boss sd-1 super overdrive pedal Boss SD-1-4A Super Overdrive Guitar Pedal

boss sd-1 super overdrive pedal Boss SD-1-4A Super Overdrive Guitar PedalCelebrate Genre Defining Sound and Overdrive Tones with the Boss SD1 4A Super OverDrive 40th Anniversary Pedal 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 Overdriveone of the three original BOSS compact pedals from 1977the SD 1 delivers rich, smooth, and highly musical

Celebrate Genre-Defining Sound and Overdrive Tones with the Boss SD1-4A Super OverDrive 40th Anniversary Pedal

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.

• 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

Limited Edition 40th Anniversary SD-1 Super Overdrive (SD-1-4A)

To celebrate 40 years of continuous SD-1 production, Boss has created a limited edition version that's available throughout 2021. This commemorative pedal features a black body with yellow lettering, gold-capped knobs, and a vintage silver thumbscrew for the battery compartment and comes in a box with a special 40th Anniversary logo.

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.

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.

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.

SPECIFICATIONS

• 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
• Current Draw: 10 mA (DC 9 V)
• Indicator: CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)

Controls

• DRIVE knob
• TONE knob
• LEVEL knob
• Pedal switch

Connectors

• INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
• OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
• DC IN jack

Power

• Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
• Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
• AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)

Expected battery life under continuous use

• Alkaline: Approx. 90 hours
• Carbon: Approx. 60 hours
• *These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories

• Alkaline Battery(9V, 6FR61)
• Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTE," and "Information")

Options (sold separately)

• AC adaptor: PSA series

Size & Weight

• Size Dimensions: 73 x 129 x 59 mm (2-7/8 x 5-1/8 x 2-3/8 inches)
• Weight (including battery): 360 g(13 oz)

We are Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.