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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 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 7, 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

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5.0 (58)

$98.31 59 available New

$44.00 82 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: $106

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

Add video

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.
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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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caleb_parnell

102

almost 11 years ago

Definitely a versatile pedal

I use this as my main overdrive, but I use a bit more distortion on my sound so I use this pedal and it sounds awesome for pop punk with a rockin edge.

sjpaezors13

144

about 8 years ago

My first pedal ever

Amazing combination of two of the most recommended pedals ever, Boss Distortion and overdrive. I Used it for a few years until it stopped function property, fortunately I got it repaired

courtland_adams

201

about 9 years ago

Great to mix

Really love being able to mix between overdrive and distortion, you can get any kind of drive or distortion out of this because it's so versatile. My go-to drive.

eliottguilmet

about 9 years ago

My first OD pedal

I remember my father bought me that pedal when I was 9. I'm not using it anymore but I keep it as a memory!

jimmarchi1

41029

over 8 years ago

is it an OD or a distortion? and what color is it?

yellow? orange? neither? I lost it for a while and then found it recently... I should run it through a big EL34 amp at 11. I remember liking it in the late 90s but not loving it. It appears to power up.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock