BOSS Od-3 Overdrive Pedal

Product Information

With the active TREBLE control, I didn't need the passive TONE control any more, so that got tossed overboard. If you're currently looking for your first overdrive pedal, I would say stop here at the Boss OD-3. I first had the newest one made in Malaysia which features SMD components and it's pcb only occupies less than a third of the inside of the pedal. That's OK for me, SMD have much tighter tolerances which results in better consistency and reduced values drift, many boutique manufacters have gone this route. Nominal Input Level -20 dBu Input Impedance 1 M ohm Nominal Output Level -20 dBu Output Impedance 1 k ohm Recommended Load Impedance 10 k ohms or greater Bypass Buffered bypass Controls DRIVE knob The Boss overdrives have been around for a long time. Two popular models, the Boss OD 3 and Boss SD 1, have all the necessary features that are needed in a modern overdrive.

This is why it works better with full-voiced cords than purely high frequencies. Most open chords are not played with overdrives since the overtones and higher notes have a considerably low energy concentration.It sounds like a pretty good option to have in the market, considering all the overdrives that are now available. Moreover, Boss’ parent company Roland makes the overdrive series with the unique voicing in bulk. The OD-3 fits perfectly in any amp character: It supports its tone and doesn't change it too much. It always adds smoothness and bass to it, but if you have a Marshall, it will still sound like Marshall. The best thing is the OD-3's dynamic: You can turn the drive poti completely up, but you'll still be able to control the drive from clean to completely overdriven just by using your guitar's volume poti. Several guitar overdrives are available in the market. However, all of them do not work for all the models. Different overdrives come with different features and so are compatible with a particular number of guitars. I’ve always said you get a very Marshally type tone and crunch out of the Blues Driver if you drive it - and the same is kind of true of the OD-3 - it has its own degree of richness and texture - while generally I’m calling it a refinement of the BD-2 soundstage overall. The difference there is more distinct than say the difference between the BD-2 Phat Mod and Keeley Super AT Mod - which I also see as something of a refinement. The Boss OD-3 and SD-1 are two excellent models with the right features. While the Boss SD-1 sounds best when used with another pedal or a tube amp, the Boss OD-3 works better on its own as it produces a warm, rich tone.

Another term that you may come across is fuzz, a special type of distortion consisting of harmonic tones that dominate the overall sound. The overdrive amp will enhance your amplifier’s delivery or mimic a particular sound, whereas distortion will lead to an entirely altered sound unpleasant to the ears.Using the TONE knob you add that extra edge you might need to cut through any mix. Legendary Boss Pedal Build Quality Overall, the Boss OD-3 has a wide range of frequencies despite its somewhat simple and common design and features. Moreover, it also allows the user to set the response they want and adjust the guitar’s darkness and brightness. Boss SD-1 Overdrive What’s more, as testament to how confident they are in this pedal’s build quality, Boss offer a five-year warranty. The color and nuance do not disrupt the sound but add a subtle touch of elegance and rich harmonics. You may get the largest amount of saturation at the lower and bottom halves’ mid. This is a standard level for the overdrive pedals, so it is nothing new. This level is needed to generate the traditional crunch associated with drives.

The main use of pedals like the Boss OD-3 is to either produce a natural overdrive sound at sensible volumes, clip the amp, or be the overdrive sound and run it with plenty of headroom with a clean amp. The Boss OD-3 was released in 1997, approximately three years after the OD-3 B was introduced worldwide. This is the MOST UNDERRATED BOSS PEDAL! And this is coming from a tube amp snob! I have two of these cause I have two pedalboards all loaded with Boss pedals. The OD-3 is my main overdrive/distortion sound both for rhythm and leads sometimes I push the input stage with Boss SD-1 for serious solos.I moved the protection diodes from the input of the 2nd stage to the input of the 1st stage. Their purpose is to keep the Q2-Q3 diff pair from going haywire if they're driven too hard. Saved one capacitor (C32, above). Dual-Stage Overdrive Circuit offers a level of sustain and compression unmatched by any overdrive pedal The Boss OD-3 features a dual-stage overdrive circuit that offers a great level of sustainability which remains unmatched by almost all other overdrive panels.

One downside of the Boss SD-1 Overdrive is that you may experience some signal loss in the upper frequencies, but that is expected with a pedal without a true bypass. However, there are no harsh artifacts or gouging of various frequencies. Boss says, the OD-3 had a "bigger, smoother tone than any Overdrive pedal ever had". I say: It's true! A fuzzy tone usually emphasizes the upper frequencies and may even cut the middle frequencies if it is too harsh. The Boss OD-3 OverDrive pedal gives you an expendaded range of smooth overdrive tones and brilliant response while keeping that natural overdrive sound of the original version of this great overdrive pedal. Boss OD-3 OverDrive Pedal Key Features: The key difference between the two is that the Boss SD-1 Overdrive creates asymmetrical clipping as opposed to the symmetrical clipping made by the latter.These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. Accessories Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY,""IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information") The OD-3 can be a great source of overdrive on its own, paired with a clean amplifier. You won’t quite get full-on distortion from it, but it gets pretty heavy. If you mostly play clean, but need a bit of drive for a chorus or some lead parts, the OD-3 will do the job. Furthermore, it will clean up very nicely, as you lower the output volume on your guitar, similar to a cranked valve amp. The latest in a line of great overdrive pedals, the Boss OD3 will make your guitar sing in bigger and better fashion than ever before. Simple to useand easy to get that great, crisp, bluesy distortion rich in harmonics and dynamics. The OD-3 has a great, balanced tone that's neither too bass nor treble heavy. Perfect for gettingvalve-like drivesounds straight out the'50s and '60s. Renowned Boss build quality The frequency response is also just as good since it is smooth and pleasant. The guitar’s tone and natural frequencies can be modified and brought within a good range and tonal characteristics. The fuzziness and thinness reported with DS-1 can be eliminated by using the Boss SD-1 Overdrive by keeping its pedal on always. This way, you get a smooth tube crunch sound with a pleasant effect overall.