BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive Compact Pedal

Since its release in 1981, the workhorse SD-1 Super Overdrive has been the core gain pedal for generations of players across every musical genre. Based around the revolutionary asymmetrical clipping circuit from the OD-1 Overdrive—one of the three original BOSS compact pedals from 1977—the SD-1 delivers rich, smooth, and highly musical overdrive tones that continue to inspire guitarists everywhere.

• Genre-defining BOSS overdrive sound
• Unique asymmetrical clipping circuit produces tube-like overdrive characteristics
• Mild-to-moderate drive tones with focused midrange and tight low end
• Ideal for use with clean and slightly driven amps
• Also works great for bringing tightness and definition to high-gain amp tones
• Stacks well with boost, overdrive, and distortion pedals
• BOSS five-year warranty

The Clipping Circuit That Defined “Overdrive”

In 1977, BOSS created an entirely new stompbox category with the OD-1, bringing natural overdrive in pedal form to guitarists for the very first time. Producing a signal rich in even-order harmonics, its unique asymmetric clipping circuit replicated the pleasing sound and feel of a driven tube amp—but at controllable volume levels. Four years later, this breakthrough design evolved into the more versatile SD-1, which added an active tone control for shaping the treble response and subtle enhancements for more low-end body.

Overdrive Perfection

The SD-1 allows players from beginner to pro to get inspiring sounds right away, thanks to its natural behavior and the subtle mid boost that's part of its design. It gives your tone a push where it matters most, ensuring your guitar always sits perfectly in the mix with warmth, clarity, and rich presence. Lower drive settings are great for rhythm parts, while higher settings are ideal for fat, singing leads. The SD-1 is also very sensitive to input gain, letting you dial in different shades of overdrive simply by adjusting your guitar's volume control.

The One Pedal Every Player Needs

With its organic character and responsive drive and tone controls, the SD-1 delivers the right sound for just about any style of music. Kick on the pedal with your favorite clean or slightly driven amp for mild-to-moderate overdrive that’s ideal for everything from classic rock and gritty blues to pop, country, jazz, and beyond. The SD-1 also shines as a booster for high-gain amps and other drive pedals, providing mid focus, tight bass, and smooth top end that's perfectly suited for heavier sounds and solo playing.

Limited Edition 40th Anniversary SD-1 Super Overdrive (SD-1-4A)

To celebrate 40 years of continuous SD-1 production, we've created a limited edition version that's available throughout 2021. This commemorative pedal features a black body with yellow lettering, gold-capped knobs, and a vintage silver thumbscrew for the battery compartment and comes in a box with a special 40th Anniversary logo.

Nominal Input Level

-20 dBu

Input Impedance

1 M ohm

Nominal Output Level

-20 dBu

Output Impedance

1 k ohm

Recommended Load Impedance

10 k ohms or greater

Bypass

Buffered bypass

Controls

DRIVE knob
TONE knob
LEVEL knob
Pedal switch

Indicator

CHECK indicator (Used for indication of check battery)

Connectors

INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack

Power Supply

Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22) or Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)

Current Draw

10 mA

Expected battery life under continuous use

Carbon: Approx. 60 hours
Alkaline: Approx. 90 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories

Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)

Options (sold separately)

AC adaptor: PSA series

Size and Weight

Width

73 mm
2-7/8 inches

Depth

129 mm
5-1/8 inches

Height

59 mm
2-3/8 inches

Weight (including battery)

360 g
13 oz

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

*The specifications are subject to change without notice.