Used Boss DS-1

🇯🇵Boss1978–presentStill in productionAlso known as: DS1, DS-1 Distortion
For sale now:13517 listings
Price range:$30–$231
Most common:good

About the Boss DS-1

The Boss DS-1 Distortion is one of the most-produced guitar pedals in history, and probably the first distortion pedal most guitarists ever try. It's been in continuous production since 1978, which means there are millions of them floating around the used market at very low prices. That accessibility is part of its charm — it's a $30-50 used pedal that has appeared on countless records. Japanese-made DS-1s (pre-1988) command a small premium from collectors, but honestly, they all sound quite similar.

Tone Character

Raw, buzzy distortion with pronounced midrange; sounds best at moderate gain settings

Notable Players

Kurt Cobain, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Frusciante

Buying Guide

  • 1Japanese-made DS-1s (1978-1988) have "Made in Japan" on the bottom and are slightly more collectible, but the tonal difference from Taiwan-made units is minimal.
  • 2Check that all three knobs turn smoothly and the footswitch clicks firmly. These are the most common failure points on any Boss pedal.
  • 3The DS-1 responds extremely well to simple mods. The "Keeley mod" and "Monte Allums mod" are popular and inexpensive.

Typical Used Price Range

$25–$80based on recent market data

Prices vary based on year, condition, modifications, and seller. This range represents the majority of used listings we track across multiple marketplaces.

For Sale Now

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