It’s hard to imagine the world of guitar effect pedals without the iconic Boss stompbox shape. One has to look all the way back to the 70’s to find the introduction of the design with the DS-1.
Since then there have been literally hundreds of releases spanning every possible guitar effect type, constantly evolving as Boss found new ways to implement the latest technology.
These pedals have all found their way on to the pedalboards of guitarists the world over. From Slash and John Mayer, to the kid in their bedroom, it’s difficult to find a board that doesn’t have at least one Boss pedal as an integral part of the setup.
Thanks to this mammoth list of pedals, everyone has their own opinions on “essential” or “best ever” Boss pedals, so we thought we’d weigh in.
Here, in no particular order, is our Top 5 list of the best Boss compact pedals… ever.
The DS-1 Distortion
While this list is mostly opinion based, it is just not possible to have a list of the greatest Boss pedals and not include the pedal that started it all, the DS-1. There is a reason they are still a bestseller 4 decades later. The character of the DS-1’s distortion has become synonymous with rock music of the last 40 years.
It doesn’t take anything more than a quick look at the guitarists that use it to understand why it became such a staple – Steve Vai, John Frusciante, Kurt Cobain, Gary Moore, and many, many more.
But it’s influence extended far beyond guitarists; it influenced a lot of the other famous Boss pedals that followed including the DS-2 Turbo Distortion which is used by guitar players like John Frusciante and the HM-2 which has what can only be described as a cult following in the heavy metal space.
The CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer
Moving beyond iconic, and focusing practicality, the Boss CS-3 is, in our books, the ultimate utilitarian tool. Having a compressor at the ready pedalboard is essential for millions of guitarists, and the CS-3 just ticks all the right boxes: effective, affordable, rugged, and most importantly, transparent.
The BD-2 Blues Driver
From a warning bark to a hair raising growl and everything in between, all with a flick of the gain control. That’s the easiest way to describe the BD-2.
In a very similar category to the DS-1, the Blues Driver is unquestionably iconic. A valve-like overdrive tone is the name of the game here.
Yes, it excels at Blues, but don’t let that make you think it’s a one-trick-pony. The Blues Driver will suit any player look for a drive pedal that responds to nuanced playing and volume controls.
The RC-3 Loop Station
The looping revolution came around quickly. Before anyone knew it, loopers were the most sought after pedals among players. Boss foresaw this perfectly and had perfected the implementation of it in the RC-3, which has since become the quintessential small form-factor looper.
Packing three hours of recording time, 99 memory locations, USB connection, and 10 rhythm tracks into a stompbox sized, affordable looper is an incredible feat. For this reason it’s little wonder why these units are still incredibly popular a full decade after launch.
The MT-2 Metal Zone
Yes, we’re jumping on the bandwagon of the MT-2. Somehow both the best and worst Boss pedal ever made… depending on who you ask.
Yes, in the wrong context it’s aggressive distortion can be harsh and unruly, but in many circumstances, harsh and unruly is exactly what you want.
Love it or hate it, it defined a generation of heavy guitar players, and what it does, it does well, so we love it.
