BOSS
DS-1
The first BOSS distortion, introduced in 1978. It is a long-seller used by an especially large number of guitarists among the current BOSS compact lineup. Known for its iconic orange enclosure and edgy, coarse distortion sound, it has long remained in use, above all in rock, as a foundational distortion pedal.
The first BOSS distortion, which changed what distortion could be
Introduced in 1978 as BOSS's first distortion, it is a long-seller used by an especially large number of guitarists among the current BOSS compact lineup. Its attack is coarse and edgy yet the sound never collapses, suiting sharp backing parts and solos.
A distortion that established a genre of its own
Before the DS-1, distortion pedals generally turned muddy and compressed as the gain went up. The DS-1 broke that convention with tight, rich harmonics inside its coarseness — a distortion that never erased the differences between instruments and playing styles — and spread among hard rock, metal, and punk musicians.
A tone control that works in both directions
Turning the TONE knob clockwise raises the highs while cutting the lows, and turning it counterclockwise does the reverse. A single knob covers everything from sharp-edged rhythm sounds to fat lead sounds, and with vintage-style amps prone to low-end saturation, it can also be used as a booster that tidies up the lows.
Gain range from a multi-stage amplification circuit
A staged amplification circuit combining transistors and an op-amp lets the DIST knob cover everything from mild drive for boosting an amp to distortion for aggressive rock riffs. Rolling back the guitar's volume yields a clearly defined clean sound.
- BOSS's first distortion, in production since 1978
- A coarse, edgy attack that never collapses
- A unique tone circuit that moves highs and lows together
- Works as a booster with DIST turned down
- Direct response to guitar volume and picking
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Specifications
| Manufacturer | BOSSOpens in a new tab |
|---|---|
| Product | DS-1Opens in a new tab |
| Type | Compact pedal |
| Functions | Distortion |
| Release year | 1978 |
| Power | 9V alkaline or manganese battery / AC adapter (sold separately) |
| Current draw | 10mA |
| Dimensions | W73 × H59 × D129 mm |
| Status | Available |
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