Alex Bonanno 
Overview
The BOSS SD-1 SUPER OverDrive is a classic pedal that has been a staple in the toolkits of guitarists for decades. Known for its warm, smooth overdrive tone, the SD-1 has been used by everyone from garage rockers to blues players to metal shredders.
The BOSS SD-1 also has a simple, straightforward control layout. The pedal has just three controls: Level, Tone, and Drive. This simple control layout makes it easy for players to dial in their desired tone quickly and easily.
One of the key features of the BOSS SD-1 is its versatility. It can be used to add a subtle amount of overdrive to your clean tone, or it can be used to push your amp into heavy overdrive. The pedal's wide range of gain allows it to be used in a variety of musical styles, from blues to rock to metal. Additionally, the SD-1's smooth overdrive sound is great for adding some extra punch and sustain to your solos, making it a great choice for lead guitarists.
What does the BOSS Super Overdrive do?
A BOSS Super OverDrive pedal is designed to add a warm, smooth overdrive effect to your guitar sound. Overdrive is a type of distortion that occurs when an amplifier is driven beyond its normal range, resulting in a distorted, crunchy sound. The BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal allows you to add this overdriven sound to your guitar signal without having to push your amp to its limits.
The pedal's controls allow you to adjust the level of overdrive and the amount of high-end in your sound, giving you a wide range of tonal options. You can use the pedal to add a subtle amount of overdrive to your clean tone, or you can crank up the drive and tone controls to get a more aggressive, distorted sound.
The BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive is a versatile pedal that can be used in a variety of musical styles, from blues and rock to metal. Its smooth, warm overdrive sound is particularly well-suited to lead guitar playing, as it adds sustain and punch to solos. Whether you're looking to add some extra grit to your sound or push your amp into heavy overdrive, the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive is a reliable choice that is sure to become an essential part of your rig.
What is it? | Analog/Digital | Buffered Bypass |
|---|---|---|
| Overdrive | Analog | Yes |
Here are some of the controls and features of the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive
Drive: This control adjusts the amount of overdrive applied to the signal. Turning it up will increase the distortion and intensity of the overdrive sound.
Tone: This control adjusts the brightness of the overdrive sound. Turning it up will make the sound brighter and more trebly, while turning it down will make it darker and more mellow.
Level: This control adjusts the overall volume of the overdrive sound.
Bypass switch: This switch allows you to toggle the overdrive effect on and off. When the switch is in the "off" position, the pedal is bypassed and the signal is passed through unchanged.
LED: The LED indicates whether the pedal is on or off. It will light up when the pedal is engaged and turn off when the pedal is bypassed.
Input jack: This is where you plug in your guitar.
Output jack: This is where you connect the pedal to your amp or other effects pedals.
AC adapter jack: This is where you can connect an optional AC adapter if you prefer to power the pedal using AC power instead of a 9V battery.
How does it sound?
BOSS SD-1's circuit
The BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal is based on an asymmetrical clipping circuit, which is often used in overdrive pedals to create a more "natural" or "tube-like" overdrive sound. The BOSS SD-1's asymmetrical clipping circuit is designed to mimic the sound of an overdriven tube amplifier, and it helps to give the pedal its smooth, warm overdrive tone.
The SD-1's asymmetrical clipping circuit is designed to take advantage of the unique characteristics of the JRC4558D chip, which is known for its warm, smooth overdrive tone.
How to use the BOSS SD-1
Here are a few examples of how you can use the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal to achieve specific sounds:
To use the SD-1 as a clean boost: If you want to use the SD-1 as a clean boost, you can set the Drive control to a low setting (around 9 o'clock) and the Tone control to a higher setting (around 12 o'clock). This will give you a smooth, clean boost that adds some extra volume and punch to your sound without introducing any additional distortion.
To add more distortion for solos: If you want to add more distortion for solos, you can set the Drive control to a higher setting (around 2 o'clock) and the Tone control to a lower setting (around 3 o'clock). This will give you a thick, distorted sound that is perfect for cutting through the mix during solos.
To create a smooth, warm overdrive sound: If you want to create a smooth, warm overdrive sound, you can set the Drive control to a moderate setting (around 11 o'clock) and the Tone control to a higher setting (around 12 o'clock). This will give you a smooth, warm overdrive sound with plenty of high-end.
To create a brighter, more cutting overdrive sound: If you want to create a brighter, more cutting overdrive sound, you can set the Drive control to a higher setting (around 2 o'clock) and the Tone control to a higher setting (around 3 o'clock). This will give you a bright, punchy overdrive sound that is great for cutting through the mix.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and the best settings will depend on your personal preferences and the specific gear you are using. Experimenting with different settings can help you find the sound that works best for you.
Is the BOSS SD-1 equivalent to the TUBE SCREAMER?
The BOSS SD-1 and the Ibanez Tube Screamer are both classic overdrive pedals that are known for their smooth, warm overdrive tones and versatility. However, they do have some differences in their design and sound.
One of the main differences between the two pedals is the control layout. The BOSS SD-1 has three controls (Level, Tone, and Drive), while the Tube Screamer has four (Level, Tone, Drive, and a "Tight" switch that allows you to adjust the mid-range response of the pedal). The additional control on the Tube Screamer allows for more precise tonal shaping, but the BOSS SD-1's simpler control layout may be easier for some players to use.
Another difference is the type of chip used in each pedal. The BOSS SD-1 uses the JRC4558D chip, which is known for its warm, smooth overdrive tone, while the Tube Screamer uses the JRC4558 chip, which is also known for its warm, smooth overdrive tone but with a slightly different character.
Overall, while both pedals are known for their smooth, warm overdrive tones and versatility, they do have some differences in their design and sound. The BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive and the Ibanez Tube Screamer are both classic pedals that are well-suited to a wide range of playing styles and musical genres, and which one you prefer may come down to personal preference.
Here are a few suggestions about where to place the BOSS SD-1 in your pedalboard
In general, it is best to place the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal in the signal chain between your guitar and your amplifier. This is the typical placement for overdrive pedals, as it allows you to use the pedal to shape your guitar's signal before it reaches the amplifier.
If you are using other pedals in your signal chain, you should generally place the SD-1 after any pedals that alter your guitar's basic tone (such as wah pedals or EQ pedals) and before pedals that add more significant effects (such as delay or reverb pedals). This will allow you to use the SD-1 to shape your guitar's tone before it is affected by the other pedals in your signal chain.
Keep in mind that the specific placement of your pedals in the signal chain can have a significant impact on your overall tone. Experimenting with different placements can help you find the sound that works best for you.
If you are using multiple overdrive pedals in your signal chain, you can use them in a number of different ways to achieve your desired sound. Here are a few options:
You can use one of the pedals as a clean boost to add some extra volume and punch to your sound, while using the other pedal to add more significant distortion. This can be a good way to get a wide range of overdrive tones without having to adjust the settings on a single pedal.
You can also use one of the pedals to add a subtle amount of overdrive to your sound, while using the other pedal to push your amp into heavy distortion. This can be a good way to get a wide range of overdrive tones without having to adjust the settings on a single pedal.
If you are using a compressor pedal (i.e. BOSS CS-3) in your signal chain, you should generally place it before the BOSS SD-1 Super OverDrive pedal. This is because the compressor pedal will affect the overall level and dynamics of your guitar signal, and placing it before the overdrive pedal will allow you to shape the compressed signal with the overdrive effect.
Overall, there are many different ways that you can use multiple overdrive pedals to achieve your desired sound. Experimenting with different placements and settings can help you find the combination that works best for you.
Guitarists who have used, or are using, the BOSS SD-1
Joe Bonamassa: Bonamassa is a blues-rock guitar virtuoso who is known for his powerful, emotive playing style. He has used the SD-1 as part of his live rig to add some extra punch and sustain to his solos.
Kirk Hammett: Hammett is the lead guitarist for Metallica, and he is known for his high-energy, shredding style. He has used the SD-1 to add some extra grit and aggression to his sound.
Eddie Van Halen: Van Halen is one of the most influential and revered guitarists of all time, and he is known for his innovative playing style and explosive tone. He has used the SD-1 as part of his live rig to add some extra punch to his solos.
Dave Grohl: Grohl is the lead singer and guitarist for the rock band Foo Fighters, and he is known for his powerful, raw guitar sound. He has used the SD-1 to add some extra grit and aggression to his sound.
Joe Satriani: Satriani is known for his virtuoso guitar playing and has used the SD-1 to add some extra punch and sustain to his solos.
John Mayer: Mayer is a blues-influenced rock guitarist who has used the SD-1 to add some extra warmth and sustain to his lead playing.
Conclusion
Overall, the BOSS SD-1 SUPER OverDrive is a classic pedal that has stood the test of time. Its warm, smooth overdrive sound, simple control layout, versatility, and durability make it a great choice for guitarists of all skill levels and playing styles. Whether you're a blues player looking to add some extra grit to your sound, or a metal shredder looking for a pedal to push your amp into heavy overdrive, the BOSS SD-1 is a reliable choice that is sure to become an essential part of your rig.
