The Boss DS-1 is one of the most iconic distortion pedals of all time, used by everyone from Kurt Cobain to Steve Vai. This particular unit is an early black label version made in Japan, known for its slightly warmer tone and smoother response compared to later versions.
The DS-1 delivers aggressive, mid-scooped distortion with plenty of bite and clarity, making it ideal for everything from classic rock riffs to '90s grunge and modern punk. With simple controls for Tone, Level, and Distortion, it’s easy to dial in a range of sounds — from subtle drive to full-on saturation.
This unit has some cosmetic wear and shows corrosion inside the battery compartment due to a past battery leak. However, it’s been fully tested and works 100% — including with external power and a clean signal path. A great-sounding, vintage DS-1 with the original Japanese character still intact.
Please review the photos carefully to assess the signs of use and included accessories. All photos are of the actual products. No accessories are included unless photographed and/or named.
