Boss DS-1 Distortion
Price Paid: US $40
Ease of Use: 10
Three knobs, Tone/Level/Distortion. Input and output jacks are clearly labeled. Large area for which to stomp on to turn it off and on. Bright red light when on. If you can't operate this pedal, you're in deep shit.
Sound Quality: 8
I am using a Kramer Baretta and an Ibanez RG470FM. Very tight, with lots of mids and highs. Not much bass, but this pedal wasn't intended for deep and heavy music. This pedal has a nice crunch, suitable for punk and rock. I don't play punk though, but I would know it is suitable. Perfect for Vai, Satch, and even Petrucci...although only Joe Satch uses it. Sometimes I wish there was a little less highs though.
Revised June 29, 2002
Now that I have a tube amp, the Marshall JCM2000 DSL401, I use the amp distortion now. I use this Boss pedal more for a lead boost on the overdrive channels, and for late night jammin' (can't crank the tubes at night foo!).
Reliability: 10
A murderous 700 pound gorilla would be no match for this pedal.
Customer Support: N/A
Never contacted them, and probably never will need to.
Overall Rating: 10
Very nice pedal for the price (cheapest Boss pedal made!). If you like classic and hard rock, this is your pedal. Sweet lead tones without too much muddiness.
~Dan~