Boss SD-1 SUPER OverDrive (Japan)

(Originally written by Marty62100/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
9-volt analog overdrive pedal.

Uses the legendary JRC4558 DD chip.

3 knobs:

Tone

Level

Drive.

--- IMPORTANT ---

My review describes the pedal after customization:

I added two switches: one for gain boost and another one providing two different sound colors.

UTILIZATION

Very easy to use.

Numerous possibilities when you use it as a booster.

SOUND QUALITY

AAaaah! The main thing:

It's exactly what I was looking for. The sound is clear, tight and effective. The overdrive is precise, powerful and clean. It's perfect for AC/DC covers and blues and rock tunes.

The mid frequency range is very responsive giving the sound big dynamics. And you can adjust the dynamic response using the volume knob.

Tone knob works effective and allows you to create very sharp and round tones. You can do lots of things with it.

Drive knob: produces sounds from clean to aggressive overdrive. No distortion, it's a big overdrive.

Volume knob: it allows you to adjust the output volume to the amp's sensitivity but also to create a fuller and more powerful sound. Higher settings produce a tone with less definition. The tone becomes... fuzzy. I would say the high frequency range has less resolution.

With a wah effect, this pedal is excellent. The sound character is strong and the sound is well-defined. The highs are not sharp.

As a booster, it makes a VERY, VERY good job!

UPDATE: I modified it adding two switches, one for a balanced or unbalanced overdrive, and another one to add more gain.

I used two small Monte Allmus kits. I also reduced the value of a condenser to produce more saturation.

The balance switch gives a new life to the pedal... It's incredible!

--- EDIT ---

It sounds better after the modifications I made. It has a higher output level compared to the original and the gain switch adds overtones. It's perfect for playing solos!! The sound is now sharper, in-your-face, and thicker. It's killer!

OVERALL OPINION

As a summary, this is a pedal with a strong sound character, and a well-defined and powerful tone.

The result is amazing.

From blues to rock and even hard rock.

Excellent pedal. I don't regret my purchase.

OD analog, everything has been said!

UTILIZATION

Three knobs, volume and tone drive, you know the works ...

SOUND QUALITY

Really great! Used alone or boost (I mean overdrive only), it is the foot.
The drive nicely proportioned, and is slamming that cracks in the tooth!
Cranked a treat, aggressive without being disgusting, it must then find the chemistry with the volume and tone but it, it comes very quickly.
Coupled with DS2, then it sends the wood, I have not found better distortion that adding these two beasts.

Family Fender (Tele and Mustang aerodyne for me) and ENGL Screamer 50 (combo) are the delight of my cages honey, it's really fun to play it.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for good 5 years now, it never leaves the pedalboard, I am based on the positive reviews unanimous AF and I do not regret this purchase, this pedal is indispensable to me, and yes I would do the choosing!
In occase, the price is very affordable and this is an excellent deal.