The Legendary BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive Pedal
I was doing a little cleanup in my computer and ran into this vector diagram of a BOSS SD-1. I guess I had used this to lay out a pedalboard diagram for a build. Based on the date of the file, I want to say it was right around the time I started SixStringSensei. Yep, 2005.
Anyway, seeing this diagram, I decided to post it up and write a few words about this pedal. The BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive has been around for ages. According to the interwebs, the SD-1 was launch in 1981 as a follow up to the OD-1 Overdrive. Since then it has become an absolute legend.
Here’s the thing about the BOSS SD-1. Actually, I’ll make a big deal about what I’m going to say next…
There are so many guitarists that follow the hype and buy many of the latest and greatest boutique overdrive pedals and every time they come back to the SD-1 their response is along the lines of, “this sounds so good I don’t even know why I bother trying anything else.”
Legendary pedal with tried-and-true settings
Granted, it’s always fun to try other stuff. But my point is, the BOSS SD-1 is a staple in the world of guitar and it really sounds amazing. Not just that, but it’s really versatile. Some guitarists run it with traditional overdrive settings – essentially, adding distortion to taste. Then, other guitarists, specially those that play into high gain amplifiers swear by the tried and true settings of cranking the level, but turning down the drive all the way to zero. This tightens the lows in high distortion amps. For these settings you’ll find that having the tone hovering around 11 O’clock is pretty common. However, I’ve seeing it above or below this. It just depends on you and your setup.
Given it’s been around for so long, the BOSS SD-1 has had various versions. You’ll also find older ones have through-hole components while the newer ones have surface mounted components – Sometimes referred to SMT for surface mounted technology or SMD for surface mounted devices. The through-hole ones are sought-after since they are easier to repair or modify.
Many versions of the Boss SD-1
Common newer version of the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive include the black SD-1 4A 40th Anniversary Edition, the Waza Craft SD-1W and of course the standard Made in Malaysia SD-1.
While we’ve mostly have gotten over the fact that these are buffered pedals, deep inside we wish BOSS would offer a true-bypass version. For those looking for a true-bypass SD-1, the options are to either mod one, or put it in the loop of a true-bypass switcher.
Time to try one?
If you haven’t tried a BOSS SD-1 yet, I encourage you to find one and give it a shot. I bet you’ll like it. These are generally not expensive overdrive pedals, and buying a used one is more than reasonable. The fact is, you’ve probably spent 3 times as much on the latest and greatest boutique overdrive, more than once.
