BOSS · Updated August 2026
DS-1 Distortion: price, specs & release date
DS-1 Distortion, released 1978. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: boss.info verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
Is the DS-1 Distortion a good buy?
At $70, the DS-1 Distortion is the cheapest of the 14 guitar effects pedals we track, where the median is $198. On the spec sheet, its power draw ma of 10 is below the median of the 8. By release date, it is the oldest of the 11 we date.
Specifications
| Price (US) | $69.99 BOSS does not publish a US MSRP on its own DS-1 spec page. West Music, a US retailer, lists "$69.99", consistent with widely-advertised US street pricing for this pedal. |
|---|---|
| Brand | BOSS |
| Released | 1978 |
| Effect type | distortion |
| True bypass | No |
| Power draw ma | 10 |
| Preset count | — |
| Stereo io | No |
| Tap tempo | — |
| Midi support | No |
| Expression input | No |
| Dimensions (in) | 2.9 x 5.1 x 2.4 |
Source: boss.info (verified 2026-08-01) · corroborated by en.wikipedia.org. BOSS's official DS-1 spec page confirms "10 mA" current draw, dimensions "73 mm (2-7/8 in) W x 129 mm (5-1/8 in) D x 59 mm (2-3/8 in) H", a 1978 introduction, mono in/out, no MIDI/expression/presets (fixed-control analog pedal), and 9V battery or optional adapter power. Wikipedia's DS-1 article corroborates the 1978 release and explicitly states the pedal uses buffered bypass, not true bypass: "the signal will pass through the input and output buffer stage of the effect, and this is the key differentiating factor between Boss pedals and 'true bypass' pedals." Weight and tap tempo are not applicable/stated. Image manually verified to depict this exact pedal (orange chassis, "Distortion DS-1" branding, Tone/Level/Dist knobs).
Is the DS-1 Distortion worth it vs cheaper guitar effects pedals?
DS-1 Distortion against its closest cheaper and pricier guitar effects pedals on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 14 ranked
| Product | Price | Effect type | True bypass | Power draw ma | Stereo io | Midi support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-1 Distortion this | $69.99 | distortion | No | 10 | No | No |
| Big Muff Pi | $83 | fuzz / distortion / sustainer | — | 3 | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
How much does the DS-1 Distortion cost?
The DS-1 Distortion has a US price of $69.99 (BOSS does not publish a US MSRP on its own DS-1 spec page. West Music, a US retailer, lists "$69.99", consistent with widely-advertised US street pricing for this pedal.), as of 2026-08-01.
How does the DS-1 Distortion compare on price?
At $70, the DS-1 Distortion is the cheapest of the 14 guitar effects pedals we track, where the median is $198.
When was the DS-1 Distortion released?
The DS-1 Distortion was released 1978.
What are the DS-1 Distortion's key specs?
DS-1 Distortion (BOSS): effect type distortion, true bypass No, power draw ma 10, stereo io No, midi support No. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-08-01.
Price of record: $69.99 at boss.info, 2026-08-01. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See DS-1 Distortion on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar guitar effects pedals
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