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Average Price: $111
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$301+
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Description
Discover a world of enhanced sonic possibilities with the Boss OC-3 Super Octave. This versatile pedal takes guitar effects to the next level, offering a palette of three distinct modes – a groundbreaking Polyphonic Octave, a Drive mode that adds a punchy distortion, and the classic OC-2 mode for those who swear by the original. Whether you're a guitarist or a bassist, the OC-3 has got you covered with separate inputs for both.
The Polyphonic Octave mode is the world's first in a compact pedal, offering true polyphonic octave effects. It's adjustable to play within a specific note range, giving you the flexibility to tweak your sound to perfection. Get ready for a fatter, more aggressive tone with the Drive mode, which adds distortion to your octave notes. If you're a fan of the original, the OC-2 mode is included and capable of producing notes one and two octaves down.
Key Features:
- World's first compact pedal with true Polyphonic Octave effects
- Drive mode adds distortion for a bolder, more aggressive tone
- Includes the classic OC-2 mode, capable of producing notes one and two octaves down
- Poly Octave effect adjustable to play within a specific note range
- Separate inputs for both guitar and bass
- Comes with Boss' 5-year limited warranty
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | OC-3 Super Octave (Dark Gray Label) |
| Finish | Brown |
| Year | 2003 - 2025 |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals |
FAQs
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What is the difference between the Boss OC-3 Super Octave and the OC-2?
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The Boss OC-3 Super Octave offers both polyphonic octave effects and a Drive mode, while the OC-2 provides only monophonic octave capabilities. The OC-3 also includes separate inputs for guitar and bass, making it more versatile for different instruments.
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Can the Boss OC-3 Super Octave be used with a bass guitar?
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Yes, the Boss OC-3 Super Octave has a dedicated bass input, allowing it to function effectively with bass guitars and produce clean octave effects tailored for lower frequencies.
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What power supply does the Boss OC-3 Super Octave require?
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The Boss OC-3 Super Octave requires a 9V DC power supply, and it can also be powered by a 9V battery for portable use.
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Does the Boss OC-3 Super Octave work in polyphonic mode?
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Yes, the Boss OC-3 Super Octave includes a polyphonic mode, allowing it to track chords and apply octave effects to multiple notes simultaneously.
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How does the Drive mode on the Boss OC-3 Super Octave affect the sound?
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The Drive mode on the Boss OC-3 Super Octave adds a distortion effect to the octave sound, creating a richer and more aggressive tone that is ideal for rock and heavier music styles.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
ProGuitarShopDemos
Boss OC-3 Super Octave Demo
Boyd's Guitar Warehouse
Boss OC-3 Super Octave | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
How To Get The Best From Your Boss OC 3 Super Octave
Gadget8Bit
BOSS OC-3 Super Octave Demo
Pepe Music
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Wall of Sound
Super Octave OC3 Pedal Demo - NO TALKING
Sandy Ridge Music
Reviews
PROS
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Superior octave adjustment compared to OC-5
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Analog vibe despite being digital
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Effective with humbuckers and compressed signals
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Unique retro and synth bass sounds
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Features drive-octave channel not found in OC-5
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Poly setting offers selective effect application
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Can create dramatic and thick sounds
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Intuitive and straightforward knob controls
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Durable and reliable build quality
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Inspires creative playing and sound tweaking
CONS
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Tracks poorly, especially on high/low notes
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Can sound synthetic and unauthentic
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Poly mode sound decreases with higher notes
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Short delay when effect is engaged
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LED indicator not bright enough for outdoor visibility
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Lower octaves can rumble excessively
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Not the best for purely bass sounds
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Original octave cannot be muted independently
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss OC-3 Super Octave.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Owners use the poly setting to split signals for guitar and bass, achieving a fuller sound in two-member bands by routing to separate amps.
Source -
Owners use the OC-3 with a tap tempo tremolo to replicate the synth bass tone from the song "Latch" by Disclosure.
Source -
The pedal is highly recommended for electronic music, providing a flexible and full bass sound that rivals keyboard-generated low end.
Source
User experience
Build quality
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The pedal employs COSM technology, which may result in a brief activation delay compared to analog pedals.
Source
Comparisons
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Some users prefer the OC-2 for its analog sub bass sound, despite reporting volume differences between it and the OC-3.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 30 Reviews and 203 Ratings
Monster octave
Polyphonic octave pedal? Yes, please. I run this behind my Sparkle Drive and it makes everything so thick and meaty.
Massive
It can create really massive sound. Although I can't really find any practical use for it I can feel it's potential.
254
One of the best Octavers i've ever tried! Great features, great tone, great build quality. Much recommended!
One of the best Octavers i've ever tried! Great features, great tone, great build quality. Much recommended!
Unexpectedly discovering the sound I was looking for
"Jamas pensé en comprar un octavador, los creía inútiles, pero luego probé el OC3 y me regalo una buena parte del sonido que buscaba"
Artist usage
Add artist
Part of the pedalboard that John uses while playing with Dead & Company (source post here)
The Boss OC-3 Super Octave is used by Slash.
In this Rig Rundown from Van Halen's 2012 tour, Eddie's board is seen with an OC-3 in the top-right.
"The Boss Super Octave and the phaser, those are together in one loop. That's the 'Tighten Up' sound at the end," explains Dan Auerbach's guitar tech about the Boss OC-3 SUPER Octave Pedal.
In this Rig Rundown feature for Premier Guitar magazine, longtime U2 guitar tech Dallas Schoo shows off Edge's 2018 touring rig, which includes an OC-3 pedal.
He uses Boss OC-3 Super Octave.
BOSS OC-3 Super Octave visible in the photo of Jeff Beck's pedal board taken from the auction of his items at Christie's, January 2025, see: Jeff Beck - The Guitar Collection
Frank Iero can be seen with a Super Octave on his board during the Black Parade Tour, as captured in The Black Parade is Dead concert film.
Mike Dirnt's use of the Boss OC-3 Super Octave pedal is evident in the bass sound on The Network's albums. A notable example is their cover of "Teenagers from Mars" by The Misfits. While there are various octave pedals, the distinct sound suggests the use of the OC-3.
Commerford is very secretive of his tone, even going so far as to put effects
In this picture of one of Annie's old pedalboard we can see thatshe owns a Boss OC-3 SUPER Octave Pedal. This pedalboard can be confirmed that it is hers by the similarities between this one and the one in this article from 2007 http://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2007/07/24/st_vincent
Album Usage
The Boss OC-3 Super Octave has been featured on the following albums:
Memory Of A Day
Phantogram (2024)
Petunia
Tonstartssbandht (2021)
Lanza Internacional
Lanza Internacional (2017)
Fire Bird
Miyavi (2016)
Death of a Bachelor
Panic! at the Disco (2016)
Memories
Tobias Rauscher (2016)
Falling Bough Wisdom Teeth
Kiev (2013)
The Black Parade Is Dead!
My Chemical Romance (2008)
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 OC-3 Super Octave, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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