The SP-1 is a single-band parametric equalizer. The “Spectrum” knob sets the center frequency in a range from 500Hz to 5kHz. The “Balance” knob sets the amount to boost that frequency. The SP-1 was less popular with guitar players than it was with keyboard players, who used it to accentuate particular harmonic elements of electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes.
The SP-1 was released at the same time as the OD-1 and PH-1, forming the trio of pedals later referred to as the “traffic light” series. While the OD-1 and PH-1 sold well and spawned decades-long product lines, the SP-1 did not and was discontinued after a 3-year run. For this reason, it is one of the rarest BOSS compact pedals and prices on the used market remain high.
The SP-1 has no direct successor; a decade would pass before the introduction of the PQ-3B and PQ-4, and neither of these models lasted to the end of the 1990s. Presumably, guitarists favored the intuitive control of graphic equalizers like the GE-6 and GE-7, the latter of which is one of the longest-lived models of BOSS compact pedal.
Version Differences
The first models featured the clear plastic “skeleton” switch, a momentary “Check” LED, and a silver thumb screw. In subsequent production batches the switch was changed to black, the LED was changed to the familiar latching mode, and the screw was changed to black.
In 2017, the SP-1, along with the OD-1 and PH-1, was reissued as part of the 40th Anniversary Box set.
Specifications
- Controls: Balance, Spectrum
- Connectors: Input, Output, AC Adaptor
- Current Draw: 23mA at 9V DC
- Weight: 400g
- Input Impedance: 220kΩ
- Output Impedance: Over 600Ω
- S/N Ratio: Over 80dB
- Recommended AC Adaptor: ACA Series
Labels
- Black – Made In Japan
Production
The SP-1 was sold from November 1977 to November 1981.
Documentation
Video
