The Boss SD-1-B50A is a limited metallic 50th anniversary edition of the SD-1 Super OverDrive, released by Boss as part of a trio of anniversary pedals alongside metallic editions of the BD-2 Blues Driver and DS-1 Distortion. Guitar Pedal X reported the release on 16 November 2023, describing the pedals as limited metallic editions with gold top knobs and silver screws.1
What it does
Electrically, the SD-1-B50A is the same pedal as the standard SD-1 Super OverDrive. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson wrote that "Inside those beautiful enclosures you will find the standard edition circuits," meaning the anniversary edition is a cosmetic celebration rather than a tonal revision.1
"Inside those beautiful enclosures you will find the standard edition circuits"
What sets it apart is the finish: the metallic enclosure treatment, gold top knobs and silver screws, part of Boss's limited metallic 50th anniversary editions of the SD-1 Super OverDrive. The back carries Made in Malaysia stickers, consistent with Boss's current production.1
Availability and price
The SD-1-B50A was priced at $82.99 USD as of 16 November 2023, with European pricing of €104 and £90 also reported. Guitar Pedal X noted the pedals would be appearing imminently, in limited quantities, at international Boss dealers.1
This is a limited edition release. Guitar Pedal X reported it as appearing in limited quantities at dealers, so it is not a standard catalog item like the regular SD-1.1
How it relates to other SD-1 versions
Players comparing the SD-1-B50A with other versions of the circuit should note that the anniversary edition shares its electronics with the standard pedal. Boss also offers the SD-1W Super OverDrive Waza Craft, a separate variant in the Waza Craft line, and the SD-1-4A Super Overdrive, another SD-1 family member. The B50A sits apart from these as a commemorative cosmetic edition rather than a circuit revision.1
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Questions
Is the Boss SD-1-B50A a different circuit from the standard SD-1?
No. Guitar Pedal X's report on the anniversary editions states that inside the metallic enclosures you find the standard edition circuits, so the SD-1-B50A is electrically the same Super OverDrive as the regular pedal. The differences are cosmetic: gold top knobs, silver screws and the metallic finish, plus Made in Malaysia stickers on the back.
How much does the Boss SD-1-B50A cost?
Guitar Pedal X listed the SD-1-B50A at $82.99 USD as of 16 November 2023, alongside European pricing of €104 and £90. It was sold in limited quantities through international Boss dealers rather than as a standard catalog item.
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-11-16
