DS-1 Distortion

A two-stage circuit pairs transistor and op-amp gain stages. The Tone control raises highs while cutting lows when turned clockwise, and does the reverse counter-clockwise, so the same Dist range can cover tight rhythm parts or thicker leads without a separate EQ pedal.

At lower Dist settings the pedal works as a booster into an already driven amp. Rolling the guitar volume back cleans the tone without mud. Hard-edged attack stays readable at high Dist, which is why the circuit shows up in hard rock, punk, and metal contexts.

The three-knob layout (Dist, Tone, Level) is unchanged from the original design. A limited pearlescent white DS-1-WH run appeared in 2024; the standard orange unit remains the current reference model.