The BOSS DS-1w is a premium, made in Japan Waza Craft version of the Legendary BOSS DS-1. But is it worth the upgrade?
Before we start with the BOSS DS-1w, please check out my BOSS DS-1 review for some background info.
Why did I upgrade from a BOSS DS-1 to a BOSS DS1-w?
I had a soft spot for the DS-1. It was a present from my wife, and, as detailed in the original review, I loved its full-frequency aggressive tones. Unfortunately, although I couldn’t make it work as either a main drive (not enough mids) or a lead boost (not enough volume), I wanted to stay with it but upgrade, and also, for the first time, I wanted to invest in quality and explore the mysterious Waza Craft label.
BOSS DS-1w. What do you get for your money?
- Japanese manufacture by the fabled Waza Craft team, using premium components. Examining the pedals back to back, the DS-1w is significantly heavier, and opening them up reveals why: the DS-1 is reassuringly sparse under the hood, while the DS-1w crams in a second ‘custom’ mode circuit board. It has to be said, there is no obvious evidence of premium components here, bar the metal (as opposed to plastic) battery thumbwheel.
- Custom mode.  There are two modes to the BOSS DS-1w Standard (which is the original DS-1) and Custom mode. Selectable via a switch between the TONE and DIST knobs. Let’s tackle Standard mode first, which I’m expecting to be a refined version of the DS-1. Sadly, back-to-back against my DS-1, there is very little difference. In fact, if there is any at all, it’s that the original has more grunt and the DS-1w (Standard) mode perhaps has more clarity, but it’s very subtle. What do you think? Check out this short video
- Moving onto this Custom mode, this promises to right the wrongs of the DS-1 by providing 6 dB more volume and more of a mid-focus, sadly lacking in the original…. and it does exactly what it says on the tin! Check out the comparison below:
Does the BOSS DS-1w solve the issues with the BOSS DS-1?
So, for almost double the outlay, does the BOSS DS-1w become a practical overdrive/distortion for my needs? Not really. Yes, there is now more volume, meaning the BOSS DS-1w in custom mode can be operated as a bona-fide lead boost with an effective volume lift. However, the problem is that even at minimum distortion, you are generating a lot of gain, too much for my taste.
Let me give you an example: My main overdrive of choice is the EHX Soul Food (Klon Centaur clone). I love its mid-forward bark and its ability to sound big but cut through the mix while not being too gainy, but also able to slide into feedback, should I wish. But the BOSS DS-1w following it in the chain as a solo boost is far too much gain even at zero DIST. It’s fun, yes, but not dynamic, too bassy and just too much to manage. The other way to look at it is that I felt very foolish for spending well over £100 on a lead boost pedal. It just didn’t sit right with me.
So, for me, as I run into a clean amp, the only remaining option was to use it as my main overdrive. This is a big improvement over the DS-1, but the extra mids don’t really make up for its inability to dial out the additional bass and the more square-wave edge to the notes. It’s different, it’s thick, it’s better, but in a band context, for me at least? I knew it was time to go back to what I know works.
Back to the original question, then: Yes, the BOSS DS-1w solves the issues with the BOSS DS-1, and many players, particularly those who run it into the front end of a cooking amp, this is your ultimate boutique overdrive/distortion, but not for silly money.
Check out my full review here:
Conclusion
It was hard for me to let go of the BOSS DS-1w in the same way as the BOSS DS-1 because, used the way it’s meant to be, they are incredible-sounding pedals. The BOSS DS-1w is the ultimate version of it, allowing it to be usable in more scenarios than the original. For this relatively modest price, you’re essentially getting entry into Japanese-made pedal exotica!
Some have said the Custom mode makes the Standard mode redundant, but as I mentioned in the DS-1 review, sometimes you want to sit back in the mix, sometimes it’s nice to be able to switch out the mids. With the BOSS DS-1w, you have the classic BOSS DS-1 a toggle away.
Looking for a BOSS DS-1W (Waza Craft) Distortion?
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