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Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion

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$98.00 to $120.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (178)

1 Critic Review

28 Reviews

Find out who is using Boss OS-2

17 community setups

52 wishlisted

425 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.5 (33)

$120.99

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5.0 (49)

$120.99

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4.6 (309)

$120.99 New

$102.99 Used (Very Good)

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5.0 (58)

$98.45 59 available New

$42.00 78 available Used

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4.0 (120)

$120.99

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$120.99

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4.3 (121)

$99.00 $98.00 $1.00 · All time low

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£93.60

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Average Price: $105

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

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Introducing the Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion, a versatile and robust pedal that is every guitarist's dream. This dual-function pedal offers both overdrive and distortion effects in one compact unit, giving you the freedom to shape your sound exactly how you want it. Whether you prefer a subtle crunch or an intense saturation, the Boss OS-2's innovative design and four control knobs – Level, Tone, Drive, and Color – make it easy to achieve your desired tone.

One of the standout features of the Boss OS-2 is its ability to blend overdrive and distortion. This powerful function provides an array of tonal choices, allowing you to smoothly transition from overdrive to distortion and everything in between. Equally impressive is the pedal's ability to preserve the nuances of single-coil pickups. This means your guitar's unique sound always shines through, no matter how much you tweak the effects.

As with all Boss pedals, the OS-2 is built to last. Its sturdy metal chassis and footswitches can withstand the rigors of the road, and it works just as well with a battery or a power supply. The Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion is more than just an effects pedal – it's a powerful tool for shaping your sound and making your music come to life.

Key Features: - Dual-function pedal with overdrive and distortion effects - Four control knobs for customizing your sound: Level, Tone, Drive, and Color - Ability to blend overdrive and distortion for more tonal choices - Preserves the nuances of single-coil pickups - Sturdy metal chassis and footswitches designed for durability - Can be operated by battery or power supply - Part of Boss's legendary line of guitar pedals.

Owner's manual

Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Overdrive/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

What is the main feature of the Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion pedal?: The Boss OS-2 combines overdrive and distortion in one pedal, allowing you to blend the two effects for a wide range of tonal possibilities. This feature makes it versatile for various music styles, from blues to rock.
Can the Boss OS-2 be powered by a 9V battery?: Yes, the Boss OS-2 can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power supply, providing flexibility for both stage and studio use.
Does the Boss OS-2 work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?: The Boss OS-2 is designed to work effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering clear and dynamic overdrive and distortion tones regardless of your guitar's pickup configuration.
How does the Color knob on the Boss OS-2 affect the sound?: The Color knob on the Boss OS-2 allows you to blend between overdrive and distortion tones, giving you the ability to create a custom sound that suits your playing style and musical genre.
Is the Boss OS-2 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss OS-2 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its robust construction and versatile sound-shaping capabilities, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

Videos

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BOSSchannel

BOSS OS-2 Overdrive / Distortion [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

BOSS OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Great or Garbage? BOSS OS-2

Leon Todd

Boss OS-2: Pedal Mods

Science of Loud

Boss OS-2 Overdrive Distortion Pedal Review and Comparison

Michael Banfield

Boss OS-2 Overdrive Distortion Bitesize Review - 30 Days, 30 Pedals - WIN!

sonicstate

TONE THURSDAY: Boss OS-2 Overdrive Distortion Pedal Demo - Does it sound bad?

Music Bliss Malaysia

Boss OS 2 Overdrive/Distortion Pedal (Overdrive AND Distortion in ONE Pedal?)

Elmo Karjalainen

Pedal Face-Off – Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion vs. Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal comparison

Dome

Does it Deserve the HATE? Boss OS-2 Most hated Boss pedal

Pedalboards of Doom

BOSS OS-2 Overdrive / Distortion

Charly G.- Sound & Demo

Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion

Wall of Sound

BOSS OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion Demo

Ben Coombs

Reviews

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PROS

Blends overdrive and distortion for versatile sound
Provides a wide range of sounds from warm overdrive to aggressive distortion
Sturdy Boss construction ensures durability
Color knob allows precise blending of effects
Can serve well in live settings, cutting through the mix
Useful as a clean boost/compressor for certain pickups
Offers a unique mixed tone, beneficial for various genres
Equipped with clear and responsive controls

CONS

May not excel in producing a classic tube-like overdrive sound
Some users find it lacking in bottom-end and can sound screechy
Tone can appear very digital to some, especially when battery is low
Overdrive component considered weak by some, especially standalone
Character of gain changes with the Color knob, limiting tonal consistency
Not the first choice for purists seeking authentic overdrive or distortion

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion.

Features and functionality

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The OS-2’s color knob can produce a near-rectifier sound by scooping mids, offering a unique tonal option not typically associated with Boss pedals.
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The color knob allows blending overdrive and distortion to achieve a precise mix of mid-range bite and top-end fizz, effective with both Fender and Marshall amps.
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Setting the color and drive knobs to 2-3 can achieve a RAT-like fuzz, potentially saving the need for a separate RAT pedal.
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Mods and upgrades

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The Wampler Marshall Mod can transform the OS-2 into a crunchy, British Combo-style sound, suitable for shoegaze but less so for blues.
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Modifying capacitor positions such as C16, C18, C23, and C27 can alter the OS-2’s sound, although it requires intricate soldering skills.
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Use cases and applications

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The OS-2’s buffered nature makes it useful for testing pedal chains, particularly in observing impedance effects on signal flow.
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When paired with a medium-gain rock tone, the OS-2 can deliver a thick, muff-like distortion without the usual muddiness associated with fuzz pedals.
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Ideal for driving amps at the edge of breakup, especially when adjusting the color and tone knobs to balance treble and mids effectively.
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The OS-2 effectively emulates RAT, DS-2, Super Overdrive, and Blues Breaker sounds, making it versatile for 90s grunge and doom chug tones.
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It was the "secret sauce" for early 00s Boston alt-metal bands like Converge, driving Boogie or Marshall amps for a powerful downtuned crunch.
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Comparisons

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The Boss OD-3 is often favored over the OS-2 for its underrated, boutique-quality overdrive tone that some users return to repeatedly.
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Users find the distortion side of the OS-2 preferable, comparing it favorably to the Behringer clone, OD300, particularly when used with tube amps.
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User experience

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Despite initial appeal, many find the OS-2's appeal limited over time, with better satisfaction found in other Boss models like the Waza Craft DM-2.
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Some users note a love-hate relationship with the OS-2, finding it thin on the overdrive side and prone to hiss, yet consistently useful across various setups.
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Many discovered the pedal's potential by turning the drive down to minimum, revealing a dynamic and impressive low-gain sound.
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Value and pricing

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Owners mention that the OS-2 can often be found cheaply, making it an accessible option for those seeking versatile distortion and overdrive.
Source

Critic Reviews

Boss OS-2 Review - Frontman Philosophy

frontmanphilosophy.com

The Boss OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion combines classic overdrive and distortion in a single pedal, offering impressive versatility for guitarists seeking a compact setup. It excels in delivering a range of sounds from bluesy overdrive to heavy metal distortion, though it falls short compared to dedicated pedals like the DS-2 or SD-1. Its thin tone may lack low-end punch for some, but its durability and affordability are strong selling points. However, it quickly drains batteries, making a power adapter a necessary additional purchase. While not perfect, it remains a viable option for those needing a versatile, all-in-one solution on a budget.

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Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 28 Reviews and 178 Ratings

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joe_fender813

159

over 4 years ago

Versatile and affordable

This little pedal is extremely cheap on the resale market and it is totally worth it. I use it at about 12 o'clock between overdrive and distortion. It has great clarity and can get as dirty as I need it to. Also pairs just fine with an amp at breakup. Can't imagine not having a use for it even if I upgrade to a higher end OD or distortion someday.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Progressive rock

alonsomartinez

273

over 5 years ago

It sounds really nice

Really you can achieve the two sounds, but i think is more like a distortion than a overdrive. It has the classic sound of overdrive/distortion boss pedals. If you like Boss, you cant go wrong.

dterrero

333

over 6 years ago

Great beginner dirt pedal

I used this as my main distortion sound as a novice guitarist with only a cheap 10-wat solid-state amp. Then I discovered what valve amp distortion was. I kept it around for several months afterward, but I ultimately let it go in service of cleaner closet space and a less crowded pedalboard.

acarthrythcy

155

about 8 years ago

Can of bees

We call it the "Can of Bees" because I always pump the tone knob up a little too high. It's a great pedal, I've gotten a lot of nice sounds with a few different guitars now, and it keeps up real well. I like the seperate drive knob, because it lets you throw overdrive on top of distortion to get a big wave of noise.

daniel_carlile

220

about 7 years ago

A good crossover pedal for those heavy tones.

So I understand where some may rather have an OD and a distortion pedal individually so they can have control between the two, but for me the sounds I can get from a bluesy pushed growl to that thick chunky DS-1 distortion is absolutely amazing. I fully support this pedal.

rcn

135

over 4 years ago

A "Showbiz" type of sound for bassist

J'utilise la pédale pour retrouver un son à la Showbiz de Muse et cette pédale est tout simplement excellente

Roles:

Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Alternative rock Pop rock

leonrasol

165

about 4 years ago

i was wrong about it

I prefer it much more to the sd-1. Much more chaotic and aggressive...

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Post-hardcore Post-punk Noise rock

brah

almost 11 years ago

awesome

I like it for practice, for songs I need Overdrive, Distortion or both!! It wouldn't be my first choice for a live performance because I'd have to manually switch settings (from overdrive to distortion etc...) but all and all a great pedal. Plus Boss pedals are badass!!!!!!!!

jimmarchi1

41029

11 years ago almost 11 years ago

someone gave me one of these in the late 90s.... ugh

sigit_herdi

129

over 10 years ago

Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion Pedal

With BOSS's popular OS-2 OverDrive/Distortion pedal, it's like having two in-your-face effects pedals in one. That's because, with it, you can produce all kinds of overdrive sounds, tons of distortion flavors, or a massive combination of the two. The OS-2 has four onboard controls (Level, Tone, Drive, and Color) which let you summon your sound. But, whether you drive it hard or give your tone just that perfect subtle crunch is up to you. Either way, you'll love the BOSS OS-2 with both single-coil and humbucking pickups.

fhernandoge_hernandez

almost 11 years ago

Its bloody amazing

If you need a pedal give you sounds of punk, pop punk, light metal and a few other genres. this pedal will literally save your life. Get this and you'll soon never want to go back to just using that shitty overdrive on your amp.