Don't let anyone tell you anything bad about this pedal. I've owned many, played many, etc and this is probably my favorite distortion pedal. I've heard several complaints saying that it lacks diversity (from a bunch of snobs who only get pedals with 50 knobs), but I say thats a bunch of bologna. I can use this and turn up the tone to play a tone filled, dirty Mtley Cre song, and on the other side, I can turn it down and get a deep rumble and play some Black Sabbath and anywhere in between. If you're looking for a classic, mean distortion pedal, this is it. You cannot beat it for the price. Yeah, you might find something with a bit better diversity for $200, but why would you do that when pay $50 and get something with a sound just as good? For beginners, BOSS is cheap, and awesome. Regardless of the model. So get one.