MXR Distortion+ vs Boss DS-1 Distortion
The MXR Distortion+ wins for classic hard-clipping simplicity and the Randy Rhoads/early EVH character. The DS-1 wins for players who want a tone control to shape the distortion character for different amps and styles.
MXR Distortion+
One of the simplest and most influential distortion pedals — just Output and Distortion controls, op-amp clipping with germanium diodes. Randy Rhoads and Slash used it to define early hard rock distortion tone.
Classic rock and early metal players who want a simple, old-school distortion with the Randy Rhoads/Slash character
Boss DS-1 Distortion
The world's best-selling distortion pedal. Hard-clipping circuit with a fixed mid-forward character responsible for Kurt Cobain's Nevermind tones and countless classic rock recordings.
Classic rock, punk, grunge, beginner hard rock — fixed mid-forward distortion character
Tone Character
MXR Distortion+
- ✓ Extremely simple to dial in
- ✓ Vintage hard-clipping character
- ✓ Compact and durable MXR enclosure
- ✓ Germanium diode clipping adds warmth
- ✗ Limited tonal control (no tone/EQ)
- ✗ Can sound fizzy at maximum distortion
- ✗ Less versatile than multi-control distortions
Boss DS-1 Distortion
- ✓ Cheap and universally available
- ✓ Reliable Boss build quality
- ✓ Mid-forward character suits rock
- ✓ Responds well to modding (Keeley, AnalogMan)
- ✗ Fizzy at high Distortion settings
- ✗ Limited tonal range
- ✗ Mid-push can sound nasal
- ✗ Not suited for low-gain styles
When To Choose Each
Classic hard rock and early metal players chasing Randy Rhoads' Blizzard of Ozz tone — the Distortion+ is the pedal.
Players who want a shaping control for their distortion — the tone knob lets you match the DS-1 to different amps.
Final Verdict — MXR Distortion+ vs Boss DS-1 Distortion
Best for beginners
Boss DS-1 Distortion
Boss DS-1 Distortion scores higher on versatility (52/100) and lower on gain (72/100) — a more forgiving starting point than MXR Distortion+.
Best for metal tones
MXR Distortion+
MXR Distortion+ leads on gain (70/100) and bass response (45/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Boss DS-1 Distortion
At £45 vs £79, Boss DS-1 Distortion delivers 43% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| MXR Distortion+ | Boss DS-1 Distortion | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 | £45 |
| Category | Distortion | Distortion |
| Gain | 70/100 | 72/100 |
| Warmth | 55/100 | 42/100 |
| Treble | 60/100 | 58/100 |
| Bass | 45/100 | 38/100 |
| Versatility | 45/100 | 52/100 |
| Best for | Classic rock and early metal players who want a simple, old-school distortion with the Randy Rhoads/Slash character | Classic rock, punk, grunge, beginner hard rock |
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Frequently Asked Questions
MXR Distortion+ — just Output and Distortion. Harder to get a bad sound from it.
Randy Rhoads on Blizzard of Ozz, Slash, Eddie Van Halen in early years.
Roughly equal, but the MXR has a harder-clipping character. DS-1 gets slightly more compressed at max.
DS-1 — its tone control lets you shape it to complement a boost pedal before it.