Help! Increase output on a STOCK Boss SD-1?

[dlilly69]

Hi Folks,

This is such a great forum. Thanks for all the amazing info.

I own a new stock SD1 and love the sound, but the output quite low. I need to crank volume to max just to barely get it to line level. I'm using it with a fender twin as my main  gain/crunch sound. When I kick in the pedal, there is a serious volume drop, even when pedal is cranked.

Is there an easy fix to give this pedal more output? I want to keep the stock sound, but just make it LOUDER. Maybe an easy diode swap ? Maybe put in an LED in D4, D5, D6? I'm a bit of a mod newbie, so my skills are basic.

(btw, I own an older stock SD1 and the output is huge when you turn the gain up, unlike the new one. Is there a difference between older versions and newer?)

Thanks for your help!

Dan

[MartyMart]

There's not much of a volume boost when the gain is at "zero" and volume "full"
but if you mean both gain and volume "full" there should be quite a serious change
from "bypassed" and that would seem like you have a problem with the unit !

Is it a "Brand new" SD-1 ?
If so and if the above explaination is correct, then take it back.
There is no difference at all between "old and new" , I have a 1985 SD-1 and have some
new one's here too.

Using LED's will give you a volume increase, but the amount of overdrive will seem a bit less
this is due to led's "clipping" at a higher voltage than 1N4148 diodes.

I like that change personally and also like using 1N4001 diodes for two of the SD-1 diodes.

MM.

[dlilly69]

MM,

I have the gain at about 8 or 9 oclock (just a little crunch) treble at about 9 oclock and volume at FULL. The pedal is just about at guitar volume (little less), even with the gain cranked. This pedal should have a TON of volume from what I understand. Unfortunately I cannot take it back. I would like to fix this one if possible.

I really want to keep the stock sound, but just make it LOUDER. Will replacing one of the diodes with an LED give it more volume? Which diode is best to replace
with LED- D4, D5, D6?

Also any other advice on how to make this pedal louder is greatly appreciated!