Review: Boss SD-1W Waza Super Overdrive
Since 1981, Boss Japan has been manufacturing the yellow super overdrive SD-1 that we have all come to know and love. It has landed on more than a few pedalboards of guitar greats such as: David Gilmour, The Edge, Kirk Hammet, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Steve Vai, and on and on and on.
So why make a new Super Overdrive Waza Craft version? Because they can! Most Boss pedals have the three knob design, but in this day and age, boutique manufacturers are adding much more to each pedal for even more functionality.
The Waza Craft SD-1w overdrive has added a toggle switch that lets the guitarist choose from the original SD-1 sound (Toggle Left) or the new custom mode (Toggle Right). So what does that do? Let's find out.
Waza Craft pedals use premium components by Japanese engineers.
First, we placed the new Boss SD-1w Waza Craft next to one of the original SD-1 Super Overdrives from 1983. The 1983, Japanese made SD-1 has the black label, JRC4558D chip, and rare 1S2473 diodes. The SD-1w Waza Craft pedal in now made in Taiwan and uses analog circuitry instead of op amps or chips. Waza Craft pedals use premium components by Japanese engineers. This is why the price is 2-3 times that of the standard versions.
How did the SD-1w sound? We played the two pedals side-by-side on three different amplifiers. To be honest, we could not hear a difference between the 1983 chip version and the Waza Craft version. That is a good thing. Being able to replicate the sound of a JRC4558D chip is very hard to do.
Next we toggled to the Custom Mode (Right) on the SD-1w. I wouldn't say it was spectacular or gave us "A new tonal range and gain," as stated by Boss. It did give the pedal a noticeable boost. I guess a boost can be a new tonal range, but that sounds like marketing window dressing. So if you need a Boss SD-1 with a boost, you now can now get the SD-1w Waza Craft pedal.
- Typical Boss quality and color.
- Added boost toggle.
- Still very affordable.
- Recreates the sound of the Japanese made early 1980s SD-1 pedals.
