Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $450

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Boss SP-1 Spectrum is a vintage gem from the golden era of guitar pedals, offering a unique tone-shaping solution for discerning musicians. This single band parametric equalizer pedal, hailing from the land of the rising sun, graced the music scene briefly from 1977 to 1981. Its rarity and distinct tonal capabilities make it a coveted piece in any pedal enthusiast's collection.

Key Features:

  • Single band parametric equalizer
  • Made in Japan
  • Production years: 1977 - 1981
  • Highly sought after due to its rarity
  • Ideal for tone shaping and sound enhancement

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model SP-1 Spectrum (Black Label)
Finish Red
Year 1977 - 1981
Made In Japan
Categories EQ Pedals

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Boss SP-1 Spectrum pedal?

The Boss SP-1 Spectrum pedal is designed to boost a specific band of frequencies, enhancing the clarity of instruments like electric bass and keyboards in a mix.

How does the Boss SP-1 Spectrum affect guitar tone?

The SP-1 Spectrum can help bring out the midrange frequencies, adding clarity and presence to your guitar tone, especially useful for cutting through a dense mix.

Is the Boss SP-1 Spectrum pedal suitable for use with bass guitars?

Yes, the Boss SP-1 Spectrum is particularly effective with bass guitars, helping to emphasize certain frequencies and reduce muddiness in the sound.

Can the Boss SP-1 Spectrum be used with keyboards?

Absolutely, the SP-1 Spectrum is popular among keyboard players for enhancing the tonal clarity of electric pianos and other keyboard instruments.

What is the typical placement for the Boss SP-1 Spectrum in a pedal chain?

The SP-1 Spectrum is usually placed early in the signal chain to effectively shape the tone before other effects are applied.

Reverb

Reverb

Boss Compact Pedals 40th Anniversary: OD-1 Overdrive, SP-1 Spectrum & PH-1 Phaser | Reverb.com

Video thumbnail for Boss Compact Pedals 40th Anniversary: OD-1 Overdrive, SP-1 Spectrum & PH-1 Phaser | Reverb.com by Reverb

Boss Compact Pedals 40th Anniversary: OD-1 Overdrive, SP-1 Spectrum & PH-1 Phaser | Reverb.com

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Boss SP-1 Spectrum demo: Les Paul/AC15/Fender Reverb Tank by threestreet

Boss SP-1 Spectrum demo: Les Paul/AC15/Fender Reverb Tank

threestreet

threestreet

Video thumbnail for 【デジマート Vintage Effector File Vol 14】BOSS / Spectrum SP-1 by digimartnet

【デジマート Vintage Effector File Vol 14】BOSS / Spectrum SP-1

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for BOSS SP-1 Spectrum Demo by Pepe Music

BOSS SP-1 Spectrum Demo

Pepe Music

Pepe Music

Video thumbnail for Boss Pedal Review 41: SP-1 Spectrum by Cameron Johnson

Boss Pedal Review 41: SP-1 Spectrum

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss SP-1 Spectrum.

Comparisons

  • Behringer SE-200 is directly comparable to the Boss SP-1 as a clone, offering similar functionality at a lower price point.

    Source
  • Compared to the BBE Sonic Maximizer, the Spectrum provides a single-band parametric EQ, whereas the Maximizer is a two-band EQ with frequency shifting to tighten sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Parametric EQ pedals, like the Artec SE-PQ, can replicate the tonal shaping capabilities of the Boss SP-1 effectively.

    Source
  • The Spectrum knob can be cranked to achieve single-coil-like tones from a humbucker pickup, providing a unique tonal option for guitarists.

    Source
  • Functions as a single-band parametric EQ with a set gain for EQ boost, resembling a wah pedal without foot control, blendable with the dry signal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The high cost of the Boss SP-1 drives users to seek more affordable alternatives, with clones being a popular option.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners describe it as a "cocked wah" effect, noting that its rarity rather than functionality adds to its appeal.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:52 minute mark of Billy Corgan's "Stompland", the Boss SP-1 spectrum pedal is visible.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Eye Opener

According to this website he currently uses the Boss SP-1 Spectrum on the Getaway tour.

See how Nick Valensi uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

Nick Valensi

Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Valensi uses the Boss SP-1 Spectrum pedal, as shown in a user-uploaded photo, alongside his MXR Micro Amp and Pearl Chorus pedals.

See how Robert Fripp uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

Robert Fripp

Guitarist, Keyboardist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Photo

Used live with King Crimson, as can be seen on page 16 of the March 1982 issue of Guitar World and as specified on page 17.

ROBERT FRIPP—

Clockwise from left

a—Roland GR-300 control panel

b—Foxx Tone Machine

c—Pete Cornish pedalboard with vintage Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, volume, and Cry Baby Wah

d—A/DA Harmony Synthesizer

e—Proprietary pedalboard with Roland FX (SP-1, DS-1, CE-1)

See how Taylor York uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via Photo

Among Taylors pedals a boss SP1 can be seen.

See how Cate Le Bon uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

Cate Le Bon

Guitarist

Drinks

...
Verified via She Shreds Media

I’ve just added a Boss SP-1 Spectrum pedal to my setup, which makes your guitar sound like a piece of shit but in a tasteful way. Something like a DI guitar that’s really thin, and makes it sound like a bird playing a tin can [laughs]. It was a gift from Josh Klinghoffer, who has played guitar all over but currently [plays] with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

See how DJ TECHNORCH uses Boss SP-1 Spectrum

DJ TECHNORCH

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At the start of his livestream, what appears to be a BOSS Spectrum is seen amongst DJ TECHNORCH’s setup.

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 SP-1 Spectrum, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
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1
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Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Korg Kaoss Pad KP3+
Korg Kaoss Pad KP3+ Audio Samplers
1
Behringer Neutron
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1

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