Boss DS-1W Distortion Waza Craft

Boss DS-1W Distortion Waza Craft Special Edition!

The orange DS-1 was introduced in 1978 as one of the first models in the Boss Compact series and defined how distortion should sound. To this day, the pedal has lost none of its influence...

With its sharp attack and smooth sustain, the DS-1 has become the best-selling compact effect to date. Its unmistakable sound has shaped countless classics in rock and alternative music.

The Boss DS-1W joins the legendary pedal with other classics in the Waza Craft series. The DS-1W combines the look and tonal character of the original with a revised, discrete, purely analog circuit for extended range and flexibility.

Timeless Distortion

When the DS-1 hit the market, the pedal’s impact on the guitar world was immediately audible. The reasons were a new, fresh high-gain sound with aggressive, defined distortion and a wealth of harmonic overtones. Over the following four decades, leading musicians from hard rock, metal, grunge, and fusion have used the DS-1 to shape their fundamental tones.

With its classic character, it can be heard on countless famous tracks—both as primary distortion for clean amps and as a boost that pushes cranked tube amps into controlled chaos.

Two Modes, More Sonic Variety

With its two modes and discrete, fully analog circuit design, the DS-1W expands the possibilities of the DS-1 for a wider range of styles and applications. In standard mode, you get the precise, edgy sound and singing sustain of the original pedal. Switch to custom mode, and you’ll experience a new, fat tone that takes the DS-1’s distinctive character to a new dimension.

Standard Mode: Classic DS-1 Sound

The standard mode on the DS-1W delivers the authentic sound of the original down to the last detail. Key to the full, defined tone loved by so many guitarists is the innovative two-stage gain circuit. The versatile tone control affects the low and high frequencies simultaneously. Turning the knob boosts or cuts both ends of the frequency spectrum at once.

This lets you tailor the sound for different applications—from precise rhythms to blazing solos, or as a booster with tightened bass response in front of amps and other drive pedals.

Custom Mode: Thick, Fat, and Dynamic

The custom mode combines the unmistakable personality and edge of the DS-1 with a new, unique distortion character. The dense, mid-focused tone adds fullness and definition to your sound, helping it cut through the mix better. You can further shape the tonal fullness and presence with the tone control.

Custom mode offers an additional 6 dB of gain, making the DS-1W even more versatile as a gain booster for amps and pedals. The increased input sensitivity also lets you create a wide range of distortion colors through your guitar’s picking dynamics and volume knob.

Waza Craft: The Art of Superior Tone

From the start, BOSS developers aimed to craft the best guitar tones using everything from analog vintage circuits to high-tech DSP processing. The Waza Craft series embodies this passion, offering exceptional tonal and playing qualities based on carefully selected analog components, optimized circuits, and meticulous attention to detail.

The Japanese word "Waza" means "art and technique"—a fitting symbol for these special edition pedals as the spearhead of modern BOSS development and craftsmanship.

BOSS Distortion Classic—Expanded with Waza Craft Mastery!