BOSS SD-1 vs. BOSS SD-1w Waza Craft comparison

How they both sound boosting an overdriven amp into high gain territory & in front of a clean amp. I hope you find this interesting & informative. Cheers!
The original footage of the EV intro clip was shot by Dennis Henson and KJ Melgoza. Thanks guys!
The song on the clip is 'Feed The Fire' from my solo album 'Easy Does It': spoti.fi/2S3owRZ
The gear used:
- ESP Japan Custom Shop Euge Signature "GP #1"
- Tokai Tele: bit.ly/3fm7CZw
- BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive: bit.ly/3fqNDsT
- BOSS SD-1w Super Overdrive: bit.ly/2yq6SCd
- ISP Decimator: bit.ly/2W9LB8S
- Marshall JCM800 2203: bit.ly/2QLPPR2
- SUHR Reactive Load IR: bit.ly/3cxhEpj
- Ownhammer's Marshall 1960B V30 IR
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Logic Pro X
Musamaailma: www.musamaailma.fi/
ESP Guitars: www.espguitars.com/main
Ownhammer: www.ownhammer.com/store/
You can follow me also on:
/ eugeofficial
/ euge230v
/ euge230v
cyhra.com/
Check out our new album 'No Halos In Hell': media.nuclearblast.de/shoplan...
#EugeValovirta #SD-1 #SD-1WazaCraft

[@thruthenever]

Awesome, thanks for taking my suggestion! I have the standard (Taiwan) SD-1 and have been pretty happy with it; this video convinced me to stick with the standard. Great video.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks for suggesting! :-) Cool! Thanks!

[@ashkankoushan8192]

truely the most objective comparsion Vids/demo available across the whole KZbin. Way to go Euge

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks man!

[@user-ij8sg2ig1e]

I bought the sd1 for my dsl20h tried it in many ways but then i watched this video and set it with your settings and its a perfect metal tone with treble at 11 o'clock on the amp. So thanks 🙏

[@psc69nyc]

Greetings from New York City. Enjoying your videos.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! Glad to hear!

[@brianbeaven698]

Great review Euge 👍👏

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks man!

[@LightCyrus]

Very helpful weedio!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! 😎

[@angusorvid8840]

Sounds great. I dig both pedals. I've owned both. I have the WazaCraft now and love it. For me it was worth the price. I use this pedal or my Turbo Distortion with my DSL 20 combo. Fantastic tone! I have high output DiMarzios on all of my guitars, from Tone Zones to Super 3s, to Steve's Specials to the X2N, D Activator X to the Steve Morse set. So yes, with high output pickups in the mix I get absolutely awesome tones. EMGs, of course, work great too. I'm just very much a DiMarzio guy since the 80s. I've never been a fan of modding amps, but I love what a pedal can do. They work real magic with the right amp.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

💪👌

[@ziggyz2958]

Nice comparison Euge! I bought the standard version a couple of years ago and I'm very happy with it, especially for boosting my Marshall. Personally, I don't hear a $200 difference between these two.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks!

[@divemetal]

Great Demo!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Glad to hear! 🙏

[@TheRustedShackleford]

The Waza pedal line is worth it for the improved buffers alone. Sounds great!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Yeah!

[@rickfennell7849]

What do you mean improved buffers??? Thanks 🤟

[@leeforrester466]

I have played the newer SD1`s, but there is something uniquely special about 1983 SD1 I have, warmer and fuller when you turn the gain up..

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I have several from different eras / manufacturing countries and they’re all the same 👌.

[@williamsimmons4678]

Thx Euge for this vid man i need to learn more about my killer bee sd-1 soon to be played through my new jcm 800 20w😋😋😋😋

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Cool man! Thanks!

[@stevestarr6395]

Hey Euge, great demo and here the sl difference having bought the Waza which is a great pedal but there's a little extra something in the MIJ SD-1 just like .there is with an MIJ DS1

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks!

[@tonefreak3403]

I have both pedals and with a 4x12 cab I can really feel and hear the difference. For me the Waza is a keeper. There's little extra bite and open but tight low end. Not cheap but a great way to shape your tone without changing you amps!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Cool!

[@stevestarr6395]

My thoughts exactly!

[@ConradMH]

Cool my friend!!!!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks C!

[@jkills3057]

I have a early Boss SD-1 from 81 with the mij chip and had the waza model and it was pretty similar through my 800 and in a live mix there was very little differences.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Nice!

[@21stcenturymetal31]

You can't go wrong with a SD-1 cheap and sounds great on most everything. I also like an MXR EQ in my FX loop. That is my second favorite way to boost.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Indeed! 👌

[@zandig666]

I love an eq in my loop as well I reduce the gain from my amps eq this way !!!!

[@dizzyastr989]

Dude, you've got a great sense for killer tones. And an awesome taste in gear. So I'd like to know what draws you more to the SD-1 over something like a TS9/808, or MXR GT-OD, etc. ?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! I just like the way SD sounds and feels and tightens the low end 😊👍. But I also own and like the other pedals you mentioned 🤘

[@Matte23Pam]

Nice and interesting video! I like your tone and also I like Mr.Big!! I have an old 1986 2205 JCM800 and I use the SD1 (the newer version) in front of my gain sound and It is perfect for the 80/90 sounds, how do you set eq and gain and volume on you JCM800??

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Glad to hear! Thanks! Depending on the guitar, pickups and what I’m looking for but usually something like this: presence 6, bass 9, mids 6, treble 6, master 2-3, preamp 7-8. 🤘👍

[@Peter_Stoops]

I liked the Original sd1 with the Les Paul, and I liked the Tele without any boost!!!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

👌😎

[@Hadouken5150]

I recently ordered a regular SD-1 MIT. It was hands down the loudest pedal I’ve ever owned. Lots of hiss, it was horrible. So I returned it and ordered a SD-1W. It was a night and day difference. Probably one the quietest OD/boost I’ve ever owned. Not sure I how I feel about it still. It sounds good, I’m just used to using a OD808 in front of my amps. It sounds like the SD-1W colors my tone a lot more than the OD808. I mainly play Peavey and EVH 5150s.

[@melvinsfan]

Every Marshall (EDIT: every amp) sold should automatically come with a SD-1 in the bag with the power cable.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

💪👌😎

[@rickfennell7849]

Dude, your 800 sounds freaking AWESOME even without the boost. Is it stock or modified? and with the boost, shit man, its the ultimate sound that everyone is after🤟🤟🍻

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! Some parts have been changed throughout the years ’cos the amp has blown up several times (I’ve had it over 20 years) so it’s not stock anymore but not exactly modded either ’cos it’s always been The Bad Boy 😎🤟.

[@rickfennell7849]

@@EugeValovirta230V right on brother. Sounds incredible. Congrats on having one of the "good" ones.👍🤟🤟

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Indeed 💪😎.

[@mitakuyeoyesin1739]

i actually like the original better... seems smoother in the highs... about the 4k range... but I'm being really picky.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

If I’m being really picky I like the original just a bit more too 👌😎.

[@HEZ63]

Had the original, disliked the bass-cut, had the Waza, also did not convince me much, the differences were to little intense for my taste, hardly worth the higher price. Then I modded a SD-1 by myself for more bass and with LED's, cool sounds for a while, meanwhile I have a custom modded (Hidalgo mod) one with a little less gain but more transparency, like some sort of KC - SD-1 hybrid, but still with the typical SD-1 character (still perfect for Terje Rypdal or Zakk Wylde sounds), only sounds more natural and organic, "breathes" more and it also offer 3 different voicings, one with more bass, one with a more authentic - less bass more treble - sound and one with a little more gain. The best sounding SD-1, I ever had, especially in front of a Vox, Marshall or Orange, but better and more flexible adjustable. This one remains! Even more, as I got it used for almost the price of a new unmodified one. Apart from the bass-cut it always sounded better to me than a Tube Screamer, which I never liked very much. The advantage of the SD-1 for me is the increased harmonics reproduction, just like a Marshall does it, while the TS always sounds a little boring and lifeless to me. The only tubeless overdrive pedal, I still have meanwhile, because of it's unique sound.

[@rangerdoc1029]

That tone is just crushing. I love the SD-1. It's the perfect boost imo. TS9 has too much bass cut. It's better for something like a Rectifier.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Yeah! I agree 😊👍🔥

[@edwardcullenhotass]

The SD-1 actually cuts more low-end.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Quite a bit more actually 😎👌. I checked my previous answer and wonder why I wrote like that 😁.

[@Anjer]

Very cool stuff! It seems that I prefer the standard Boss SD-1. But honestly, the other one with the Waza mod is very good too. I've never used these pedals for real, but you made me think trying one. I used Maxon OD808 for a long time (I prefer it to the Ibanez TS) ; how do you compare it with the Boss? I've also another question, because last time you presented your guitars and you tell that you have EMG57 on your live guitars, how about the Het Set? I noticed that the Original Eclipses on ESP Japan website are set by default with Het Set. I hear some clips of them and they are very good, on those clips I prefered the Het Set to the 57 ; they're close to the EMG81 but with a more passive feel.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! I think SD-1 is a bit more tighter than Maxon which I’ve actually used on both Cyhra albums ’cos the producer Jacob Hansen has one in his studio and he favors that. I think it was the OD808 Deluxe. I have the HetSet on my Iron Cross and they’re really close to 57/66 but with a bit of different treble response (or whatever is the correct term 😊) if I remember correct. It’s my spare guitar for Cyhra shows and it’s been a while since I’ve played with it ’cos it’s in Gothenburg at Cyhra HQ with my two main live gtrs and our crew usually brings the gear to the shows and ’cos of Corona we haven’t had any shows in a while.

[@Anjer]

​@@EugeValovirta230V Thanks for your answer! When I heard comparison clips, I found they were quite at the middle of EMG81 and EMG57 ; but I still prefered the 81 : / I will have to try them myself... Alright, I've listened to your albums last week, guitars are great :) I understand what you mean about the OD808, I think the Ibanez TS is also tighter, OD808 is kind of softer.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

You’re welcome 🙏😊. Yeah they’re all great and on the same ballpark so to say 👌. Glad to hear!

[@thruthenever]

@@Anjer The comparison you heard is probably pretty spot-on, because that's exactly how I would describe them. I have the 81/60 in a SG, HetSet in an Explorer and 57/66 in a Flying V and the HetSet definitely sounds closer to the 57/66. The bridge has the thump of the 57 with a bit of the 81 high end mixed in. The neck sounds almost identical to the 66 to me. They're honestly my favorite of the three I own, followed by the 57/66 and then the 81/60.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Cool!

[@jasoncrump1886]

Have you tried out the fortin zuul noisegate yet? I got the decimator 2 and used it for awhile until I got the zuul . I got it in the effects loop and it works really well. Even the red channel on my evh is dead silent when you stop playing . Kinda surprised me cuz that red channel is noisy as hell when cranked up. The decimator does good too but that zuul in the loop is a beast. Not a huge fan of the crazy prices but it's killer.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Yeah I’ve used Zuul ever since it came out. First on my live board and for the last year or so on my studio board 👌.

[@thecase1975]

Sd1 I hear like a 3D sound, even on single note runs. The W sounds good, but almost 2D sound.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

You said it better than me 😊. Thanks!

[@picturesqueimagery5784]

great compare - I bought the Waza version - why not have both worlds? old and new "full sound by not cutting lows" - I find myself doing the same - going to 11 "When you need that extra push over the cliff.." when other blokes are on ten - there's no where to go from there. This one goes to eleven :) Source "Spinal Tap"

[@jimlarosa8657]

Nice. I use a Klone (Wampler Tumnus) into my BE-OD and it gets a similarly chunky tone.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! Cool 👍🤘

[@jamesk8131]

Hey Euge, The SD-1 pedal you like the best, is it the made in Taiwan silver label or the one with the black label made in taiwan with the Japanese writing on it? I think there is also a made in taiwan silver label with the japanese writing. Which version do you have? Thanks!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I have many versions from 80s to a brand new one and I don’t have a favourite since they’re all the same.

[@dejanostojic5496]

Nice🙃

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks 😎

[@douglas71322]

Do you feel any difference about placing the SD-1 in your Effects loop? Thanks!!!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Oh yeah 😁. Put any od in the loop and it sounds like garbage 😁: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqKve3aHrtKrors

[@theguitaristGabriel]

have you tested the Boss SD1 with the Kelley mod? its the one most people in the US have or had (EVH, Zakk, etc) has the germanic diode which I think is in the MXR Zakk pedal as well but not the same.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I think I did but it’s like with usually all pedals / gear; I usually prefer the stock ones ’cos there was a reason why something was designed like that. I’ve used a stock SD-1 since early 90s (my first OD pedal ever) and it still works. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it 😎.

[@mr.mikehunt4286]

The Keely mod is like a OB-OD and SD1 combined

[@rotembarzilay2335]

Hello I watch a lot of your videos you just play amazing can you tell me please what year will your boss sd-1 be made in Japan You said from the 80s but I want to know what year about if you remember?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! Glad to hear! Oh I have no idea and I haven’t used it in quite a while but just the new ones ’cos there’s no difference IMO. Here’s a video about them if you’re interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rbaZ6Bj9N3sMk

[@slappywag7210]

I need that tone🤘 When you have a 2203 a broke MIT sd-1 will sound good 😂

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Don’t we all 😎.

[@zAvAvAz]

The limited edition sounds different than both these and is my favorite, i don't know why everyone thinks its exactly the same. All three pretty much the same with very subtle differences. This just means we need all three! lol. thanX cheers.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

To me they’re all pretty much the same 😎: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rbaZ6Bj9N3sMk

[@fredrikzachrisson4135]

How do u switch between the modes when u play live? Do u have to bend over and do it with your fingers on the pedal everytime u play a solo and again back to rythm???

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I’m using just the basic one and our FOH takes care of the volume changes if needed. Here’s a video I did a while ago about my live rig: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nprCioKBq7qUrJosi=6-v8mPIZi9lgtR7v

[@zandig666]

Hi Euge may favorite OD is also the SD-1 Do u actually think it's worth the $$$ for an extra switch ?? lol

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I hardly use the Waza Craft ’cos I like the OG more but that’s just me 😎.

[@genelynch3235]

Hey euge, love your videos. I recently bought a line 6 HX FX and love the all the effects on it. I was wondering if you have tried one yet and what you think the difference is between it and the other peddles you can buy seperate.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks Gene! I haven’t tried that but the I like real pedals / gear more than the digital stuff for a few reasons: - real deal is always a real deal - digital emulation is just a digital emulation - the simpler the better -> I don’t like saving presets etc. with digital modeling stuff but just like to have a few basic knobs I can set easily and change on the fly if I want to 😎. - and I’m an old school guy in general 😎 But I know that the digital stuff is really good nowadays and many people like them but that’s not just my thing. But who knows what the future brings 😊.

[@genelynch3235]

@@EugeValovirta230V I was thinking of getting the boss overdrive to put in front of effects loop like you do. I have a marshall mg50gfx solid state amp . I just started playing about a year ago. My set up is great for online lessons with head phones but eventually I want a 800 cab like you...haha...I'm playing Judas priest, some iron maiden, ac dc. Just the rythems though. My fingers and brain won't connect for leads yet. I did put some emg pick ups in my LTD-256 and love them!!! Set of black 57/66. Also tone.pro bridge and saddle, locking tuners and graftech nut. I'm going to keep watching your videos , rock on!!!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Cool man! Practising a lot is the way to go 🎼🎸👌. A few tips 😎: Overdrive always in front of the amp. Never post pre amp (effect loop). 😉 The idea with OD is that it overdrives the amps preamp (tubes) on certain frequencies (mids mainly). If you put it in the effect loop it will basically act as preamp after amps preamp and having only certain frequencies it will kinda ”overwrite” the amps full frequency preamp and overdrive the power amp section of the amp and will sound absolutely horrible 😊. My cab is a Fryette Fat Bottom. The amps are Marshalls and one Peavey 😉. Here’s a few videos I’ve done about pedals and where (pre / post preamp = effect loop) & how they work: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqKve3aHrtKrors - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKWucoGtrcuhn9E - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6KsqYx4qtuUf8k Hope you find these informative & interesting👌😎.

[@genelynch3235]

@@EugeValovirta230V ok thankyou

[@EugeValovirta230V]

👌😎

[@raulabellan6533]

Please, any difference in noise hiss when turn ON?

[@mr.mikehunt4286]

just realised all your demos are done using active pick ups, would that not effect the SD-2s and amp's characteristics in the comparisons? You stated that some none JCM-800 amps had too much sustain, but people with normal passive pick ups get the same results you dialled in with active pick ups to control the saturation and get a tight sweet spot., am I correct for asking if you tested both active and passive pick ups?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Not all. Probably a half. Not much. I mean pick up just picks up the player’s sound. Some of my guitars have actives and some passives. To me it’s just more of a vibe thing.

[@mr.mikehunt4286]

@@EugeValovirta230V yeah some people say it adds more sustain, grain or simply evens everything out so the plucking is not so loud where you can hear a mistake

[@mr.mikehunt4286]

what about the Boss sd1 black label 1992, you like those? you have one? what batteries do you prefer in them?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Yeah I have several ones made in different countries and it’s same pedal no matter what it says on the back. I use whatever power bank I happen to have on my pedalboard.

[@picksalot1]

To my ears, the original SD sounded better on the ESP, as that pedal seems to have a higher resonant frequency peak. The Waza sounded better on the Tokai, as that pedal has more mids and sounds fuller. In general, I preferred the tone characteristics of the original. The Waza sounded a little clinical and antiseptic compared to the original, but each was better depending on the guitar. Thanks

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Yeah I prefer the original too 👌.

[@jasoncrump1886]

You always sound amazing man . That 800 is a beast. Do you have that thing hot rodded modded or is it pretty much stock ? It sounds awesome even without the boost. Appreciate you brother.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! It’s pretty much stock: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6SQdZdveJKnpNE - kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3qZn4ePeKqjjNU

[@LevRage]

The Waza has a bit more gain, but leads sound thinner, "tinny...er". I'd rather have thicker leads that the NON modded SD-1 provides. The added gain isn't worth losing lead tone.

[@brianfalls7128]

Subscribe today! A great music reviewer and I also like how much time you put in to responding to the KZbin community. Fantastic guitar player also!

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks Brian! 🤟🙏

[@russianblackmetalist5802]

Boght sd1 but for bedroom playing I like more without any screamers/overdrives - just a pure amp higain.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

It’s all about personal preferences 👌.

[@vintagesound8112]

Ah hell Euga. After watching your video comparison I got guitar tone paranoia and went back to testing back and forth between my old SD1 and the Waza. I bought the Waza because everyone says the old Boss pedals have bad buffers and got sucked into the marketing hype of the Waza pedals having better buffers. But listening again the original SD1 sounds sweeter. Guess I’ll be selling the Waza. Love your videos by the way. I love 800’s too. Do you have any experience with the JCM 900 Mk iii? Please do a video, these are great amps but pretty unknown.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Sorry 😁. But yeah there’s something magical in the original Sd. I’ve played with them a few times and I’d definitely do a video if I’d get my hands on one 👌.

[@vintagesound8112]

@@EugeValovirta230V No worries. I guess they over engineered the Waza version, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Those 900’s come up occasionally for sale here in the uk on eBay but they’re a bit rare. 👍🏻

[@EugeValovirta230V]

👍😎

[@Aced91]

the differences between the two are almost to none i will stick with my sd-1 because i dont see a particular reason to spent 170 for the waza

[@aoinanase19]

Hey what are your amp settings?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

I don’t have any. I use my ears to get the sound & feel on any given day depending what I’m looking for but usually lots of everything with 800s 💪😎: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHTbnaaaeteZqs0

[@gabrielraphaelofficial]

Whats the story with ppl complaining about the sd1 from Taiwan, is it that different, have you tried it?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

They’re all the same: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rbaZ6Bj9N3sMk

[@DadoSimicStudiostriver]

Is your old SD1 made in Japan or Taiwan? :)

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Japan 😎.

[@aaaargl]

you always get nice sounds out of this classic combination Euge. Have you ever experienced that "bleed through" problem with sd1-pedals? This is one of the reasons why i never bought one and stuck to the trusty Maxon OD-9

[@EugeValovirta230V]

Thanks! Yeah you can't go wrong with a Les Paul and a Marshall :-). I guess not 'cos I'm not sure what you even mean by the "bleed through" thing :-)

[@aaaargl]

@@EugeValovirta230V It's a phenomenon in which the SD-1 pedal adds fizz to your signal, even in bypass mode. Seemingly occurs on lots of those, but only if you turn up the gain on the pedal, like you did with the Tele

[@EugeValovirta230V]

@@aaaargl Aa OK. I haven't noticed it with EMG's / humbuckers but like you said; clearly audible with the Tele which has Seymour Duncan's Antiquity series pickups.

[@FirdausTahrin]

hey euge, is the waza true bypass?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

All Boss pedals are buffered bypass which I like. Especially live with long cables there’s no signal loss 👌.

[@FirdausTahrin]

@@EugeValovirta230V thanks for the info :)

[@EugeValovirta230V]

🙏👌

[@CalinRo1981]

The vintage Boss (MIJ) pedals will always sound much better than the new made in Taiwan Boss pedals . The new ones sound always too harsh . The older ones sound more musical and have more clarity and punch . There is not a little difference there is a big difference .

[@EugeValovirta230V]

IYO 😉.

[@sammytheman8994]

Waza Craft sound cleaner/less fuzz, a bit bigger but more compressed ?

[@EugeValovirta230V]

To me they’re all pretty much the same. But obviously the custom - mode on the Waza is different. Here’s another one if you’re interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rbaZ6Bj9N3sMk

[@gtrman69777]

Waza is Japanese for double the price.

[@EugeValovirta230V]

😁😁😁