Celebrate 50 Years of BOSS Guitar Tone At CME!

Founded as an offshoot of its parent company, Roland Corporation, BOSS has pioneered the development of unique and innovative gear for guitar and bass players of all styles since 1973.

Now, in celebration of the company’s 50th Anniversary, BOSS has unveiled three limited-edition stomp boxes: DS-1-B50A Distortion, SD-1-B50A Super OverDrive, and BD-2-B50A Blues Driver.

A Half-Century of BOSS

From heavy distortion to subtle crunch, BOSS compact pedals have remained the go-to for gain pedals for nearly 50 years. Renowned for their sound, rugged durability, and unique practical design, BOSS first launched the iconic compact series in 1977—and, since then, it’s been hard to find an experienced guitarist who hasn’t used one or more BOSS pedals at some point throughout their playing career.

Appearing in exclusive livery with a dedicated 4-digit serial number and bespoke packaging, each limited-edition pedal features the same beloved circuitry as its standard production counterpart but sports a metallic finish, silver thumb screw, gold-capped knobs, and a commemorative 50th-anniversary emblem. These collectible versions will be available in strictly limited numbers of no more than 7,000 units worldwide for each model.

DS-1-B50A Distortion

The iconic compact pedal design was unveiled in 1977, and BOSS released the multimillion-selling DS-1 Distortion the following year to wide acclaim. Prized for its edgy attack and smooth sustain, this classic stompbox can be heard on countless hit records.

SD-1-B50A Super OverDrive

Following on the heels of the game-changing OD-1 OverDrive released in 1977, BOSS released the SD-1 Super OverDrive, which features the added benefit of a tone control, in 1981. This workhorse gain machine has remained in production ever since, continuously gracing the pedalboards of beginners and pros worldwide.

BD-2-B50A Blues Driver

For those guitarists seeking a delicate, nuanced tone that allows a player’s technique to shine through, it’s hard to beat the popular BD-2 Blues Driver. Introduced in 1995, this acclaimed drive pedal is revered for its broad palette of sounds, touch sensitivity, and articulate, tube amp-like response.

Call CME, chat us online, or stop into our showroom today to shop BOSS 50th Anniversary pedals!

SHOP BOSS GEAR

Related Posts

Chicago Synth Exchange | Synth 101

Now introducing the Chicago Synth Exchange - Synth 101 Soundboard Blog! In addition, to our ongoing Synth 101 series of in-store seminars hosted by our resident Synth expert, Roland Chira, which covers everything from the basics of sound synthesis to the virtually endless variety of sounds and functionalities available from synth products in the store—along with an audio demonstration, so you can hear each of the sounds you can create, yourself—we’re devoting a section of CME’s Soundboard Blog to provide an additional online resource and reference for all musicians, on the fundamentals of sound synthesis!

Read more

Gamechanger Audio | Motor Synth MKII

Further proving the brand’s namesake claim, the new Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MKII offers electronic music makers the world’s first analog synthesizer that lets you see being generated using electro-mechanical oscillators! Shop yours today at Chicago Synth Exchange!

Read more

Introducing | Castedosa Guitars

While Castedosa Guitars have already caught the attention of musicians and guitar makers, Chicago Music Exchange is one of the few dealers internationally where guitar players can get their hands on one! Come try and hear for yourself what the next creative evolution by a renowned guitar builder sounds like!

Read more