SD-1SUPER OverDrive

SD-1 SUPER OverDrive
Where to Buy

BOSS’s Legendary
Super Overdrive Sound

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.

SD-1 Super Overdrive

Standard Features

  • 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.

SD-1

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.

SD-1

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.

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.

Video Library

Audio Library

The BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver: A Touchstone of Tone

The BOSS BD-2 Blues Driver: A Touchstone of Tone

More than merely a drive pedal for blues players, the BD-2 Blues Driver is a modern classic with genre-spanning appeal.Read more…

Pedal Partners: Combining a Synth Pedal with Other Effects

Pedal Partners: Combining a Synth Pedal with Other Effects

A synth pedal can transform a guitar signal into another instrument entirely. Explore the versatility of this powerful tool.Read more…

Using Delay for Specific Genres

Using Delay for Specific Genres

Whether you're seeking crisp echoes, tape saturation, or subtle analog delays for a slapback effect, here are genre tips for every style.Read more…

Pedal Partners: Combining Flanger with Other Effects

Pedal Partners: Combining Flanger with Other Effects

Flanger has been a swirling presence in music throughout the decades. Learn to combine it with other effects for incredible results.Read more…

Getting the Most Out of Your Overdrive Pedal

Getting the Most Out of Your Overdrive Pedal

Learn to maximize your overdrive pedal for guitar or bass. Plus, get essential tips to utilize the effect for multiple genres and sounds.Read more…

Pedal Partners: Combining Overdrive with Other Effects

Pedal Partners: Combining Overdrive with Other Effects

Find out what pedals work best with overdrive, how gain stacking works, and the perfect partners for this dynamic effect.Read more…

Guitar Pedals Go Country

Guitar Pedals Go Country

Country music uses pedals differently than other genres. Explore the style's effects history and learn to use stompboxes to get that twang.Read more…

40 Years of the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive

40 Years of the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive

Introduced in 1981, the SD-1 Super Overdrive is beloved by guitarists across genres. Learn its history from the roots of rock to today.Read more…

What’s the Difference Between Overdrive and Distortion?

What’s the Difference Between Overdrive and Distortion?

Overdrive and distortion are unique sounds that can be confused. Gain an increased awareness of the differences between the two terms.Read more…

What’s the Difference Between a DS-1, SD-1, and BD-2?

What’s the Difference Between a DS-1, SD-1, and BD-2?

Discover the differences between these three pedals. Explore how they sound, how they’re used, and which one might work for you.Read more…

Why Every Guitarist Needs an SD-1

Why Every Guitarist Needs an SD-1

The legendary SD-1 is truly a sound for all styles. Run through four key advantages of the classic pedal and find out what it can do for you.Read more…

Support

If you have questions about operating your BOSS product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals

Support Documents