BOSS
SD-1
A BOSS overdrive pedal known as the SUPER OverDrive. It inherits the asymmetrical clipping circuit born in the OD-1, the first compact pedal from 1977, and arrived in 1981 with a tone knob added. With rich midrange and mild drive, it is a long-seller widely used not only as a standalone drive but also as a booster pushing amps and other drive pedals.
The overdrive archetype defined by asymmetrical clipping
It inherits the asymmetrical clipping circuit of the OD-1, the first compact pedal from 1977, and arrived in 1981 with a tone knob added. The design aims for the sound and response of a cranked tube amp.
A circuit generating even-order harmonics
Asymmetrical clipping generates rich even-order harmonics and maintains a natural response at any volume. The mild drive carries a rich midrange and tight low end, with a well-judged mid boost that pushes the guitar's sound forward.
Gain that responds to your hands
Because it responds sensitively to input level, the character of the drive changes with the guitar's volume control alone. Low-gain settings suit backing and high-gain settings suit leads, so one pedal moves between musical roles.
The classic booster role
Paired with an amp set clean or crunchy, it delivers a mellow drive at home in classic rock, blues, and pop. Placed in front of a high-gain amp or another drive pedal, it tames the highs moderately and works as a booster lifting the tone into tight, articulate territory.
- Asymmetrical clipping circuit inherited from the OD-1
- Mild drive with rich midrange and tight lows
- Sensitive response to the guitar's volume control
- Booster duty pushing high-gain amps
- A long-seller in production since 1981
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Specifications
| Manufacturer | BOSSOpens in a new tab |
|---|---|
| Product | SD-1Opens in a new tab |
| Type | Compact pedal |
| Functions | Overdrive |
| Release year | 1981 |
| Power | 9V manganese or alkaline battery / AC adapter (sold separately) |
| Current draw | 10mA |
| Dimensions | W73 × H59 × D129 mm |
| Bypass | Buffered bypass |
| Status | Available |
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