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Average Price: $149

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Description

Introducing the Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive, a versatile pedal designed for the modern guitarist. With its dual drive design, this pedal offers both lead and crunch channels, each powered by distinct overdrive circuits and clipping diodes. Whether you're seeking a creamy overdrive or a searing distortion, this pedal delivers a wide range of tonal options. The red/green LED display ensures easy indication of active channels, making it a practical companion for both studio sessions and live performances. The Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive is not just another pedal; it's your potential best friend on the musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Dual drive design, offering lead and crunch channels
  • Separate overdrive circuits and clipping diodes for each channel
  • Red/green LED display for easy indication of active channels
  • Versatile tone options, from creamy overdrive to searing distortion
  • Ideal for both studio sessions and live performances
  • Provides excellent value with two overdrives for the price of one

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model SD-2 Dual OverDrive (Silver Label)
Finish Yellow
Year 1993 - 1998
Made In Taiwan
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What makes the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive unique compared to other overdrive pedals?

The Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive offers two distinct overdrive modes: Crunch and Lead. This allows guitarists to switch between a smooth, mild overdrive and a more aggressive, saturated tone, making it versatile for different playing styles and genres.

Can the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive be used effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive is designed to work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, delivering consistent overdrive tones while maintaining the character of the guitar's pickups.

Does the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive have a true bypass?

The Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive does not feature true bypass. Instead, it uses a buffered bypass which helps maintain signal integrity over long cable runs and when using multiple pedals.

What type of power supply does the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive require?

The Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive can be powered using a standard 9V battery or a Boss PSA-series AC adapter, providing flexibility for different performance setups.

Is the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive is well-suited for live performances, offering robust construction and reliable switching between its two overdrive modes, allowing for dynamic tone changes on stage.

gearuptmntv

gearuptmntv

Boss Dual Overdrive SD-2: Gear Up

Video thumbnail for Boss Dual Overdrive SD-2: Gear Up by gearuptmntv

Boss Dual Overdrive SD-2: Gear Up

gearuptmntv

gearuptmntv

Video thumbnail for PDC-TV Gear Talk: BOSS SD-2 Dual Overdrive demo by Perfecto De Castro

PDC-TV Gear Talk: BOSS SD-2 Dual Overdrive demo

Perfecto De Castro

Perfecto De Castro

Video thumbnail for BOSS SD-2 - Great or Garbage? by Leon Todd

BOSS SD-2 - Great or Garbage?

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Boss SD-2, dual overdrive guitar pedal demo, Msm Workshop by MSMWorkshop

Boss SD-2, dual overdrive guitar pedal demo, Msm Workshop

MSMWorkshop

MSMWorkshop

Video thumbnail for Double your Dirt - A Deep Look at the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive. by Stompbox Breakdown

Double your Dirt - A Deep Look at the Boss SD-2 Dual OverDrive.

Stompbox Breakdown

Stompbox Breakdown

Video thumbnail for Boss SD-2 (It's a Dual Overdrive) by Elmo Karjalainen

Boss SD-2 (It's a Dual Overdrive)

Elmo Karjalainen

Elmo Karjalainen

Video thumbnail for BOSS SD-2 DUAL Over Drive with Les Paul demo by WESTBALL FAMILY

BOSS SD-2 DUAL Over Drive with Les Paul demo

WESTBALL FAMILY

WESTBALL FAMILY

Video thumbnail for Review and Demo: Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive effects pedal!! It's beautiful!! by Beers N Gears

Review and Demo: Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive effects pedal!! It's beautiful!!

Beers N Gears

Beers N Gears

Reviews

PROS

  • Dual overdrive channels offer versatile tones

  • Flat EQ in green mode provides transparent drive

  • Red mode delivers smooth highs and more lows

  • LED clipping ensures open, crunchy, amp-like feel

  • Works well with a range of amps for modern rock sound

  • Durable build quality typical of Boss pedals

  • Can be used standalone or stacked with other pedals

  • Green channel likened to early Marshall Bluesbreaker

  • Red channel reminiscent of a Marshall JCM-800

  • Can serve as a nice boost on tube amps in Crunch mode

CONS

  • Crunch mode described as harsh and buzzy by some

  • Lead channel's smooth sound may be hard to control

  • Some users find the pedal's age affects performance

  • Modding desired to improve Crunch mode's tone

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The pedal's lead channel excels with high gain, delivering a Van Halen-esque tone, especially when paired with a Fender 65 DRRI or Blues Deluxe.

    Source
  • The SD-2 has a unique issue: one channel remains active always, but a remote foot switch input might help manage this.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • With single-coil pickups like the SSL-1 and SSL-5 in a Strat, the pedal offers clear, rich tones, but humbuckers may sound muddier without adjustment.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The crunch channel of the SD-2 is notably similar to the SD-1, providing familiar tonal characteristics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners are surprised by the pedal's low popularity given its performance, especially when found at a good price on platforms like Craigslist.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • When replacing knobs, ensure compatibility with the SD-2's skinnier shaft design due to its four potentiometers.

    Source
  • If no sound is produced, check for a blown diode, a common issue that can require additional repair efforts.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a website like Love My Switches can help find replica knobs, but ensure correct shaft type and diameter are selected.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jared_sager

My favorite overdrive pedal.

I've been using this pedal for over a decade now and it's still a vital part of my rig. I use it by itself or stacked with any number of other overdrive pedals. For those of you that don't know the Boss SD-2 has two independent overdrive channels which sound completely different. The green channel which reminds me of an early Marshall Bluesbreaker. Then there's the red channel which is almost reminiscent of a Marshall JCM-800. Of course this is all my opinion and tone being subjective take it for what it is. Mine mostly lives on the green channel which is my personal favorite and it is set for light break up. Both circuits use LED's for the clipping diodes. I've attempted to replace it at different points in my career but it always ends up staying on my pedalboard as my base overdrive sound. Also It's a Boss pedal so very well built. I've done some modifications to mine but nothing crazy. It's basically stock but with upgraded electrolytic capacitors.

bradenpace

Heavier Lead Distortion + Boost Pedal

Like most folks out there, I really like the lead distortion mode. And yes, the "crunch" mode leaves a lot to be desired. However, I have found a use for Crunch mode: lowering the Drive and cranking the Level up makes for a nice boost, especially on tube amps.

eduardo_bahia

My Marshall sounding solo machine

This thing has two channels right? Well, the crunch mode isn't very inspiring at all, infact i want to mod it. It's kinda harsh and buzzy no matter how i tweak it The lead side worth the climb. This is certanly one of the most powerful marshall sounding lead distortions i've ever heard, and i've heard many.

tfsbrett

Lead channel is superb. Crunch channel not so much

The lead channel on this is perfect for soloing. It is a smooth wailing sound that is sometimes hard to control but brings sweet sounds. The crunch channel is too sandy for me and I don't ever use it.

J

Still in love

Boss definitely knows overdrive. This pedal will always be a keeper.

F

So nice

Great overdrive, but my pedal is so older Vintage indeed hehe

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steven Wilson uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Steven Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in Steven's "gig rig" at 21:12 into his and Guthrie Govan's rig rundown video.

See how Pepper Keenan uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Pepper Keenan

Singer, Guitarist

Down

...
Verified via Photo

In this gear diagram of Pepper Keenan's Down stage setup, a Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive can be seen.

See how Peter Honoré uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Peter Honoré

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"Another of my favourites ever. Had this from new."

See how Tom Bukovac uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Tom Bukovac

Guitarist

Trip the Witch

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows Bukovac in studio with his rig, one of the pedals that can be seen in the pedalboard is the Boss SD-2 dual overdrive pedal.

See how Gaz Coombes uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Gaz Coombes

Singer, Guitarist

Supergrass

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Coombes' pedalboard live at the Supergrass' 2008 concert in Larimer, the Boss SD-2 dual overdrive is visible.

See how Dann Huff uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Dann Huff

Guitarist, Music Producer

White Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

"Huff doesn’t need a spaceship to get where he needs to go. Along with a TC Electronic PolyTune and a Lehle volume pedal, he runs a Vertex Effects Steel String (Slight Return Edition), Vertex Ultraphonix Mk II, Boss SD-2, TC Electronic Corona, Boss VB-2w, Mr. Black SuperMoon, Strymon Brigadier, and Line 6 M9 Stompbox Modeler."

See how Chris Stein uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Chris Stein

Guitarist

Blondie

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Stein’s effects for this tour are very minimal. He says he really only uses the Seymour Duncan Deja Vu Tap Delay, an Ibanez Tube Screamer, and a Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer. When we talked to him he was trying out a DigiTech Hardwire Metal Distortion, and he also had a Hardwire Stereo Reverb, Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch, Boss TU-2 Tuner, Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive, and Boss DD-5 Digital Delay on his board.

See how Tom Barman uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Tom Barman

Singer, Guitarist

Deus

...
Verified via Photo

The fourth pedal is, to my best guess, a Boss SD2; the third pedal from the left is to my guess a footswitch to switch between modes.

You can even spot the green LED of the pedal (Crunch mode)

See how Nico Astegiano uses Boss SD-2 DUAL OverDrive

Nico Astegiano

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Es parte de su pedalboard. lo menciona en el minuto: 5:18

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