The Super Overdrive thread

[misterwhizzy]

I'd be willing to bet at least half the members own or have owned one or more of the venerable Boss SD-1 pedals in their careers.

It was the first pedal I ever bought, way before I had any clue how to use it, but as a noob, I saw it on Zakk Wylde's board, so I figured I probably needed one too.

Times have changed, I realize I don't at all want that ZW tone, but I still have one, and I recently rediscovered its utility. Plus, I don't think there's any way to break them.

What's your SD-1 story?

 

[jeremy]

ive bought and sold that pedal three times. then bought it once more, and i will just hold onto it. i have it in a bypass loop with an oc2, i dont love boss buffers. it does what it does really well. same with the oc2

 

[Securb]

Never owned one but I bought one for my best friend who is a huge Page fan. Jimmy used one during his Firm days. I liked it a lot but did not need it then or even now.

 

[AdrianSD]

For me the SD-1 is a good jack of all trades, not as good sounding as my Maxon ODs, but it's definitely very usable. The higher the volume, the better it sounds whereas the Maxons all sound great at any volume. YMMV

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I like it as much as I like the TS808. It gets along with Rectos, which I love. I also gets along with JB and JB-inspired pickups, which I love as well.

It's a fantastic alternative to boost amps to the TS. It's edgier, it's tighter, and it's slightly less honky while still being very familiar if you're used to TS-types.

I love it.

 

[AdrianSD]

I like it as much as I like the TS808. It gets along with Rectos, which I love. I also gets along with JB and JB-inspired pickups, which I love as well.

It's a fantastic alternative to boost amps to the TS. It's edgier, it's tighter, and it's slightly less honky while still being very familiar if you're used to TS-types.

I love it.

You actually got me thinking. The SD-1 pairs better with the Mesa than the Maxon OD pedals for riffing as boost, but for some reason it sounds more honky. I have the tone set to 3 o clock, that might have something to do with it, if I go lower it kind of loses the edgy / crunchy feel. With the Marshall it's different, the DSL can take any boost like a champ, not picky at all

 

[Supernautilus]

I have a whole collection of Boss pedals, just cuz. Which includes the SD-1. It seems brighter than any of my TS variants. So I like to use it with darker amps or amp models.

My best results so far have been running it into the EAE Model feT, and then into an IR with Celestion Greenbacks. The Model feT is a pretty dark and bass heavy preamp, and the SD-1 brings just the right amount of crunch and sizzle to wake it up. Very nice toanz. :cool2:

 

[Seashore]

Never had one, don't think I've ever played through one. I've been using a Maxon OD9 for a long time and never really felt the need for other flavors. I only use OD for leads and even an EQ pedal works well for that with my amp. What am I missing out on?

 

[Rex_Rocker]

You actually got me thinking. The SD-1 pairs better with the Mesa than the Maxon OD pedals for riffing as boost, but for some reason it sounds more honky. I have the tone set to 3 o clock, that might have something to do with it, if I go lower it kind of loses the edgy / crunchy feel. With the Marshall it's different, the DSL can take any boost like a champ, not picky at all

It's been ages since I've had the Maxon OD808, but I also remember the Maxon being less honky than the Ibanez, that could have to do with it.

People tend to associate the SD-1 as pairing well with Marshalls too. I honestly wouldn't know. Marshalls don't tend to pair well with my playing, I feel. :laughing:

 

[Supernautilus]

What am I missing out on?

If you already have the OD9, not very much to be fair. They mostly serve the same purpose. Most seem to agree that the SD-1 has a little more bite. But I don't think it's anything that can't be EQed in or out. Personally, I like a TS variant for brighter amps and the SD-1 for darker amps. But that's just my own preference.

 

[Securb]

I just got back from the music store they had a BOSS SO there for $45, very tempting.

 

[AdrianSD]

I just got back from the music store they had a BOSS SO there for $45, very tempting.

...

 

[misterwhizzy]

I just got back from the music store they had a BOSS SO there for $45, very tempting.

You should have done it. I know your board has the Distortion +, but you can never have enough yellow pedals. Even if you don’t like it and can’t flip it—which you definitely could—worst case is you’re out $45. And I bet you’ve wasted way more than $45 on something stupid.

Do it.