BOSS: Super Overdrive 40th Anniversary SD-1 4A

There is only one BOSS. There is only one BOSS Super Overdrive SD-1. It has barely changed in the 40 years it has been on the market and this year BOSS are celebrating the SD-1's 40th Anniversary with a commemorative release in good old basic rock 'n' roll black. Yellow graphics, of course. The SD-1 sounds just as good as it did when I first tried one in 1981. It can do a great boost, low and medium gain overdrive and will probably outlast you and I. Happy Anniversary to BOSS and the mighty SD-1.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2020 Charvel So-Cal Pro Mod FR HH Burgundy Mist. Stock
Amp: Various models as described in video - Axe-FX III Cygnus 16.01
Cables: Providence and Tube Dude
Mic: Samson Airline77 (me)
Camera: iPhone 11 Pro and Canon D60
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum & Fractal Audio Systems Axe-FX III (guitar, mixing and bouncing).
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Software: Logic Pro X, Apple Final Cut Pro X, Compressor.

[Earthstein]

I watched and learned for this great musician many times.

[bengtjohansson]

I am missing an SD-1 on my pedal board. Now, I am probably missing a black anniversary SD-1.
Thanks for your great gear demos, Brett! I am regularly returning to your videos on the SV20H. The sound is great, and so is your joy when playing that amp.
Edit: Now I've pre-ordered a black SD-1.

[toneydavis]

Great video Brett. So good to see you back to your regular self. Gave us a bit of a worry. Hope your family is well.

[jbert]

I picked up SD-1 4A. I love it. For me, through my fender amp…it works great. Through my Marshall it works great. Why spend crazy money on that boutique pedal. When the super overdrive does it all-ish.

[mrbas]

It's the od I always keep coming back to, permanently on my pedal board.

[yourguitarist]

Great to see the SD1 getting some love on "the tube" 🤘😎

[MrAnthonyTS]

Can't believe it... i just colored my sd1 black years ago. now I have to buy this one

[chrtree]

Waiting for it to hit the stores. It's still my number one. [Edit ~ Bought]

[andyhayes]

It's the perfect boost for most situations, particuarly to boost 2203/2204 Marshall circuit that 'Modified '80's' tone 🤘

[MarcCoteMusic]

My first pedals were the Big Muff, Boss OD-1 and Boss Phaser PH-1. No one made pedals like Boss... indestructible, great sound and easy to use. They were the benchmark.

[benharris]

After owning Pro Co Rats, Xotic overdrives and more etc, i was a bit of a snob when it came to Boss Pedals for drive, however i purchased a JCM800 this year and after hearing how well these sound through a JCM i have decided to purchase this 40th anniversary SD-1. After visiting videos of people using these through marshalls i think its safe to say i will be a very happy boy when this arrives in the post, fingers crossed these become collectors items as well.

[kaindog]

Greatest cheap pedal ever! I bought a tube screamer and sold it again as I prefer the SD-1.

[jezlock]

As a longtime SD1 user, this was a great review. Beginners take note!

[ecxdigc]

You can never go wrong with any Boss Overdrive or distortion pedals. They can cover any hard, mellow, or subtle dirt required for any genre of music. This SD 1 pedal looks great with the black paint job. I would love to get one.

[rafasounds]

I have a mid 80s one. Still going strong.

[Deliquescentinsight]

This was quick on the draw Brett! Only just got the email from BOSS. 40 years goes by mighty quick, I remember this

[guitardave]

Wow, that sounds fantastic - can’t believe I’ve never tried one!

[guitarist]

Is there much difference in tone between this and the regular version? or just cosmetics?

[KRAZEEIZATION]

Ha! I own a beautiful 1983 SD-1 I found in a pawn shop dirt cheap and it’s as good as it gets. I also have a 2007 model. The black is only for collectors, just like the DS-1, which I bought and never used! The MT-2 is a pedal I don’t like and wouldn’t take for free.

[mhw]

If this video doesn’t sell a ton of these pedals then... superb demonstration Brett!
My favourite Boss Pedal.