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Average Price: $95
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$80
$181+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion is a top-tier distortion pedal, delivering a versatile range of sounds to suit any guitarist's needs. This dynamic stompbox offers two distinctive Turbo modes - Turbo Mode I and Turbo Mode II, each with its own unique tonal characteristics.
Turbo Mode I serves up a warm, creamy distortion, with a flat frequency response for that natural-sounding crunch. It's perfect for both rhythm playing and sculpting rich chords. Whether you're dialing in just a hint of gain for a subtle breakup or cranking up the volume for a full-on saturated crunch, it retains exceptional clarity and touch sensitivity at any setting.
Switch to Turbo Mode II and you're in for a treat. This mode delivers a searing, mid-boosted distortion that's perfect for solos and lead playing. With a pronounced midrange bump, your expressive phrases will be at the forefront of the mix, cutting through even the loudest bands or noisy stages.
Another outstanding feature of the Boss DS-2 is the built-in remote jack. Connect an FS-5L footswitch for instant, hands-free switching between the twin Turbo modes. With this, you can keep your hands on your guitar and stomp between your choice of distortion flavors in a flash. Trust the legendary engineers at BOSS to give you a pedal with such versatility and convenience.
Key Features:
- Two distinct Turbo modes for a wide spectrum of distortion
- Turbo Mode I provides warm, creamy distortion with flat frequency response
- Turbo Mode II delivers searing, mid-boosted distortion for lead playing
- Built-in remote jack for hands-free switching between modes
- Exceptional clarity and touch sensitivity at any setting
- Can control an external effect or amp channel while toggling between modes
- Legendary BOSS build quality and reliability
Owner's manual
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Inputs | 1 x Instrument |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 2.4" |
| Width | 2.9" |
| Depth | 5.1" |
| Weight | 1 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the two modes on the Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion?
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The Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion features two modes: Turbo Mode I offers a warm, classic distortion sound, while Turbo Mode II delivers a more aggressive, high-gain distortion with a midrange boost, ideal for cutting through mixes.
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How does the Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion compare to the DS-1?
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The DS-2 builds on the classic DS-1 by adding Turbo modes, providing more tonal versatility and higher gain options, making it suitable for a wider range of musical styles.
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Can the Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion be powered with a battery?
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Yes, the Boss DS-2 can be powered using a 9V battery, providing convenience for players who prefer not to use a power supply.
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Is the Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Boss DS-2 is well-suited for live performances, offering robust construction and versatile sound options that can adapt to different musical contexts on stage.
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What type of power supply is compatible with the Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion?
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The Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or it can be powered by a 9V battery for portable use.
Videos
BOSSchannel
BOSS DS-2 TURBO Distortion [BOSS Sound Check]
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tones suitable for rock, grunge, punk, and more
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Turbo mode offers enhanced solos and heavier sound options
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Warm, mid-rangey distortion that's great for various music genres
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Mode 1 offers DS-1-like tones; Mode 2 boosts mids for solos
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Recognized and used by famous artists like Kurt Cobain
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Provides a distinct, smooth distortion compared to other pedals
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Durable build quality, typical of Boss pedals
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Offers both distortion and overdrive/fuzz-like tones
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Easy tone and volume adjustments for balanced sound
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Can be used as a volume boost with lower distortion settings
CONS
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Some prefer the sound of the DS-1 for its thinness
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Volume drop issues with certain setups
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Requires careful setting adjustments to avoid unwanted tones
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Some users report it being noisy when engaged
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Not as fat sounding as some users would prefer
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May not respond well to overdrive boosting
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Turbo function not always useful for all playing styles
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Can sound fizzy or harsh if not properly adjusted
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion.
Features and functionality
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Turbo mode 2 on the DS-2 is more mids-focused, ideal for lead tones and achieving a Frusciante-like sound.
Source
Comparisons
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The DS-2's mode 1 is thicker and less mid-scooped than the DS-1, offering a different tonal quality despite shared lineage.
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Vintage DS-2 units are slightly louder and noisier, with a more usable tone knob that avoids a "bees in a tin can" sound quickly.
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Some vintage DS-2 units may have more lower midrange in Mode 1, resulting in a less scooped sound than newer models.
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The DS-2 is highlighted as a more versatile choice over a fuzz pedal for achieving a range of grunge tones, particularly aligned with Nirvana's sound.
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Use cases and applications
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Works well with a clean Fender-type amp for a grunge-like distortion; versatile from overdrive to fuzz.
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The DS-2 is especially suited for achieving tones reminiscent of Nirvana's live Nevermind performances and Mötley Crüe.
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Mode 1 on the DS-2 is designed to emulate the original DS-1, while Mode 2 was used more frequently after 1992.
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Owners recommend maxing out all knobs in Turbo mode 2 for a fuzz-like tone with pronounced mids, ideal for Frusciante-style sounds.
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The DS-2, when used in conjunction with a dirty amp or pedal, can achieve a rich, mid-heavy tone suitable for alternative rock genres.
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Value and pricing
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Considered a classic, robust pedal, often available at affordable prices, easier to resell if it doesn't meet expectations.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 64 Reviews and 458 Ratings
187
very good
pros -has a bass boost when distortion is maxed -the 2 modes work very well -the 2 modes are unique -can go from a thick to thin texture with the tone knob -recreates tone with ease(especially rivers cuomo) cons -the max distortion has a bass boost -mode I is not exactly a ds-1
922
Awesome Distortion pedal - get the optional footswitch
Great sound but really comes alive with the optional footswitch which essentially doubles the # of tones you can use. It's essentially the DS1 enhanced. You won't be disappointed.
476
It's name doesn't lie - turbo distortion!
DS-1 was my first pedal, but I sold it. I ordered another one two years ago, but even with the dimed volume I couldn't get unity gain. DS-2 has so much volume and gain on tap, I find it very versatile on both modes. Mode 1 sounds very similar to DS-1 and DS-2 is THE sound of Dani California solo. Just try to play those notes around 13-15th fret ;) And it's BOSS, so it looks awesome and will survive a nuclear warfare.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Mode 2 - Volume around 13:00, tone 13:00, distortion dimed.
3982
Pretty cool if you ask me!
I've had an ambiguous relationship with overdrive and distortion throughout my life. I'm basically a shoegazer at heart, and in the 1990s I shied away from it as it was associated in my mind with 'big hair' and metal acts. I now realise, of course, that all my favourite shoegazers were distortion freaks; the effect sounds very different when it's syphoned through oodles of reverb and echo and modulation.
We live in the era of the boutique overdrive/distortion pedal now, with brands like Earthquaker, Way Huge and Wampler being particularly highly-regarded in this field. The humble BOSS distortions - the DS-1 and similar - are seen as being a bit cheap and nasty these days, beginner's pedals. However, I was so impressed by the Boss SD-1 that I decided to give the DS-2 a try.
I really like it! I was looking for a fierce, crunchy, but clean and controllable distortion that WASN'T also a 'fuzz', as the EHX Little Big Muff pretty much gives me all the fuzz I could ever want. I tried - and really liked - the MXR Super Badass distortion, but alas, it was just too pricey for me (money is tight at the moment). I think this is a good pedal for half the price. And actually, thinking about it, those early 90s shoegaze bands just used BOSS distortions; that was all they had access to in the days before the internet and the boutique pedal explosion (not strictly true; there was the RAT, but not many shops stocked even EHX pedals back then, it was before the renaissance in EHX's catalogue). So, in many ways, if you are influenced by the sounds of The Cranes, Slowdive, Ride and Lush, this pedal will give you that early 90s distortion sound!
I used to have a handmade Crowther Hotcake, and admittedly it sounded better than this. But it broke down, alas. This fills the gap. If it was good enough for Kurt Cobain, Bernard Butler and Prince, it's good enough for me. It sounds good with my set-up, which is a good Telecaster into a Vox Valvestate amp. Some people say it's too bright, which may be true with their rigs. I suppose distortion comes down to personal taste, but I like this pedal.
41029
you didn't miss much, not one of boss's shining moments
Stupidly loud, and rightfully proud.
i got this pedal as an upgrade to the DS-1. I was way into Nirvana at the time, and bought it because Kurt's tone during the In Utero tour was partially rooted in the DS-2. I dialed in his settings, and it blew me away with how loud, yet how fuckin' mean the thing sounded. I've been using it as a fuzz for bass with the cry baby wah to simulate Cliff Burton's sound as of recent. THIS PEDAL IS MORE THAN A DISTORTION.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Kurt's settings: LEVEL: Max TONE: Around 11 o' clock DIST: Max TURBO: Off Fuzzy settings: LEVEL: Max TONE: All the way down DIST: Around 3 o' clock TURBO: On
love this
i bought this because it was second hand and cheap, and i don’t really know my distortions that well. but it’s a really great pedal. kurt cobain had one, and it gets that grungey/punk rock sound really well. it’s also nice for more dreamy noise sounds too
96
It's good but...
It's good but it is not the DS1 at all it can't compare the DS1 is more thin but the DS2 is more thicker and bolder almost has a hot rod type of sound but if you combine the two with certain settings it creates this monster Distortion sound that you can turn into a fuzz
232
Artist usage
Add artist
Replaced Kurt's DS-1 around 1992. Kurt still used the same settings like his DS-1 and kept it in Mode 1. Can be seen in the Unplugged show, Live at Reading, and a handful of other shows, usually before his Small Clone.
This photo of John Frusciante's pedalboard from circa 2003 reveals he uses two Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Pedals. Both of them appear to be the distinctively orange color, and have four knobs. They can be seen on the right side of the photo.
In this picture you can see a Boss Turbo Distortion next to the Boss compression sustainer if you have other ideas do not hesitate :)
На странице из книги показано , что Даймбэг Даррелл пользовался разными педалями ,но в том числе педаль boss ds-2
During the Sex & Religion tour, Vai used a DS-2 in an off-stage effects rack. It was controlled by an onstage Custom Audio Electronics switching unit.
This image comes from this article from Pro Guitar Shop where they write "Along with his love of Boss effects, Prince is a regular user of the Digitech Whammy, Dunlop Crybaby Wah (though he has been known to use a Colorsound Wah as well), and Line 6 MM4 modulation modeler."
According to this website Josh uses the DS2 Turbo Distortion by Boss for the Getaway tour.
In This Photo We See Krist Novoselic Having An Boss Ds-2 Turbo Distortion On Stage.
In a screenshot I captured from Chris Shiflett's live performance at the Reading Festival in 2000, there's a red/orange Boss pedal with four knobs visible. It appears to be a Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion.
When watching Endless, Nameless from the Live and Loud performance, you can clearly see the pedal at 1:41 if you slow the video down.
Used during pre-production for the first sessions for what would become the Make Believe album. Much of the equipment used during pre-production would also be used for the first sessions.
This pedal stayed with him for over 20 years. This is the only pedal he used during many albums. It can also be seen here, at 0:22 minute mark, showing the Boss compact pedal look, along with Dunlop wah and Voodoo Lab Pedal Power.
Album Usage
The Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion has been featured on the following albums:
Live And Loud
Nirvana (2019)
Live At The Paramount
Nirvana (2019)
Teens Of Denial
Car Seat Headrest (2016)
Charlemagne
Blossoms (2015)
Recreio
Lupe De Lupe (2011)
Live at Reading
Nirvana (2009)
Make Believe
Weezer (2005)
From The Muddy Banks Of The Wishkah (Live)
Nirvana (1996)
In Utero
Nirvana (1993)
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-2 Turbo Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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there´s a reason why Frusciante is using this on his new UL board
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