This article is intended to break down the comprehensive BOSS Overdrive and Distortion lineup-one pedal at a time.
Overdrive pedals simulate the warm sound and playing characteristics of an overdriven tube amp.
They respond to playing touch and volume control changes like an amp would. When compared to overdrive, distortion is generally employed to produce harder, more metallic sounds rich in upper harmonics-like the sound of a large amp stack turned up to 11 or beyond. Like distortion, fuzz emphasizes harmonics, albeit with a very distinct, inarticulate distortion sound. Super OverDrive - Think natural. The BOSS SD-1 sounds like you always wanted your amp to sound, without having to turn it up to 11.