobain's Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal. Jeff Toste was the recipient of the pedal after Cobain threw it into the crowd. A letter from Toste accompanying the pedal tells the story:
The third show of Nirvana's iconic Nevermind tour was at Club Babyhead in Providence, RI. It was September 25th, 1991 and The Melvins opened. I was at that show.
During the show Kurt Cobain had technical problems, and at one point he was getting no sound from his gear. He must have thought his distortion pedal (Boss DS-1) had something to do with it. He smashed the pedal on the stage and threw it into the crowd. It landed between the feet of the guy in front of me. I pulled it out from between his feet.
The left hinge on the pedal is broken, but otherwise works. The pedal still has the original duct tape used to secure it to the stage. I've had it ever since.
The winning bid of this particular auction was $8,960 USD. The original source of the auction is here.
According to this rig diagram, John Frusciante uses a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
This pedal was seen in the documentary Heart Like A Hand Grenade at 18:30
In the '360 sessions' video by Constantin Mogoş, a Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal is visible on the shelf behind Calvin Harris, suggesting its use alongside his 'Wine Red' Gibson Les Paul Studio.
In a photograph from Johnny Marr's official book, his Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal is visible among his collection of The Smiths' pedals. Although the original pedalboard, a BCB-6, has since broken, the pedals remain the same.
Steve's setup: "The guitar in line goes into the Wah Wah on the board - either the Dunlop automatic one or the Bad Horsie (he switches between the two). From there it goes to the two distortion boxes, the DS-1 and the Keely modded TS-10, then the EvH flanger and from there it goes back into the front of the amp. "
In an article by Scott Kahn on MusicPlayers.com, a photo of John Petrucci's pedal drawer reveals his use of the Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
According to The Gear Page discussion titled "Famous songs that used a Boss DS-1," Billy Corgan did not use the Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal.
According to 1996 rig diagram from Guitar Geek, Smith used the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal.
The DS-1 was a staple of Satriani's lead tone until the development of his signature distortion pedal, the Vox Satchurator. It is clearly visible on his pedalboard at 7:47.
In this video, Gary featured a selection of Boss guitar effects pedals he uses including the DS-1, CE-2, DM-2, OC-2 as well as the BF-2 Flanger.
Album Usage
The Boss DS-1 Distortion has been featured on the following albums:
Kaitlyn
Eric Dangerfield (2024)
Gone to Stay
John Norum (2022)
Fugazi (2021 Stereo Remix)
Marillion (2021)
the first glass beach album
glass beach (2019)
Artificial Selection
Dance Gavin Dance (2018)
Strange
Miles Large (2017)
Leprosy (Deluxe Reissue)
Death & Death (Metal Band) (2014)
Radiation 2013
Marillion (2013)
Jacaranda
Trevor Rabin (2013)
Future This
The Big Pink (2012)
Zug Island
Kyle Hall (2012)
Play Yard Blues
John Norum (2010)
Business Casual
Chromeo (2010)
Carnal Leftovers
Nihilist (2005)
Letters To The President
Hawk Nelson (2004)
Live In Chicago
Ween (2004)
Horrified
Repulsion (2003)
From The Muddy Banks Of The Wishkah (Live)
Nirvana (1996)
Ham Fisted
Local H (1995)
Wolverine Blues
Entombed (1993)
Incesticide
Nirvana (1992)
Pure Guava
Ween (1992)
Bivouac
Jawbreaker (1992)
The Pod
Ween (1991)
Spiderland
Slint (1991)
Clandestine
Entombed (1991)
Nevermind
Nirvana (1991)
Left Hand Path
Entombed (1990)
Bleach
Nirvana (1989)
Scream Bloody Gore
Death & Death (Metal Band) (1987)
Stop Making Sense (Live)
Talking Heads (1984)
Wings Of Tomorrow
Europe (1984)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss DS-1 Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783436200)
-s.webp?v=1783462839)
Community setups
Show yours
.jpg?v=1732619845)
.jpg?v=1774320425)
.jpg?v=1757917210)
.jpg?v=1781452575)
.jpg?v=1780176179)
.jpg?v=1769701570)
.jpg?v=1783112765)
.jpeg?v=1709800810)
.png?v=1779391994)
.png?v=1779237916)
.jpg?v=1753036878)
Similar
Add recommendation27 alternative and related items for Boss DS-1 Distortion, curated by the Equipboard community.
-m.webp?v=1783436379)
$89.00
A distortion modeler pedal, that emulates the Boss DS-1 on mode 3.
$48.87 - $59.00
An ultra affordable clone of the DS-1, with stock, ultra, and seeing eye mods.
$180.00
A now discontinued mod for the DS-1, that adds seeing eye LED clipping, and a three way gain switch.
Based on a DIY mod for the DS-1, featuring a 'seeing eye' LED, three way gain switch, and switches on the sides for an unusual synth like effect.
$19.99 - $39.99
Based on the DS-1, as noted by JHS Pedals: https://thejhsshow.com/articles/do-these-50-caline-pedals-sound-good
Next up is a distortion pedal, which is clearly a tribute to a very famous late-seventies distortion pedal: The BOSS DS-1 Distortion. It's a simple black design with three knobs: tone, level and dist. Full disclosure: when you dime the tone control, it basically kills you. Like, your skin literally falls off and you can't breathe. But if you turn it up, it stays smooth. It's not harsh or brittle. Just do that, and you’ll be fine.
A rare, made in Japan clone of the DS-1, with very little circuit deviation.
More Boss Distortion Effects Pedals
$77.00 - $109.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783436372)
$109.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$96.77 - $119.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$93.60 - $120.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$85.00 - $120.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783436263)
$178.87
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$78.00 - $122.75
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$146.87 - $164.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783214872)
$92.80 - $131.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783263567)
$150.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$139.50 - $164.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$135.01 - $164.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$133.94
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$289.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$69.77
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$102.09
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$99.99 - $164.99
-m.webp?v=1783461785)
$79.00 - $89.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783436313)
$139.00 - $159.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783422128)
$219.00 - $257.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$129.00 - $152.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783265553)
$206.65 - $259.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$41.00 - $62.90
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$73.44
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$212.24 - $249.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783461973)
$77.86 - $99.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$280.00
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$99.00 - $139.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$96.19 - $125.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
$122.00 - $199.99
in Distortion Effects Pedals Rank
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1783462934)
-s.webp?v=1783461785)
-s.webp?v=1783461825)
Gear Guides
.jpg)
Most Popular Distortion Effects Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-
