

Introduced in 1978 among the earliest models in the BOSS compact series, the orange DS-1 redefined the sound of distortion and remains as influential today as ever. Its hard-edged attack and smooth sustain have made it the best-selling compact effect to date, and its distinctive tone is behind the signature sounds of a long list of rock and alternative icons. With the DS-1W, this legendary stomp joins other BOSS classics in the Waza Craft series, fusing the look and character of the original with a newly revised discrete all-analog circuit for expanded range and versatility.
- Special edition Waza Craft pedal for the ultimate BOSS tone experience
- Newly revised two-stage gain circuit with discrete analog components
- Standard mode delivers the legendary sound of the original DS-1
- Custom mode provides fatter distortion tones with focused midrange and increased touch response
- Versatile Tone knob provides wide-ranging frequency control fine-tuned for each mode
- Two modes offer increased versatility when the pedal is used as a gain booster
- Premium buffer for clean and clear tone when bypassed
- BOSS five-year warranty
Timeless Distortion
The DS-1 instantly impacted the guitar world when launched, introducing a fresh new high-gain sound with aggressive, well-defined distortion rich in harmonic overtones. Over four-plus decades, leading players in hard rock, metal, grunge, and fusion genres have adopted the pedal for their core sounds. The classic edge of the DS-1 can be heard on countless famous tracks, both as a prime distortion for clean amp platforms and a boost to drive gained-up tube amps into controlled mayhem.
Two Modes, More Tonal Range
With its two modes and discrete all-analog circuit design, the DS-1W expands the DS-1 experience for a broader range of styles and applications. Call up Standard mode and play with the tight, hard-edged tone and singing sustain of the original pedal. Or switch on Custom mode for a bold new sound that takes the unmistakable DS-1 character to the next dimension.
Standard Mode: Classic DS-1 Sound
Standard mode on the DS-1W delivers the authentic sound of the original in every way. Its innovative two-stage gain circuit is a critical part of the fullness and definition that so many guitarists love about the DS-1. The versatile tone control affects low and high frequencies, simultaneously boosting and cutting each end of the frequency spectrum as the knob is turned. This lets you precisely dial in the sound for any application, from sharp rhythms and searing solos to maintaining low-end clarity when boosting amps and other drive pedals.
Custom Mode: Rich, Fat, and Dynamic
Custom mode presents a unique new distortion voice while retaining the singular DS-1 personality and edge. A thick, mid-focused character provides more fatness and cut to make your sound stand out in the mix, and the tone control is tuned to maximize the mode’s richness and presence. The available level has been increased by 6 dB, providing a wider range of gain boost for driving amps and pedals. And with more input sensitivity, you can conjure up all sorts of distortion colors with picking dynamics and volume control adjustments on the guitar.
Waza Craft: The Art of Superior Tone
Since the beginning, the engineers at BOSS have been committed to achieving the finest guitar tones using any technology necessary, from old-school analog circuits to high-tech DSP. This enthusiastic spirit continues with the Waza Craft series, bringing you exceptional tone and touch response through carefully selected analog components, refined circuitry, and meticulous attention to detail. In Japan, “Waza” is the term for art and technique, and these special edition pedals proudly carry the Waza symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS design and craftsmanship.
SKU | ROL-DS1WPK |
MPN | DS-1W |
Vendor | Boss |
Effect Type | Distortion |
Included From Manufacturer | 9V Battery |
Mpn | DS-1W |
Product Unique Features | Two modes offer increased versatility when the pedal is used as a gain booster |
Audio Inputs | (1) 1/4" |
Audio Outputs | (1) 1/4" |
On-board Expression Pedal | No |
Number of Pedal Switches |
Pedal switch Mode switch DIST knob LEVEL knob TONE knob |
Power Adaptor |
Optional PSA-120S |
Product Weight | 15 oz |
Width | 2-7/8" |
Depth | 5-1/8" |
Height | 2-3/8" |
Roland/Boss Consumer Limited Warranty
This limited warranty applies only to Roland and Boss products purchased in the United States of America.
Roland Corporation U.S. warrants to the first consumer only of a covered product purchased from an authorized Roland dealer in the U.S. that this product will be free from defects in materials for a period of five (5) years or defects in workmanship for a period of two (2) years. Please register this product online to establish the date of purchase (not a requirement for warranty service).
To exercise your rights under this Warranty as a purchaser, you must ship this product in appropriate packaging at your expense (insurance is recommended), together with proof of purchase, to Roland Corporation U.S., or to such other address as may be instructed by Roland Corporation U.S. (This shipping requirement shall not apply to those Roland products covered by in-home warranties). You should submit a new service request to obtain a Return Authorization number for the returned product. Any products shipped to Roland Corporation U.S. without a Return Authorization number shall be refused.
Roland Corporation U.S. will repair or replace this product at its sole option at no charge to you for parts or for labor within the warranty period; provided, however, that Roland Corporation U.S. reserves the right to determine whether the product is 'defective' for purposes of this Limited Warranty. This Warranty does not apply to damage to this product that occurred as a result of abuse or misuse, abnormal service or handling, battery leakage or failure, damage which may have been caused either directly or indirectly by another product, or if the product has been altered or modified in any way, or if the damage was caused by repairs or service provided or attempted by anyone other than Roland Corporation U.S. or a Roland Authorized Service Center.
In no event shall Roland Corporation U.S. be liable for any indirect, incidental, collateral, exemplary, punitive, consequential or special damages or losses arising out of your purchase of products and/or out of this warranty, including without limitation, loss of use, profits, goodwill or savings or loss of data, music, electronic files, or programs that may have been stored by a user of the product even if Roland Corporation U.S. has been advised of the possibility of such damages or claims. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental, punitive, or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Where applicable, if you qualify as a 'consumer' under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, then you shall be entitled to any implied warranties allowed by law for the period of the Limited Warranty as set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. Except as stated above, the foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other conditions or warranties, express, implied or statutory, including without limitation, an implied condition or warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and of any other warranty obligation on the part of Roland Corporation U.S.
Roland Corporation U.S. does not assume or authorize assumption of liability for it or any other warranty, either express or implied. This Limited Warranty gives U.S. purchasers specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from State to State.
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