Overall User Ratings

"THE MOTHER OF ALL OVERDRIVES"

Feature:
Out of the box it comes with an easy to read manual although most players with or without much experience probably wouldn't need to refer to it. This is a pretty straight forward pedal one look and you know what features are offered, once you begin varying the gain E.Q. and balance you'll appreciate how wide a tonal range this pedal offers. This unit truely offers all the features you'd look for in an overdrive. Good sturdy metal case and tough plastics and rubber make it feel rugged and gig-worthy, nice components all around.

Quality:
There is no better or more sturdily manufactured pedals than the Boss line, Period. I once borrowed this same pedal when I forgot to pack mine, used a floor model when trying different amps in music stores and the quality has never varied. The finish is attractive and the fit is nice, you wont have to worry about dust settling anywhere inside. The finish is well applied, and I've never encountered one with blemishes or loose parts or knobs. I've never had a Boss pedal failure and they all come with five year warranties. The only reason I'd consider a back-up would be in case of loss. They're great for road use because they're sturdy and unless you run it over or pitch it from a balcony I cant see one ever falling apart.

Value:
This is a great piece of gear well worth the asking price. A lot of other overdrives in this price range wont have the same sound quality and product support you'll get with this one.

Desirability:
The appearance was what initially caught my eye, it's got kind of a performance car look to it. Even though it's controls are simple the dual purpose E.Q. knob gives it a cool face. I definately think the looks of the pedal had a little to do with my purchacing it.

Sound:
Boss got this pedal right!! Depending on how you shape the E.Q.and balance this pedals sound will fit in with just about any style where a touch of gain or full out distortion on the bass is desired. I use alot of dynamics in my attack and most other overdrives will add uneven colorations of the notes as I vary from light to heavy attacks. Alone it offers a great array of sounds, and fits in perfectly with just about every other effect I use. It's live sound can be faithfully reproduced in recording sessions by adjusting the E.Q. balance and volume knobs. Every room and stage setting is unique so as with any device adjustments to have to be made to accomidate your enviornment. I use a boss chorus and various other boxes and this fits in perfectly with everything.

Support:
I've had to call Roland/Boss for tips on how to use certain products, and to order replacement manuals, they're staff is friendly and knowlegable about all the different products so getting help is easy. I havent yet needed any repairs or anything but I wouldn't expect any difficulty from the company if I did.

Overall:
Unless Boss improves this particular pedal without losing any of the features of of the ODB3 I dont think I'll want to replace it. I dont really anticipate wearing it out or anything. Like everybody else I'll always be on the lookout for additional and better sound but I'm sure this one's part of the permanent features of my set up. This one had it all over the other overdrives I tried. It just offered the best range of sounds. It definately delivers the tones I'm after, and I'm called on to perform a number of different styles. If it were lost or stolen I'd replace it immediately! I wish I knew how effectively it balanced dry and overdriven sounds before I tried it because I wouldn't have taken so long getting around to trying it. Not having a reliable overdrive sound I liked cost me a gig I'd have liked. What I find most useful is it's ability to help restore some of the bass tones I lose when I use certain phasers flanges and compressions.

Boss ODB-3 Customer Review

Feature:
thi pedal has a wide variety of distortion and drive, nicely put togeter,boss makes the best

Quality:
What else can i sa;y about htis pedal. Very well put together, worth every penny. Good work Boss!

Value:
Great Value, worth every penny

Desirability:
if i didnt have this pedal, i would deffinantly want it

Sound:
dotn knwo tsi pedal to its fullest, i dont hitnk my am is big enough to handle it, but of what i have tso far,its kicks ass

Boss ODB-3 Customer Review

Feature:
no accessories, but don't get mad most products don't..most useful feature is the a/c adaptor for practice. to say the least the orverdrive is the least useful part, it's just that good.

Quality:
this is more of a company thing i like boss because their products rock and are made pretty good... to my standards...

Value:
the price is better now than ever before.

Sound:
by far the best bass pedal you'll ever own... it sound a lot alike trent reznor's "hand that feeds" song or "survivalisim", with fat, heavy overdriven sound... very tough, i think. and also perfect for post-punk and garage rock and hip-hop beats. i have to warn you though not for people who can't think outside the box. if you know you like dry boring music then don't buy it, but if you like to break stuff or dance there's nothing better!!!

Ease of Use:
you can't get disappointed if you have a crapy bass and or amp. it's very easy to use, no harsh noises very smooth.

Support:
i can't really answer that..

Boss ODB-3 Customer Review

Feature:
Good

Quality:
Extreme

Value:
Veary cheap for its real value

Sound:
Good

Ease of Use:
Veary Good

Support:
I Hope so

"otm's compliments"

Feature:
gives the perfect distortion

Quality:
i would trust this distortion with my life. i think it looks cool, little yet easy to use when the time comes to kitting it with your foot. it is strong and can take many feet turning it on or off

Value:
yes. excelent value for money, the perfect price, DON'T DARE MAKE IT MORE EXPENSIVE!

Desirability:
good sex appeal

Sound:
i think it has a excelent sound and gives bass another one of its solo qualities. i think its fine as it is.

Support:
i have no idea.

Overall:
long time. flea from the chili peppers has one, what can i say