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.
Guitar FX (effects) refer to the wide range of pedals and processors that shape and manipulate a guitar’s signal to create different sounds. From classic distortion and overdrive to reverb, delay, modulation, and pitch-shifting, effects are at the heart of a guitarist’s creative toolkit. Whether analogue or digital, stompbox or multi-effects unit, Guitar FX allow players to express mood, texture, and dynamics in unique ways. Used thoughtfully, they can transform a simple riff into something atmospheric, aggressive, or entirely otherworldly.
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.
£104.99
Ultra-heavy distortion with sharp-edged attack for crushing metal riffs LOW control for heavy, low frequency sound a la 7-string guitar or dropped tuning HIGH control for screaming, metallic tone Road-tough BOSS metal construction BOSS five-year warranty
£74.00 £63.00
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…
read more £173.00 £137.00
Produced from 1983 to 1991, the BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal is a true legend in the history of distortion pedals. Its signature “chainsaw tone” with all knobs maxed is the defining voice of Swedish death metal, and the slightly milder sides of its personality can be heard on tracks from mainstream to shoegaze. After years of requests from hardcore HM-2 f…
read more £108.00 £93.48
Flexible distortion pedal capable of producing blended overdrive/distortion sounds Provides both "over-the-top" distortion sounds and less extreme overdrive tones for rhythm playing Includes Level, Tone, Drive and Color controls for precise tonal shaping BOSS five-year warranty
£153.00 £129.00
Premium Waza Craft pedal with all-analog audio circuitry Innovative dual-stage gain circuit built with discrete analog components Standard mode updates the famous MT-2 Metal Zone sound with improved clarity and lower noise Custom mode delivers full-throttle gain tones with wider range, increased dynamics, and tighter low end Powerful three-band EQ …
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