BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive Pedal

The BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive is a legendary drive pedal with a heritage stretching back to 1981, delivering rich, smooth, and highly musical overdrive tones that have shaped the sound of countless recordings and live performances. Based on the asymmetrical clipping circuit derived from the original 1977 OD-1, the SD-1 produces the tube-like overdrive characteristics and even-order harmonics that players associate with a warm, naturally-driven tube amplifier—only now in a reliable, affordable compact stompbox format.

The SD-1 excels at mild-to-moderate drive tones with a focused midrange character and tight, controlled low end. Its active tone control shapes the treble response with musical precision, while the circuit's inherent sensitivity to input gain allows players to explore different shades of overdrive simply by adjusting their guitar's volume knob. This responsiveness makes the SD-1 equally effective as a standalone drive pedal or as a mid-focused booster stacked in front of a high-gain amplifier to tighten the attack and add clarity to solos.

Suitable for classic rock, blues, pop, country, and jazz, the SD-1 provides subtle mid-boost warmth and rich presence that helps guitars sit perfectly in a mix. With extremely low current draw of just 10 mA, battery life is exceptional, and the pedal's buffered bypass maintains signal quality across the entire pedalboard. The SD-1 is backed by the BOSS five-year warranty and has been a professional standard for over four decades.

Key Features

• Asymmetrical Clipping Circuit: Derived from the original OD-1, producing tube-like overdrive with warm even-order harmonics
• Focused Midrange Character: Natural mid-boost helps guitars cut through a mix with warmth, clarity, and rich presence
• Responsive to Picking Dynamics: Sensitive to guitar volume control adjustments for a wide range of drive tones
• Excellent Stacking Performance: Works as a standalone drive or as a booster in front of high-gain amps
• Ultra-Low Current Draw: Only 10 mA draws, resulting in exceptional battery life up to 90 hours (alkaline)
• Versatile Genre Range: Suitable for blues, classic rock, pop, country, jazz, and beyond
• BOSS Five-Year Warranty: Proven BOSS reliability backed by industry-leading warranty

Technical Specifications

• 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 (battery status)
• Connectors: INPUT jack (1/4-inch phone), OUTPUT jack (1/4-inch phone), DC IN jack
• Power Supply: Carbon-zinc battery (9V, 6F22) or Alkaline battery (9V, 6LR61); AC adaptor (PSA series, sold separately)
• Current Draw: 10 mA
• Battery Life: Approx. 60 hours (carbon-zinc); Approx. 90 hours (alkaline)
• Width: 73 mm (2-7/8 inches)
• Depth: 129 mm (5-1/8 inches)
• Height: 59 mm (2-3/8 inches)
• Weight: 360 g (13 oz, including battery)