Boss Announces New 40th Anniversary Box Set

BOSS has announced the Compact Pedal 40th Anniversary Box Set, a special limited-edition commemorative package. The set features one-time-only reissues of the OD-1 Overdrive, PH-1 Phaser, and SP-1 Spectrum, the original three BOSS compact pedal models.

Carrying on with its 40 Anniversary year celebrations, Boss has announced that each pedal in this special commemorative set is made in Japan, and comes in a deluxe presentation box with a serial number, the BOSS 40th Anniversary logo, and a personal message from BOSS President Yoshihiro Ikegami.

In 1977, BOSS launched the now-famous compact series with the OD-1, PH-1, and SP-1. Over the last four decades, the iconic line has been loved by generations, with 119 unique pedal models produced and well over 15 million units sold. The original three pedals have gone on to become rare classics commanding high prices on the vintage gear market.

The reissue OD-1, PH-1, and SP-1 pedals are produced exactly as the originals were, with wiring and circuit adjustment performed by hand on a special production line in Japan. All electronic components are carefully selected, ensuring fully accurate reproduction of the original pedals’ sound and response. Each pedal also includes subtle improvements for modern performance, including a PSA-compatible power supply section with a protection circuit and noise filter, a reinforced battery snap, and an LED that shows effect on/off status.

We all know, and love, the Boss OD-1, and it's quite likely that even if you haven't used the Boss PH-1 Phaser you will have heard it and know what it does. But the BOSS SP-1 Spectrum is a bit of an obscure beast and not easy to come across. It is an effect that boosts a select band of frequencies, so that instruments with a tendency to be “muddy”—such as electric bass—could be brought out in the mix. But the SP-1 also proved to be very popular among keyboard players, who paired it up with electric pianos such as the Fender® Rhodes. When used with guitar, the SP-1 produces a sound similar to a wah pedal set at a fixed position, but with a more focused boost at the center frequency. However, the SP-1 was most often used by bassists, who found it to be a great tool for cutting through the mix on stage. In either application, the Balance knob is very useful for filling out the sound with a bit of direct tone as needed.

In 1977, phaser pedals had been around for a while, and there were a few popular competing models on the market. For the PH-1, BOSS engineers worked to create an improved design with better clarity and a deeper modulation range. In comparison to other four-stage phasers of the era, the PH-1 has a more natural and mild sound, with a richer low-end response. In addition, there’s a minimal level difference when the effect is turned on, thanks to its integrated output boost circuit.

For the PH-1 reissue, the FETs for the four phase-shifting circuits have been carefully matched to make the response characteristics exactly like the original pedal. Furthermore, each individual preset resistor has been meticulously tuned by hand, replicating the same process that went into building the original PH-1.

Only 1500 box sets will be produced worldwide, so keep an eye out for when these come into our store as they won't stick around long!