[Beginner Guitar Talk] How to use the BOSS SD-1 distortion effector

Hello

This is　sukuta takafumi（＠sukutakafumi）
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sukutakafumi

Today, I’ll try to explain the basic usage of distortion effectors and each of the controls for beginners.
I also made a YouTube video, so I hope you will watch it.
Please subscribe to the channel ^^

○ About distortion effectors

1. What is the “distortion” of the distortion effector?

I think that as you turn up the volume of an old-fashioned tube amp, the clear, clean sound will become muddier and muddier (think of it as sound breaking up).
This muddy sound is distortion.
It is disliked in the audio world, but in the guitar world it sounds very cool and musical, and at the same time it's one of the important factors that determines the individuality of the guitarist.
Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that guitarists are most particular about distortion effectors, and it is common to use a few distortion effectors connected to an effector board, or to own 10 or more distortion effectors with different properties.

2. How to use the distortion effector

There are two main ways to use it.

The first is to use it alone as distortion.
The second is to use it as a booster for amp distortion and other distortion effectors.

(In my YouTube video, I’m talking on the assumption that it will be used as a single distortion.)

I think most beginners do not have a guitar amp that distorts enough, so I think the effector is most often used alone for distortion.
Also, most amps in studios are Jazz Choruses (Roland JC-120) with little distortion on the amp itself, so I think you should remember from the method of using the effector as a single distortion.

Once you get used to using distortion effectors, you can buy another distortion effector and set it as a booster to increase distortion and volume, or for sound correction.

○ Recommended effectors for beginners

This time, I'm using a distortion effector called the SD-1 from Boss.
This can be recommended for beginners.

As the name suggests, it is classified as overdrive.
If you think of the distortion as an effect that distorts like hard rock, the impression is that this one doesn't distort so extremely.

The reason why this effector is recommended is that it is safe and has no distinctive features, and it is easy to use for various applications. In addition, it is an overdrive that is often used not only by beginners but also by professionals.

It can also be used as a single distortion unit, and can also be used as a booster for amplifiers and other distortion effectors.

Moreover, it is relatively cheap and you can get it for about 5,500 yen new, and about 3,000 yen used, depending on the degree of use.

Recently, there are many guitarists who use the BD-2 (Blues Driver) from Boss, but the BD-2 has a unique character making it harder to work with, so the SD-1 is more straightforward and easier to handle.

○ About the basic controls

There are three knobs from left to right, level, tone, and drive.
The switch turns on when you step on the black rubber part, and the lamp labeled Check also lights up in red.

Level→Determines volume
Tone→Brightness of sound, turn to the right to make the treble range stand out.
Drive→Amount of distortion

○ About the basic settings of the distortion effector

Except for effectors with unique characters, all knob positions should be at 12:00 to start with. There are exceptions, but I think it's good to think that 12 o'clock is the standard for effectors from Japanese manufacturers such as BOSS.
However, depending on the effector, the points where a good sound and easy-to-use sound are found may be limited, and 12 o’clock may not always be the best starting position.

○ Points regarding settings to be aware of as a beginner

1. Be careful not to raise the drive too much

It will depend on the music you play, but it's common for beginners to apply too much drive.

Let's try not to do this.

The reason is that the sound may get worse, and may get buried in the band sound, and you won't be able to hear yourself playing.
In the beginning, it may be better to start with a little to find the appropriate amount of distortion that you think is easy to handle.
When playing in a band, if you feel that there is not enough distortion, try adding a little more (increasing the drive).

2. Be careful not to raise the tone too much

This is also a common mistake by beginners, but you should be careful because raising the tone too much can cause ear pain and even damage your ears.

It seems that some beginners often raise the tone too much for some reason.
It is the same as a drive, because even if you play it sloppily, you may feel like you are playing well, or it’s easier to play.
Set the tone according to the amp in the studio or your own amp.

3. The level is to maintain the volume when the effector is turned on and off.

Basically, set the volume to be the same when the effector is on or off.
This is because if you use both clean tones and distortion sounds, it will be difficult to play if the volume difference is extreme.
However, when you want to make the distortion stand out or give it more power, you may aim to raise the level. If you raise the level, the sound coming out of the guitar amp may become stronger and the range of the sound may increase.
On the other hand, if you set the level too low, the guitar sound will be thin and sloppy, and the three-dimensional effect will be lost and you may get buried in the band sound.

Ultimately, I think you will also like the level.

○ General

Distortion effectors don't always end with a single purchase.
I like the SD-1, but you don't have to buy it just because I recommend it.
It's best to talk to a shop clerk at a musical instrument store and choose a distortion that suits you. I'm sure that your future guitar life will be more interesting.
At that time, if you talk about your favorite band with the clerk, I think they will be able to narrow it down to a few recommended items.
One thing to keep in mind here is that you choose based on your budget.
It is also important to ask the clerk to recommend items regardless of the price without setting a budget.
This is because it is better to choose the one that produces the sound you like from the beginning, and knowing your own taste is also advantageous to your studies.
In the end, it may be unavoidable to choose a cheap one because of your budget, but it is also important to know that there are better ones out there.
Choosing a good one is also one key to keeping your interest in playing the guitar for longer.

▼ The following equipment is used in the review video.

Guitar:
Kanji Guitar ST type, TL type
（https://twitter.com/KanjiKawabata）

Effector:
Boss SD-1

Amplifier:
Marshall 1974x
Two notes Torped Live

Spatial effects are set on the computer.

In addition, I, sukuta takafumi, am looking for manufacturers and individual builders who can lend equipment for review videos and articles.