In this review we will be checking out the Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive pedal. Tone Start will be covering everything you need to know about the pedal before you go out and buy it. We will be checking out its features, sound, performance, durability, and provide you with our overall opinion on the pedal.
Music is the melody of the heart. The song of the soul. One of the best musical instruments to date is the guitar. Over the years, the evolution of music has evolved along with the evolution of guitars as well.
As a musician, it has always been a struggle to make my guitar sound better in gigs, studio tours, and jamming sessions. There’s nothing better than being able to bring out the best sound from your guitar. Experimenting with the type of drive and distortion you add to your tone is an important part of good musicianship.
BACKGROUND
If you have any experience or knowledge about guitar pedals then you would have most-likely heard about BOSS. BOSS are responsible for manufacturing a wide-range of effects pedals for both the guitar and bass. The company was founded back in 1973, and is a division of the Japanese manufacturer Roland Corporation. Many popular artists are affiliated with BOSS products, including big names such as Steve Vai, Eric Johnson and John 5.
FUNCTIONS
The main function of overdrive pedals such as the Boss SD-1 is to give the sound of your guitar some extra punch. The pedal has three main control knobs: level, tone and most importantly, drive.
LEVEL – Increases the overall volume of the pedals effect. Pretty self-explanatory.
TONE – Controls how each strike of your string will sound. If you would like it to be as crunchy as eating cracker nuts, then put the knob to the maximum.
DRIVE – The main function of this pedal is its overdrive. In layman’s term, overdrive helps push your guitar beyond its limits. The type of guitar and amplifier being used will have an impact on how your overdrive will sound. Given the quality of the SD-1 though, you can rest easy knowing it will give you complete satisfaction.
FEATURES
This is easily one of the best overdrive pedals you can get in the market today. It features easy-to-use controls with only a small learning curve. Meaning you can jump straight into the action in no time.
The SD-1 is a compact overdrive pedal that produces smooth, and warm overdriven sounds. It is fitting for most musicians of various genres.
It utilizes its very own construction, which combines both natural tube amplified growl for your tunes and the classic asymmetric overdrive accuracy to produce those perfect overdriven notes without compromising on the tune. The product is also very ideal for almost any pedal board available in the market today.
The product also features the company’s standard 5-year warranty, so you can be at ease while giving this pedal the kind of abuse it deserves on a daily basis.
SOUND
The sound of the SD-1 is reminiscent of the quality produced by previous Boss pedals. It is a perfect fit for those looking for some extra punch and clarity in the music they play. Many would say the pedal is not suited for heavy metal music, but turning the overdrive knob all the way can actually provide you with something worthwhile.
It can easily be recommended for both rhythm and lead guitarists. The smooth overdrive it produces is a perfect companion for genres ranging from alternative to heavy rock, as well as jazz and blues, all thanks to its crunchy melodies found when adjusting the overdrive knob.
DURABILITY
The overall construction of the Boss SD-1 overdrive is perfect for moderate to heavy use. Backed by a standard 5-year warranty you know this beast is built to last. Boss products are known for their sturdiness and durability, and this product is a testament to this statement..
FINAL VERDICT
As opposed to the popular opinion that overdrive pedals are only manufactured for certain guitar players, this one is an exception. The pedal is capable of making melodies more clear and crunchy thanks to its three-knob adjustment. This is a perfect fit for those who would like to invest their money on a trustworthy playing companion.
This pedal’s construction is sure to last. It’s both classy and elegant, and a great buy for this coming season!
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.