This classic overdrive has been in the Boss lineup since the early days and continues to impress players everywhere. This SD-1′s realistic crunch and aggressive bite sounds like a meaner Tube Screamer, yet still maintains sonic stability while strumming through complex chords or busting out double note work. The best thing about the Super Overdrive is the pedal’s wide range of drive adjustment.

Cranked to the absolute limit, this will take you to the edge of tube-like disintegration, but when rolled off, it will give you nothing but a clean, yet robust boost – you can’t get much more versatile than that in our overdriven minds. We’ve sampled the earlier models of the SD-1 and haven’t noticed too much of difference between them and the newer models. Although the SD-1 sounds pretty darn good straight out of the box, there are countless after-market and DIY modifications that can squeeze even more tone from the SD-1. We’ve sampled a few out there in mod land and can definitely see the attraction as to why you would want to put your SD-1 under the knife (or soldering iron as the case may be).

With all the fancy fuss over boutique overdrives these days, it’s nice to know you can pick up a pedal for under $50.00 and get down to business.