Distortion is a guitar effect that alters the signal’s waveform, creating a gritty, aggressive sound characterized by a high level of harmonic content and sustain. It’s achieved by amplifying the input signal to the point where the amplifier or pedal’s circuitry begins to clip, causing the waveform to become squared off and jagged. This clipping produces harmonics that weren’t present in the original signal, resulting in the characteristic “gritty” or “dirty” tone associated with distortion. Distortion pedals typically feature controls for adjusting the amount of gain or distortion applied, as well as tone-shaping knobs to tailor the sound’s frequency response. Distortion is widely used in rock, metal, and punk music to add power, aggression, and sustain to guitar solos, riffs, and rhythm parts, creating a bold and intense sonic impact in the mix. Popular distortion pedals include the Boss DS-1, Pro Co Rat, and Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi.
Electric guitars use magnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal, which is then amplified. Unlike acoustic guitars, they rely on amplification for volume and tone shaping, making them highly versatile in genres like rock, blues, jazz, and metal. Electric guitars come in many body styles—solid, semi-hollow, and hollow—and feature different pickup configurations, neck types, and hardware. From smooth clean tones to aggressive distortion, they offer a wide sonic range, making them the backbone of modern guitar music.
A pedal is a compact device that guitarists use to alter their instrument’s sound by shaping effects such as distortion, delay, reverb, and modulation. Typically housed in a rugged enclosure and controlled by footswitches, pedals are designed to be placed on the floor for hands-free operation during playing. They can be analogue or digital, true bypass or buffered, and come in countless varieties to suit different styles and preferences. Pedals are essential tools for creating signature tones and adding colour and texture to a guitarist’s sound.
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Since 1973, BOSS has pioneered the development of unique and innovative products for musicians of all styles and skill levels. From class-leading effects pedals, multi-effects, and Loop Stations to guitar synthesizers, amplifiers, and more, our trailblazing designs include several world firsts and have forever changed the way people make music.
BOSS has its roots in MEG Electronics, a dedicated guitar effects R&D division founded within Roland Corporation in 1973. The company was recast with the now-famous BOSS name and logo and introduced to the public the following year. Along with products that carry the BOSS brand, the BOSS engineering team has been involved with developing key Roland-branded guitar products since the beginning.
This spirit of innovation continues today as BOSS forges ahead with the creation of original, progressive, and impactful gear. And with plenty more exciting developments on the horizon, we’re looking forward to another half-century of musical evolution.
£74.00 £66.00
Legendary distortion used by guitarists everywhere since 1978. BOSS’s first distortion pedal defined a bold new sound, delivering hard-edged attack and smooth sustain that’s been a staple of players for generations. The classic DS-1 tone is behind the signature sounds of numerous rock legends, and is ready to fuel your own signature sound today. Ha…
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£86.00 £76.20
Classic BOSS distortion tones with added Turbo modes Turbo Mode I produces warm and mellow distortion with flat frequency response Turbo Mode II provides biting distortion with a mid-range boost, perfect for leads Built-in remote jack allows users to connect an external footswitch such as the FS-5L for instant, hands-free switching between modes BO…
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£138.00 £119.00
Introduced in 1978 among the earliest models in the BOSS compact series, the orange DS-1 redefined the sound of distortion and remains as influential today as ever. The DS-1 is the top-selling BOSS compact pedal ever. DS-1W is the latest version of the legendary DS-1, upgraded and hand built in Japan with Waza Craftsmanship for the ultimate BOSS to…
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£119.56 £115.47
Classic BOSS Distortion tones for guitar and keyboard Reproduces dynamics of playing, from soft to hard Distortion, Level and Tone control to tailor overall sound as desired BOSS 5-year warranty Classic, affordable live distortion
£79.78 £72.99
Product 1: Tone, leveland distortion knobs on face Product 1: Super-tough construction Product 1: Lets your true guitar tone shine Product 1: Legendary distortion used by guitarists everywhere since 1978 Product 2: 6 assorted colors Product 2: L jack/l jack Product 2: Complies with the rohs directive Product 2: Length 15cm/6''
