The DS-1 has been the go-to distortion pedal since 1978 and for good reason. Its analog circuit delivers hard-edged attack with smooth, singing sustain that sits perfectly in a band mix. Three simple controls -- Tone, Level, and Distortion -- give you everything from focused rhythm crunch to fully saturated lead tones. The slightly scooped midrange gives it that distinctive bite that players keep coming back to.

This is the pedal that's been on the boards of Kurt Cobain, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Johnny Marr. It's built in the classic Boss metal chassis, runs on a 9V battery or optional power supply, and will very likely outlast every other piece of gear you own. If you need one dirt pedal that just works, the DS-1 has been answering that call for over four decades.