Boss SD-1 w/ Keeley-Style Germanium Mod – Silver Label Platform

Starting life as a silver-label Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive, this pedal has been modified by our own Steve McKinley using the legendary Robert Keeley 5-Star Germanium mod as the blueprint.

And yes — if you know, you know.

This isn’t your average stock SD-1 anymore. The added mini-toggle switch lets you choose between two distinct clipping flavors:

• Switch Down: Germanium diode clipping for a smoother, warmer, more vintage-style response with softer breakup and rich harmonic texture.
• Switch Up: LED clipping for a more open, punchier sound with increased headroom and a tighter attack.

Compared to a standard SD-1, this pedal delivers:

• more gain
• fuller and warmer low end
• lower noise floor
• improved note clarity
• and a more amp-like feel overall

In other words, it keeps everything people love about the SD-1 while fixing most of the things gear nerds complain about after spending three hours on forums.

The stock SD-1 has been a secret weapon for decades. The Keeley-style mods are the reason many players stopped keeping them secret.

Whether you’re pushing a tube amp into glorious meltdown, tightening up a high-gain rig, or stacking drives like a proper pedal addict, this thing absolutely delivers.

In true Steve McKinley fashion, the stock LED was replaced with a bright blue indicator light. It looks cool, it’s impossible to miss on a dark stage, and there’s approximately zero chance you’ll leave this thing accidentally switched on.

And let’s be honest: somewhere between “vintage correct germanium clipping” and “silver label SD-1 platform,” you already decided whether you want this pedal.