Boss SD-1Wchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Numerous commenters directly compared the SD-1/SD-1W to the Ibanez Tube Screamer and consistently preferred the Boss for sounding crisper and cutting through better. This preference shows up across many separate demo videos and years of personal use.

@gunkanjima3408

I have an SD1 and absolutely love it, but as an avid SRV fan I need the green paint on my board. Maybe both?launch

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May 28, 2020

@dejongeblondegod

The sd1 wazacraft sounds like a great tubescreamer with the nifty possibility of not cutting out all the bass when the custom mode is activated. The clear winner in this comparison.launch

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April 12, 2020

@CourneliusX

Always preferred the SD-1 be it the Japanese or Taiwan. The tubescreamer does the SRV Texas blues sound really well though. I mean it’s iconic.launch

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April 19, 2018

@franknguitars7671

Every time I hear an A/B of a SD-1 vs a Tubescreamer or do one myself I end up preferring the SD-1. Here too.launch

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January 20, 2017

Users describe stacking multiple SD-1s or pairing it with other overdrives and boosts to create a wide range of tones from mild overdrive to heavy distortion, calling it highly versatile and legendary on a pedalboard.

@daveshepard9154

I have them both on my board. I use the TS-9 for a push over the edge to a clean amp (or edge of breakup amp) like my Blues Deluxe or Supro Blues King, and stack the SD-1 for drive.launch

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December 15, 2022

@roimodeste

I had at one time tried to stack 2 boss sd1 with 2 completely different settings as did the late Criss Oliva (Savatage) who sent the distortion created by the 2 sd1 on a clean amp apparently but its sound is simply inimitable, must having his fingers and even with his steel plectrums etc. it's difficult to approach this type of sound. All that to say that with 1 or more SD1 overdrives we can create an infinite number of sounds from slight overdrive to heavy distortions depending on the chaining and settings and the amp.launch

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November 3, 2022

@roimodeste

I've had the same overdrive for a few years now: an SD1 Keeley five stars germanium mod. The difference with an original SD1 is a little more transparency both engaged and bypassed. I believe it is a true bypass. It has a little more gain in reserve and a wider usable tone control. We just choose using a switch the germanium mode and it creates 2 different characters but still respectful of the grain of the amp in boost use. Ultra efficient on a JCM800 even if a Tube screamer will provide more marked compression and more present mids. The normal SD1 is already in boost. I also had the OD3 which is better in overdrive use but in boost I prefer the SD1. I don't know if the OD3 is like a good old OD1 (1977-1978 with the 14-pin ship) with just a tone because I don't have that famous vintage OD1 to compare.\r\nMy modified SD1 is not ready to leave my pedal board!launch

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November 3, 2022

@Ozzylover420

I'd be hard pressed to pick one bro..I own both the ds1and the sd1 and love them both but both have very different responses and while one stacks well with certain pedals and amps it may not w others.. extremely versatile pedals which is why they're so legendary..I have to put some time in w the new Duke of Tone and the centavo from warm audio that I recently aquired before I go waza direction but man they sound fantastic 😍launch

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November 3, 2022

The Custom switch on the Waza version gives a fuller, less bass-cut sound that some players use as a built-in second EQ voicing to tailor tone across different guitars or replace another pedal entirely.

@emmanuelhug7432

Hey Pat! After watching this video several times, I just had to come back to say THANK YOU! Because of your video, I finally decided to buy the WAZA version of the SD-1—and I’m totally happy with it! For me, the WAZA option makes perfect sense; I use it like a second EQ setting (which, technically, it is) to tailor the sound to my two main guitars. One is a black Tele Deluxe, which is heavy (in weight) and has a “fat” sound. Here, the classic SD-1 trims and cleans up the sound, so there’s less muddiness. The other is an HSS Strat, which is a lightweight compared to the Tele Deluxe. With the WAZA setting, it gets more punch and muscles. Depending on which guitar I’m holding, I adjust the switch on the SD-1. For me, in my setup, this replaces another EQ pedal.\r\n\r\nThanks again for your great videos—I really appreciate the high quality!launch

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June 29, 2026

@MedievalRichard

Currently for my clean sound via my board for live gigs I use my original SD-1 Super Overdrive. I have ordered the Wazacraft version to replace this purely for the custom option. Also, on my board is a wazacraft metal zone and it kicks ass, so know the wazacraft magic is good.... had to make the upgrade!launch

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August 14, 2024

@CriticalThinker2027

I just purchased a BOSS WAZA SD-1W. I’ve owned a tube screamer before and I’ve loved it but recently I also purchased a BOSS WAZA TAE and deeply impressed by the craftsmanship and the tonality so I was hoping that the SD-1 would be similar and craftsmanship and tonality and I was correct. Hands-down! The new boss sd-1w rocks the house! 👍👍🙄launch

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April 18, 2021

@dejongeblondegod

The sd1 wazacraft sounds like a great tubescreamer with the nifty possibility of not cutting out all the bass when the custom mode is activated. The clear winner in this comparison.launch

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April 12, 2020

Commenters repeatedly mention picking up standard SD-1 units used for $20-$30 and being impressed by the tone relative to pricier boutique pedals, calling it reliable and sturdy for the money.

@stephengabree

I own both (originals) and sometimes stack them set low on the gain. Picked them up used for $30. each. My DS1 is gray, maybe you can tell me about this. Thanks again and ROCK ON!!!launch

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November 3, 2022

@OldGeezer1961

Just started watching on my second cup of coffee. Your timing is immaculate. 😂😂\nLove that SD1. I've thought about using 2 of them in front of a tube amp . Just staking them to see what happens. They are sturdy, reliable, inexpensive, and work great. Boss rocks. 🤘♥️🤘\nGreat demo sir ..\nease be well and safe. ♥️🤘♥️launch

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November 3, 2022

@physiciansassist1

Baught an 80's boss sd1 today for 20 bucks US dollars... Boy I tell you what. Its going on my bord right after my maxon 40th od808 and before my maxon sd9... That thing sounds killer. Hey if Tom Bukovac (📯 honk) can have 4 stages of gain so can I!!launch

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March 28, 2020

@mark7166

I'm actually shocked at how much I like the Boss SD-1 (non-Waza version).  I saw it on the used bin at my local store for $30, and I figured \"what the hell, I'll try it\".  Well, it definitely stacks up to some of the more expensive pedals (Fulltones, Catalinbreads, etc) that I've owned.  It doesn't really do the \"amp in a box\" thing, but for what I use it for, it's the best I've tried.launch

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December 13, 2016

Several users say the SD-1 pulls harmonics out of a guitar better than comparable pedals and especially shines with humbucker pickups, making single-coil-focused pedals sound muddy by comparison. Longtime players note it 'makes every note come alive.'

@notanotherguitar3893

Any Boss SD-1or SD-1w is so worth it...nothing pulls harmonics out of a guitar better.\nI have an old Japanese one..also a analog man modified one(asymmetrical and symmetrical switch plus other tweaks)-\nand the waza as well.\nThey are all great!!\nFantastic review...tube screamer-shmubescreamer.\nlove,\nSlimbolaunch

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April 2, 2023

@allentkatch1762

About a dozen years ago or more I compared my TS9 to my SD-1 through a Fender amp in my basement. I came to the conclusion that to my ears the TS9 sounded better with single coil pickups and the SD-1 sounded better with humbuckings.launch

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October 25, 2017

@mosesbullrush8051

My 2 cents,  the Tube Screamer has a low-mid boost which thickens the sound of single coil pickups, eg Stevie Ray Vaughn.  Humbuckers already have boosted mids so the extra mid boost of the Tube Screamer makes humbuckers sound a little muddy.    This BOSS SD-1 does not have the mid-boost so it makes single coils sound a bit thin.  The SD-1 sounds better with humbuckers.launch

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August 3, 2016

@JerodimusPrime

This pedal is great if you have a quality tube amp. It doesn't change the sound of your amp, but just adds a little kick that makes every note come alive and the harmonics really scream. It's no wonder that several great blues, rock and metal guitarist have a Boss SD-1 on their pedal board. Personally I would never put a digital FX board on my Victory tube amp, that would be like going to a fancy restaurant ordering their finest meal then covering the entire thing in cheap ketchup!!!launch

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January 10, 2015

Some players use the SD-1 specifically to reduce excess bass and boost mids on amps like old Marshall plexis or Fender Bassmans, and note it doesn't squish the sound as much as alternatives.

@glennbucc7107

Thank you for getting to the pedal comparison so quickly. The Captain and his mate take like 4 min's of talking before they get to the point. I prefer the Boss as it does not squish the sound as muchlaunch

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August 18, 2017

@islanderwinder

The SD-1 works great to reduce the bass ,& boost the the mids in an bass heavy amp like an old Marshall style plexi or a Fender Bassman or Tweed 5e3 .launch

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December 13, 2016

One commenter specifically praises the Boss's buffer as more than good, noting no tone loss when placed in a larger pedalboard chain with other drive pedals.

@Robert-l5t1u

For complaints about this pedal,what you need to do is buy dirt boxes from your favorite companies and hook your faves on your pedalboard.This pedal is in mine with others like MXR,EH.\nThere is a more than good buffer in this Boss = no tone loss in a chain.launch

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January 10, 2019