BOSS 50th Anniversary Pedals
Since 1973, BOSS has pioneered the development of unique and innovative products for musicians of all styles and skill levels. From class-leading effects pedals, multi-effects, and Loop Stations to guitar synthesizers, amplifiers, and more, our trailblazing designs include several world firsts and have forever changed the way people make music.
This spirit of innovation continues today as BOSS forges ahead with the creation of original, progressive, and impactful gear. And with plenty more exciting developments on the horizon, we’re looking forward to another half-century of musical evolution.
BOSS would like to thank you—the music makers—for accompanying us on this sonic odyssey.
Here’s to another incredible 50 years!
Limited Edition
BOSS 50th Anniversary Pedals
In celebration of our milestone 50th anniversary, BOSS has unveiled a trio of collectible, limited-edition versions of our most popular and influential compact pedals. The DS-1 Distortion (DS-1-B50A), SD-1 Super Overdrive (SD-1-B50A), and BD-2 Blues Driver (BD-2-B50A) offer a host of unique commemorative features and have been produced in strictly limited numbers, with just 7,000 units available worldwide.
1973
OSAKA, JAPAN
THE FOUNDING OF BOSS
BOSS has its roots in MEG Electronics, a dedicated guitar effects R&D division founded within Roland Corporation in 1973. The company was recast with the now-famous BOSS name and logo and introduced to the public the following year. Along with products that carry the BOSS brand, the BOSS engineering team has been involved with developing key Roland-branded guitar products since the beginning.
B-100 PREAMPLIFIER
THE FIRST BOSS PRODUCT
The B-100 was an acoustic guitar product only available in the United States. It allowed acoustic guitarists to go electric using a belt-clip preamp module and an included pickup.
1974
JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Exclusive Features, 50th Anniversary Content, and Much More
JC-120
JAZZ CHORUS GUITAR AMPLIFIER
This enduring flagship amp is universally recognized as the benchmark in clean guitar sound. The amp’s iconic voice—including its famous built-in stereo chorus effect—has been heard on countless popular songs over its long history. The JC-120 inspired the CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, the world’s first chorus in pedal format and the first effect pedal from BOSS.
1975
ADRIAN BELEW
King Crimson
ANDY SUMMERS
The Police
STEVE LEVINE
Producer
JEFF ‘SKUNK’ BAXTER
Steely Dan
Doobie Brothers
1976
BOSS CE-1
CHORUS ENSEMBLE
This big gray chorus pedal single-handedly catapulted the BOSS brand to the top of the guitar effects game, thanks to its unmistakable warm analog stereo chorus and vibrato sounds. Late ’70s guitar legends like Andy Summers, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, and other standout players helped to make the CE-1 a classic.
JC-120
JAZZ CHORUS GUITAR AMPLIFIER
This enduring flagship amp is universally recognized as the benchmark in clean guitar sound. The amp’s iconic voice—including its famous built-in stereo chorus effect—has been heard on countless popular songs over its long history. The JC-120 inspired the CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, the world’s first chorus in pedal format and the first effect pedal from BOSS.
1977
OD-1, PH-1, and SP-1
THE FIRST BOSS COMPACT PEDALS
BOSS launches the iconic compact pedal series with the OD-1 Overdrive, PH-1 Phaser, and SP-1 Spectrum. Since then, the colorful lineup has been adopted by generations of musicians, with over 130 models produced to date and over 18 million units sold. BOSS pedals are used by players of all levels, from famous touring pros to bedroom hobbyists.
DS-1
DISTORTION
The DS-1 Distortion is a true icon in the world of guitar effects, with well over one million sold and counting. Introduced in 1978, BOSS’s first distortion pedal defined a bold new sound, delivering a hard-edged attack and smooth sustain that’s been a staple of players for generations. The DS-1 is the top-selling BOSS compact pedal ever, and its original, unchanged design continues to inspire the creation of great music everywhere.
1978
HISTORY / STORIES
All About the DS-1: The Benchmark BOSS Distortion
“Since its debut, the DS-1 has fueled the music of trendsetting guitarists from every genre. Learn why it’s loved by generations of players.”
DM-1
DELAY MACHINE
In the 1970s, echo effects were only available with expensive tape-based units like the Roland Space Echo series. The DM-1 Delay Machine—the very first BOSS delay unit—introduced a more affordable and compact alternative. While limited in frequency response and versatility in comparison with the Space Echo, the analog DM-1 had a unique sound and provided delay times up to 500 milliseconds. Inspired by the original DM-1, the current BOSS DM-101 leverages decades of BOSS expertise to realize the most advanced analog delay ever produced.
1979
CE-2
CHORUS
Soon after the iconic BOSS compact pedal line was launched in 1977, guitarists began requesting the inspiring sound of the CE-1 chorus in a smaller, battery-powered format. In 1979, these demands were answered with the CE-2. This refined chorus was an instant success, becoming the foundational sound for hit guitar tracks throughout the 1980s and beyond.
GR-300
GUITAR SYNTHESIZER SYSTEM
The floor-based GR-300 took analog guitar synthesis to another level, providing the latest technologies in a much more streamlined package than the previous GR-500. The bold and distinctive voice of this synth was adopted by many adventurous guitarists, and Pat Metheny has continually made the GR-300 a part of his music throughout his career.
1980
1981
SD-1
SUPER OVERDRIVE
Since its release in 1981, the workhorse SD-1 Super Overdrive has been the core gain pedal for generations of players across every musical genre. Based around the revolutionary asymmetrical clipping circuit from the OD-1 Overdrive—one of the three original BOSS compact pedals—the SD-1 delivers rich, smooth, and highly musical overdrive tones that continue to inspire guitarists everywhere.
HISTORY / STORIES
40 Years of the BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
“Introduced in 1981, the SD-1 Super Overdrive is beloved by guitarists across genres. Learn its history from the roots of rock to today.”
DM-2
DELAY
GE-7
EQUALIZER
CS-2
COMPRESSION SUSTAINER
BCB-6
CARRYING BOX
By the early 1980s, effects were ubiquitous throughout the guitar world. BOSS continued to lead the way with a rapidly growing selection of high-quality effects in the compact pedal series. These iconic stompboxes became indispensable performance companions, with players curating groups of them to create their own sonic signatures. In response to requests for a portable, practical solution to combine many pedals together, BOSS introduced the influential BCB-6 Carrying Box.
Used by the likes of Gary Moore, Robert Smith, Joe Walsh, and many others, the BCB-6 could house six BOSS compact pedals, including the optional PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch. It even had room to spare for the newly introduced TU-12 Chromatic Tuner—another BOSS world first!
Alleviating the common problems associated with transporting, hooking up, and powering multiple pedals, this neat, rugged design was a joy to use. Simply by removing the lid, the BCB-6 instantly transformed from a carrying case into a fully functioning effects board. Pedalboards are so familiar to us these days that it’s easy to take this concept for granted. But BOSS helped pave the way forward decades ago with the trendsetting BCB-6.
1982
SCC-700
SOUND CONTROL CENTER
As used by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and The Edge of U2, the BOSS SCC-700 Sound Control Center was way ahead of its time as one of the original pedal loop switchers. It featured loops for seven BOSS compact pedals, coupled with a computer-controlled audio switcher for storing 32 memories with on/off status and connection order for the pedals.
1982
OC-2
OCTAVE
1982
VB-2
VIBRATO
1983
HM-2
HEAVY METAL
1984
DD-2
DIGITAL DELAY
GR-700
GUITAR SYNTHESIZER
Introduced as the first MIDI-compatible guitar synthesizer, the GR-700 was a boon for forward-thinking players who wanted to explore synth sounds with the familiarity of the fretboard. Used by Jimmy Page, Andy Summers, and Robert Fripp, this programmable six-voice synthesizer was paired with the unique G-707 guitar controller shown below.
G-707
GUITAR SYNTH CONTROLLER
PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION
GIRLS & BOYS
GK-1
SYNTHESIZER DRIVER
Earlier guitar synth systems required a special guitar or heavy modification to an existing instrument to install the divided pickup and supporting electronics. The GK-1’s pickup—the first in a long line of GK divided pickup models to come—was designed to be easily mounted on almost any guitar. A detachable control unit and 24-pin cable interfaced with the Roland GM-70, GR-100, and GR-300 synths. Ritchie Blackmore was one of many players who employed the GK-1 with Roland synth systems.
1986
1987
ME-5
GUITAR MULTIPLE EFFECTS
Throughout the 1980s, guitarists continued to experiment with BOSS effects to create unique and interesting sounds. Before long, performing with multiple effects pedals chained together became the norm rather than the exception.
While the BCB-6 helped kickstart the pedalboard era, merging multiple effects into a single portable floor unit was previously untried. The milestone ME-5 launched the now-familiar concept of floor-based multi-effects, integrating Compressor, Overdrive/Distortion, Equalizer, Chorus/Flanger, and Digital Reverb/Digital Delay effects in a compact, plug-and-play package.
With the ability to store and recall up to 64 patches, this world’s first device boasted an impressive array of supporting features, including a useful noise suppressor circuit. Further setting the ME-5 apart was its extensive connectivity, which included MIDI I/O, external footswitch and expression pedal control, an effects loop, a headphones jack, and a handy tuner out.
GP-8
GUITAR EFFECTS PROCESSOR
The Roland GP-8 Guitar Effects Processor squeezed eight classic BOSS effects into an analog/digital hybrid rack unit, including Dynamic Filter, Compressor, Turbo Overdrive, Distortion, Phaser, Equalizer, Digital Delay, and Digital Chorus. It could store and recall 128 patches and supported external MIDI control. Paired with the optional FC-100 Foot Controller, the GP-8 provided a comprehensive and powerful effects system for performing guitarists.
RV-2
REVERB
The RV-2 was the world’s first compact digital reverb pedal, offering sound quality and features previously only available in expensive rack-mount units. This groundbreaking pedal had six unique reverb modes and a pre-EQ circuit for shaping the tonality.
PS-2
PITCH SHIFTER/DELAY
While the popular OC-2 Octave pedal had been available since 1982, the PS-2 was the first BOSS pedal to introduce continuously variable pitch shifting. It offered fixed settings of one octave up or down plus a Manual mode for setting any pitch interval over a two-octave range. It also featured a delay mode with up to two seconds of time, a first for any BOSS delay pedal.
GK-2
DIVIDED PICKUP
With its smaller design and a newly developed 13-pin interface, the GK-2 made guitar synthesis more accessible to everyone. Offering easier installation and a much lighter and thinner cable than the previous 24-pin design, the GK-2 set the blueprint for many generations to come.
1988
1989
GP-16
DIGITAL GUITAR EFFECTS PROCESSOR
The Roland GP-16 Digital Guitar Effects Processor was crammed with 16 digital effects, offering guitarists unprecedented audio quality, processing choices, and control options. With the ability to use up to 12 effects simultaneously and choose the order, players were treated to a diverse array of options to create complex and interesting sounds. Up to 128 effects combinations and settings could be stored and recalled using an optional foot controller.
MT-2
METAL ZONE
The MT-2 Metal Zone is a giant among giants in the stompbox universe. Of all BOSS compact pedals sold to date, it ranks second only to the mighty DS-1 Distortion. Released in 1991 and in production for over 30 years, the MT-2 sailed past the million-selling milestone long ago. Placed end-to-end, one million units would make a zone of metal over 80 miles long!
1991
HISTORY / STORIES
MT-2: A Heavy Metal History Lesson
“The MT-2 is more than a million-selling mainstay of bedroom players. Learn how Biffy Clyro, Kurt Ballou, and others harness its extreme tone.”
VG-8 V-GUITAR SYSTEM
THE FIRST MODELING PRODUCT FOR GUITAR
Combining the newly developed COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) technology with individual string processing via a divided pickup, the VG-8 unlocked a new world of sonic capabilities. Equipped with advanced VGM (Variable Guitar Modeling) and HRM (Harmonic Restructure Modeling) engines, the VG-8 could reproduce the sounds of existing guitars and conjure sounds never heard before. The VG-8 also introduced amplifier and speaker modeling to the industry, a concept that has become an essential part of the modern guitar experience.
1995
BD-2
BLUES DRIVER
For over three decades, the BD-2 Blues Driver has inspired players of all musical styles as well as pedal builders the world over. For guitarists seeking delicate, nuanced gain tones that allow their feel and technique to shine through, it’s hard to beat. This acclaimed drive pedal is revered for its broad sound palette, touch sensitivity, and articulate tube-like response.
BC-30 AND BC-60
BLUES CUBE GUITAR AMPLIFIERS
The BC-30 and BC-60 were the first amp products based on the proprietary Tube Logic approach, providing organic tube-driven sound and response in a solid-state design. The original Tube Logic R&D became the foundational structure for future Roland and BOSS amp development, including the Katana series, the Nextone series, the second-generation Blues Cubes, and more.
HISTORY / STORIES
The Tube Logic Story
Today’s Tube Logic accurately delivers the complex, highly interactive behavior of classic tube designs in meticulous detail.
VT-1
VOICE TRANSFORMER
The VT-1 was a unique portable vocoder device designed for altering the human voice. Offering formant shifting, a vocal modulation effect with pitch shifting, de-tuning, full octave pitch control, and digital reverb, the VT-1 has inspired many popular vocal plug-ins and vocal effects pedals.
1996
GT-5
GUITAR EFFECTS PROCESSOR
The influential GT-5 instantly reshaped the multi-effects landscape and laid the foundation for all modern multi-effects to come. The debut product in the long-running GT series harnessed COSM technology derived from the VG-8, combining the latest BOSS effects with powerful amp and cab modeling features.
1998
TU-2
CHROMATIC TUNER
The TU-2 Chromatic Tuner set yet another trend in the guitar world, incorporating BOSS’s world-renowned TU tuner technology into an ultra-convenient stompbox design.
RC-20
LOOP STATION
This twin-footswitch BOSS looping pedal changed everything, turning a cult performance technique into a mainstream musical phenomenon.
2001
2002
BF-3
FLANGER
2003
OC-3
SUPER OCTAVE
2004
SYB-5
BASS SYNTHESIZER
2006
RC-2
LOOP STATION
2007
FBM-1, FDR-1, AND FRV-1
BOSS/FENDER LEGEND SERIES
Developed in collaboration with Fender, the BOSS Legend series were modeling pedals that emulated classic Fender amps and effects. The FBM-1 Fender ’59 Bassman and FDR-1 Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb pedals were introduced in 2007, with the FRV-1 Fender Reverb following in 2009. Each pedal allowed guitarists to recreate the sound of Fender’s vintage tone monsters with any amp and are highly sought-after on the used market.
CUBE STREET
BATTERY-POWERED STEREO AMPLIFIER
Following the success of the Micro CUBE, the CUBE Street took the portable amplifier concept to the next level. This versatile battery-powered amp helped musicians bring high-quality sound to city streets and other spontaneous performance locations, and it remains a grab-and-go staple for buskers everywhere. Roland passed the CUBE Street torch to BOSS in 2021, where the CUBE Street II carries on the line with the latest technologies and sound innovations.
HISTORY / STORIES
Busking for Glory: The CUBE Street Story
“The tradition of street performance goes back centuries. Find out how the CUBE Street has remained essential to busking since 2007.”
2007
FZ-5
FUZZ
2009
TU-3
CHROMATIC TUNER
2010
ST-2
POWER STACK
2010
PS-6
HARMONIST
GR-55
GUITAR SYNTHESIZER
Building on decades of research, the GR-55 Guitar Synthesizer is a powerful fusion of guitar synthesis and guitar/amp modeling in a single unit. The GR-55 is loaded with over 900 fully editable PCM sounds and a host of COSM technologies, plus two multi-effects engines, global reverb, chorus, and delay effects, and an onboard looper.
2012
2013
TE-2
TERA ECHO
The TE-2 represents a milestone as the 100th model in the long-running compact series. Embodying the spirit of BOSS innovation through the years, the TE-2 delivers a truly unique ambience effect never heard in any other pedal.
HISTORY / STORIES
Find out how global superstar Ariana Grande uses the BOSS RC-505 in her new Vevo video series and learn about her looping history.
RC-505
TABLETOP LOOP STATION
OD-1X / DS-1X
X-SERIES PEDALS
2014
BD-2W / DM-2W / SD-1W
WAZA CRAFT PEDALS
HISTORY / STORIES
Each Waza Craft pedal is a complete redesign of the classic circuits by BOSS. Find out exactly what makes them so unique.
500 SERIES
ADVANCED EFFECTS PEDALS
2015
SY-300
GUITAR SYNTHESIZER
2016
The Katana series presents guitar amplifiers with smooth, cutting tones honed by generations of dedication and expertise.
JB-2
ANGRY DRIVER
With the JB-2, BOSS and JHS Pedals joined forces to create an instant classic. Fusing the iconic Blues Driver with the popular JHS Angry Charlie, the JB-2 features six unique modes and three dual-concentric knobs that unlock a massive array of drive colors, from mild to massive.
2017
Exhibition Tour
BOSS Compact Pedal Exhibition at House of Vans in London
GT-1000
GUITAR EFFECTS PROCESSOR
2018
WL-20
WIRELESS SYSTEM
2019
WAZA-AIR
WIRELESS PERSONAL GUITAR AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM
This innovative personal amplifier system brings stunning realism to playing with headphones, using a gyro sensor and moving 3D space to deliver natural “amp-in-room” tone that’s rich, resonant, and infinitely inspiring.
DD-200
DIGITAL DELAY
EQ-200
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER
MD-200
MODULATION
OD-200
HYBRID DRIVE
TB-2W
TONE BENDER
One of the most talked-about pedals in recent years is the TB-2W Tone Bender. This all-analog fuzz is a groundbreaking collaboration between BOSS and Sola Sound, the UK’s original boutique pedal builder.
2020
HISTORY / STORIES
History in the Making: the BOSS TB-2W Tone Bender
“The inside story of how UK pedal pioneers Sola Sound forged a collaboration with BOSS and wrote a new chapter in the history of fuzz.”
2021
BOSS EURUS GS-1
THE FIRST BOSS GUITAR
The EURUS GS-1 puts advanced synthesizer technology inside a high-quality electric guitar, continuing our dedication to innovation in the world of guitar synthesis.
HM-2W
HEAVY METAL
Few pedals command the respect of the global extreme music community like the BOSS HM-2. Boasting the perfect name and pedigree, the Heavy Metal pedal continues to earn converts with its brutal blast. Over 30 years after the original’s discontinuation, the legend has been fully reborn as the Waza Craft HM-2W.
HISTORY / STORIES
HM-2: The Sound of Swedish Death Metal and Beyond
“Get the full story of the HM-2, the genre-defining pedal at the dark heart of Swedish death metal, now immortalized in Waza Craft form.”
2022
RE-202 AND RE-2
SPACE ECHO
Introduced in 1974, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo is one of the most iconic effects of all time, and its organic multi-head tape delay and vibey spring reverb continue to inspire music makers everywhere. Leaping forward with modern advancements in DSP technology, the BOSS engineering team has gone deeper than ever before to bring the Space Echo into a new era with the RE-202 and RE-2.
HISTORY / STORIES
The Next Generation of Space Echo
“Prized for their richness and complexity of tone, spring reverb and tape delay have been coveted by music makers for decades. Perhaps none more so than the exquisite sounds of the Roland RE-201 Space Echo.”
SDE-3000EVH
DUAL DIGITAL DELAY
EVH and BOSS come together to create the SDE-3000EVH Dual Digital Delay, an authentic recreation of the stereo delays at the heart of Eddie Van Halen’s massive three-cabinet live stage guitar sound. Based on the vintage Roland SDE-3000 rackmount delay, this powerhouse processor puts two fully featured SDE-3000s in one floor-based pedal, coupled with extensive connectivity to build a wet/dry/wet rig just like Eddie’s.
2023
GM-800 AND SERIAL GK
THE NEXT GENERATION OF BOSS GUITAR SYNTHESIS
The GM-800 elevates guitar synthesis into a new age of natural playability and boundless creative range. Driven by the newly developed Serial GK interface, the GM-800’s advanced ZEN-Core engine unlocks any sound imaginable.
BP-1W
BOOSTER/PREAMP
The vintage BOSS CE-1 Chorus Ensemble and Roland RE-201 Space Echo are legendary for their inspiring and influential effect sounds. But they’re also loved for their variable analog preamp circuitry, which instantly infuses any guitar tone with character, body, and richness. The BP-1W puts these two classic preamp tones in a premium Waza Craft pedal, along with a natural, clear voice that functions as a standard clean boost.
HISTORY / STORIES
The Legend of the CE-1 and RE-201 Preamps
“The CE-1 and RE-201 are beloved for their analog preamp circuits. The BP-1W Booster/Preamp now puts these revered preamps into compact form.”
