Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (43)
$120.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (24)
$120.99
Amazon
4.6 (157)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (69)
$101.34 New
$69.78 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (64)
$120.99
Thomann
4.6 (141)
$105.00
Gear4Music
£100.75

Average Price: $110

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Standard

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Boss OD-3 OverDrive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For the musicians who crave versatility and dynamism in their guitar sounds, the Boss OD-3 OverDrive pedal offers a range of tone options that will satiate your musical thirst. This stompbox is more than an overdrive pedal; it's a gateway to an expanded range of smooth overdrive tones with an impressive response.

Its classic 3-knob configuration comprises level, drive, and tone controls, allowing you to dial in a vast spectrum of sounds. Whether you're after the sweet bluesy tones or the screaming monkeys, the OD-3 OverDrive has got you covered.

One of the notable facets of this pedal is its ability to replicate the vintage sound of a tube amp pushed to its limits. It produces a rich, fat, dynamic overdrive that's warmer and more "natural" than many effects pedals on the market. This unique feature makes it an ideal tool for driving big "evil" amp towers to extract more sustain, distortion, and warmth.

Moreover, the OD-3 can be used as a booster with little distortion but higher volume, bringing hot lead sounds to your tube amps faster. Backed by a 5-year warranty from Boss, this pedal guarantees reliable service for your sonic adventures.

Key Features:

  • Versatile overdrive pedal with expanded tone range
  • Classic 3-knob configuration (Level, Tone, Drive)
  • Delivers rich, fat, dynamic overdrive
  • Can also be used as a booster for tube amps
  • Backed by a 5-year warranty from Boss
  • Battery operation possible
  • Requires a 9V DC power supply (AC adapter not included)

Owner's manual

Boss OD-3 OverDrive User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type Overdrive
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

What type of overdrive tones can I expect from the Boss OD-3 OverDrive?

The Boss OD-3 OverDrive offers a natural overdrive sound with a wide range of smooth tones and endless sustain, ideal for various music genres.

Is the Boss OD-3 OverDrive suitable for stacking with other pedals?

Yes, the Boss OD-3 OverDrive works well when stacked with other overdrive, boost, modulation, and delay pedals, enhancing your overall tone.

Does the Boss OD-3 OverDrive require a specific power supply?

The Boss OD-3 OverDrive can be powered by a 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery, providing flexibility for different setups.

How does the Boss OD-3 OverDrive compare to a Tube Screamer?

The Boss OD-3 OverDrive offers a more refined tone with a wider range of controls compared to a traditional Tube Screamer, making it versatile for various styles.

Can the Boss OD-3 OverDrive be used for live performances?

Yes, the Boss OD-3 OverDrive is suitable for live performances, delivering consistent and reliable overdrive tones with its robust build quality.

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

BOSS OD-3 OverDrive [BOSS Sound Check]

Video thumbnail for BOSS OD-3 OverDrive [BOSS Sound Check] by BOSSchannel

BOSS OD-3 OverDrive [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for BOSS OD-3 OverDrive Pedal by intheblues

BOSS OD-3 OverDrive Pedal

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Boss OD-3 or Fulltone OCD? Overdrive Pedal Comparison and Review by Michael Banfield

Boss OD-3 or Fulltone OCD? Overdrive Pedal Comparison and Review

Michael Banfield

Michael Banfield

Video thumbnail for BOSS'S NASHVILLE OVERDRIVE! Boss OD-3 by Jackson Brooksby

BOSS'S NASHVILLE OVERDRIVE! Boss OD-3

Jackson Brooksby

Jackson Brooksby

Video thumbnail for Why The Boss OD-3 Is My Benchmark Overdrive Pedal by Michael Banfield

Why The Boss OD-3 Is My Benchmark Overdrive Pedal

Michael Banfield

Michael Banfield

Video thumbnail for Boss OD-3 | The Most Underrated Overdrive Pedal? by Jack Fossett

Boss OD-3 | The Most Underrated Overdrive Pedal?

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for 40 years in the making! The Boss OD-1 vs the Boss OD-3 by David Carr Music

40 years in the making! The Boss OD-1 vs the Boss OD-3

David Carr Music

David Carr Music

Video thumbnail for Boss OD-3 OverDrive | Demo [NO TALKING] by Dean Wingerter

Boss OD-3 OverDrive | Demo [NO TALKING]

Dean Wingerter

Dean Wingerter

Video thumbnail for The Best Overdrive of All Time | Boss OD-3 Overdrive by Pedalboard of the Day

The Best Overdrive of All Time | Boss OD-3 Overdrive

Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Video thumbnail for BETTER THAN BOUTIQUE - This Is the Best Drive Pedal Boss Make - The Boss OD3 by John Nathan Cordy

BETTER THAN BOUTIQUE - This Is the Best Drive Pedal Boss Make - The Boss OD3

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tone control for dialing in a variety of sounds

  • Can replicate tones of more expensive vintage pedals

  • Smooth, warm overdrive without harshness or fizz

  • Works well as both a stand-alone drive and a boost

  • Maintains guitar and amp character, enhancing rather than overpowering

  • Offers a substantial volume boost without altering tone

  • Dynamic response, reacts well to guitar volume adjustments

  • Transparent overdrive keeps the original sound intact

  • Solid build quality, reliable for heavy use

  • Efficient power consumption, good for battery use

CONS

  • Some find it less transparent compared to other pedals

  • Can sound dark with added drive and compression

  • Lacks a bass scoop option for those seeking that specific EQ

  • Compared unfavorably to the ODR-1 by some for its tonal balance

  • Not as effective for boosting as some players would prefer

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss OD-3 OverDrive.

Comparisons

  • The OD-3 is noted to be more transparent than the SD-1, making it preferable for low gain settings, especially with Strat pickups in the 4th position.

    Source
  • Owners who have tested both prefer the OD-3 over the BD-2 for single coils, citing smoother high end and better overall tone.

    Source
  • Many users find the OD-3's sound to have more low end compared to the Tube Screamer TS9, which enhances its pairing with pedals like the RAT for fuzz territory.

    Source
  • The OD-3 is perceived by some as Boss' answer to the Nobels ODR-1, noted for its fuller frequency response without the pronounced mid hump of a Tube Screamer.

    Source
  • Some users find that the OD-3 outshines the Fulltone OCD and various "Marshall in a box" pedals for replicating classic Marshall tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The OD-3 is highlighted for its "amp-in-a-box" crunch tone, ideal for low to medium gain applications.

    Source
  • The tone knob on the OD-3 is considered usable and responsive, though it may become excessive at higher settings.

    Source
  • It's highlighted for its versatility, achieving everything from classic mid-hump blues tones to thrash sounds when combined with an SD-1.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Using the OD-3 with a Plumes pedal can transform the EQD's standard TS mode, adding a fuzzy quality.

    Source
  • A Les Paul with Slashbuckers through a PRS HDRX 20 amp set at the edge of breakup creates a "killer" sound with the OD-3, enhancing its overall tone.

    Source
  • The OD-3 is highly versatile, serving well as both a boost in jam sessions and an always-on pedal for dynamic, responsive crunch when used with a Telecaster and AC15.

    Source
  • The OD-3 is praised for its ability to achieve a Dinosaur Jr-inspired sound when paired with a '68 Bandmaster amp.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that using the OD-3 as a boost with the level maxed and drive minimized into a cranked amp delivers exceptional results.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 29 Reviews and 153 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
modulateman

It kicks ass

this is the drive you need to kick the front of your amp off the planet. It's the ultimate classic rock sounding overdrive but can also be used as a punchy clean boost for strats that sound amazing. Roll off the tone and turn up the gain to get some sweet black keys fuzz sounds

zackvest

Overdrive Pedal

On my rig this turns my clean tone into a powerhouse, it can be used for a nice classic crunch but can also be used for a metal sound. Good overdrive pedal and easy and simple to use.

themonoazul

Awesome sound, and easy to use!!

I have this pedal for a while now and it has been amazing so far, on both bass and guitar, very tube amp sounding drive, cuts great in a mix, great for soloing and playing Post-Punk or Indie Rock kind of stuff

pedalfreak94

Fantastic Overdrive pedal from Boss!

Great and transparent Overdrive! I like Boss pedals a lot and can't imagine a world without them! The almighty Bruce Springsteen even uses it! Come on, that your answer, right there! The Boss uses Boss!

nando_nando

Great overdrive pedal

Um dos melhores overdrives que já tive. Consigo desde um od transparente até um overdrive mais rasgado. Muito bom!

krissangerman

Personality and Presence

A saturator with a lot of personality, to have that sound that varies between the clean and dirty channel when executing phrases of greater expression.

When I do a solo, I use it as a booster along with the DS-1, increasing the volume and aggressiveness.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
bernardo_cardoso

top

great overdrive pedal, i'm using it on bass, + a preamp pedal i have that sound amazing

mattpike14

Great

This pedal sounds great with full level, tone in the middle and a very slight drive. This adds brightness to any lead guitar tone.

ryandano

Really like this pedal for a nice overdrive

Great pedal in all honesty. I don't think the 'level' really changes the volume that much, which is a shame as I'm using this as part of my gain stages. Sound proper nice though!

chris_watson1986

Decent overdrive

I use this as a boost with distortion to add some dynamics to my metal rhythm tone.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Jonny Greenwood has replaced the Boss SD-1 with the Boss OD-3 OverDrive pedal, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Wordpress.

See how Davie504 uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Davie504

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:43 minute mark, Davie shows his Boss OD-3 distortion pedal.

See how Neil Halstead uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Neil Halstead

Singer, Guitarist

Slowdive

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Halstead's pedalboard from Slowdive's 2014 London gig (another photo, which shows Halstead's Jazz Chorus amplifier and Epiphone Casino can be seen here), one of the pedals that can be seen is the Boss OD-3.

See how Joe Walsh uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Joe Walsh

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via reverb.com

According to Reverb's website, his current list of pedals also includes the Boss OD-3 overdrive pedal.

See how Toru Kitajima uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Toru Kitajima

Singer, Guitarist

Ling Tosite Sigure

...
Verified via Photo

Miyoko Nakamura is shown using a modded Boss OD-3 OverDrive pedal on his pedalboard circa 2009, as evidenced by the Imgur album titled "TK's pedalboard circa 2009." The pedal has been modified by Soulpower Instruments.

See how Varg Vikernes uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Varg Vikernes

Guitarist, Bassist

Mayhem

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "HOW VARG VİKERNES RECORDED THE FİLOSOFEM ALBUM" by TØRKE Official, Varg Vikernes confirms at the 3:07 mark that he used a Boss OD-3 OverDrive, referring to it as a "yellow fuzz pedal," with an accompanying image and the caption "This one," during the recording of his album Filosofem.

EDIT INFORMATION: He might be wrong... since the Pedal came out in 1997 and the Filosofem Album was recorded in 1993....

See how Gem Archer uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Gem Archer

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Gem Archer Gear

According to Gem Archer Gear's pedal rundown, Archer uses the Boss OD-3.

See how Mike Kinsella uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Mike Kinsella

Singer, Guitarist

American Football

...
Verified via Photo

Same picture of the other 2 pedals

See how William Reid uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

William Reid

Guitarist

The Jesus and Mary Chain

...
Verified via Photo

A Boss OD-3 can be seen on William Reid's pedal board.

See how Rival Consoles uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Rival Consoles

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

In an interview with Attack Magazine, Rival Consoles discusses his approach to enhancing synth sounds with effects. He mentions using a chain of pedals, including the Boss OD-3 OverDrive, to add depth and texture to his music.

See how Miku Kobato uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Miku Kobato

Singer, Guitarist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Photo

Scan of 2 pages of the 2019 book "Band-Maid: The Day before World Domination", that is sold on Band-Maid's official shop. These pages describe Miku's gear. The pedal is easily spotted at the bottom left of her pedalboard, and is mentioned in the text below.

See how Jack Tatum uses Boss OD-3 OverDrive

Jack Tatum

Singer, Guitarist

Wild Nothing

...
Verified via Tumblr

At a Wild Nothing concert on June 26, 2012, Jack Tatum was photographed using a Boss OD-3 OverDrive pedal.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss OD-3 OverDrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
janwal

janwal

Gear IQ 218

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miguel_angelo

Gear IQ 984

zacsmith

zacsmith

Gear IQ 212

alecani

alecani

Gear IQ 2413

dogpool

dogpool

Gear IQ 441

nurikarakus

nurikarakus

Gear IQ 168

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

nurikarakus

nurikarakus

Gear IQ 168

dogpool

dogpool

Gear IQ 441

W

wenderson_dias

Gear IQ 91

nurikarakus

nurikarakus

Gear IQ 168

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

nurikarakus

nurikarakus

Gear IQ 168

eduardo_bahia

eduardo_bahia

Gear IQ 302

rackattack

rackattack

Gear IQ 395

alexander_nava

alexander_nava

Gear IQ 496

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

seicean

seicean

Gear IQ 166

mintu

mintu

Gear IQ 259

kir_aoi

kir_aoi

Gear IQ 1270

alecani

alecani

Gear IQ 2413

muserhead

muserhead

Gear IQ 558

alexander_nava

alexander_nava

Gear IQ 496

eduardo_bahia

eduardo_bahia

Gear IQ 302

manuel_barraza

manuel_barraza

Gear IQ 100

simonh89

simonh89

Gear IQ 205

cesar_ruiz

cesar_ruiz

Gear IQ 107

thquib

thquib

Gear IQ 151

bsjones

bsjones

Gear IQ 152

sazlyhadi_shaharin

sazlyhadi_shaharin

Gear IQ 124

adnan_ahmed_feroz

adnan_ahmed_feroz

Gear IQ 195

4 alternative and related items for Boss OD-3 OverDrive, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive

$59.00 - $69.99

similar sound cheaper alternative

The SD-1 can produce some similar tones, but due to its mid-hump it's lacking some versatility and is not as "transparent" as the OD-3. I'd say the SD-1 is the nearest living relative to the OD-3, the OS-2 is also in that range but imho not capable of as much similar tones as the SD-1.

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