Help me pick a distortion pedal mod?

Started by sixstringthing, August 31, 2011, 01:27:20 PM

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sixstringthing

Hi and Thanks for reading this.  I want to do a project, but don't even know what to build.  I was hoping to get advice on options for builds based on my existing stomp boxes; Binyang OTD-100 Pro and a BOSS DS-1.  I wonder if anyone has the time to answer some questions like .... what is the best mod for the DS-1 for overdrive.  Mostly looking for (I think) a "tubescreamer" tone, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Classic Rock and "hot" country tones.  I play mostly single coils, Telecaster and Stratocaster.  My amps are Rivera "Doce" 25W, and Peavey Classic 30W, both stock.  Also, would it be better to modify the Binyang OTD-100 Pro or the DS-1?   Also, is it acceptable to look for one of your members in my local area to mod one of these for me?  I'm confused from listening to dozens of sound clips and various mod options.  Could anyone help me sort through all this?  Thanks VERY much for any assistance. 

Earthscum

I'm mobile, so sorry I don't provide links.
Do a google for AMZ  DS-1 Fat Mod. If you want super thick low drive, search these boards for mods I've done to mine. Ge/LED clipping, and a huge cap to ground (I think .47, possibly... Or .047).
Give a man Fuzz, and he'll jam for a day... teach a man how to make a Fuzz and he'll never jam again!

http://www.facebook.com/Earthscum

sixstringthing

Quote from: Earthscum on August 31, 2011, 01:36:58 PM
I'm mobile, so sorry I don't provide links.
Do a google for AMZ  DS-1 Fat Mod. If you want super thick low drive, search these boards for mods I've done to mine. Ge/LED clipping, and a huge cap to ground (I think .47, possibly... Or .047).
Thanks for the reply!  I'll start digging for that info.  Do you have any sound clips anywhere?  Is that a good Tele/Strat single coil mod? 

arawn

some of it depends on your playing style, but a good all around would be the beginner project. It is inexpensive to build, you don't risk your working commercial pedals, and it gives you a better idea of wether or not you want to do this. Plus in the long term it helps you build the skills you will need to mod the pedals you already have.
"Consistency is the Hobgoblin of Small Minds!"

Gus Smalley clean boost, Whisker biscuit, Professor Tweed, Ruby w/bassman Mods, Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer, Zvex SHO, ROG Mayqueen, Fetzer Valve, ROG UNO, LPB1, Blue Magic

sixstringthing

Thanks for your advice.  I will look into the first-timer's project.  I would like to get a really good mod asap and take my time with learning the technical end.  My friend has the technical skills and equipment and I hope to learn with him.  Thanks. 

Henry89789

I've done a couple of mods on DS-1s. One is called "tube emulator"; the other is called "acid blues". Both sound a lot better to me than the original pedal.  If you want a tubescreamer type sound get a Boss SD-1. I did a mod on that called "tubescreamer on steroids" and it truly screams.  All the mods involve changing out caps, resistors and diodes. Relatively easy. The hardest thing is the getting the soldering right. I have the mod sheets for those which tell you exactly which component to change. If you want one give me an email and tell me which one you want. If you already have a DS-1 try doing a mod on that. It is as cheap of a pedal as you will find and the improvement is dramatic.  Both the DS-1 and the SD-1 are $39.99 new. If you do one of those you minimize your risk of loss (if you ruin it).

sixstringthing

Quote from: Henry89789 on August 31, 2011, 09:16:21 PM
I've done a couple of mods on DS-1s. One is called "tube emulator"; the other is called "acid blues". Both sound a lot better to me than the original pedal.  If you want a tubescreamer type sound get a Boss SD-1. I did a mod on that called "tubescreamer on steroids" and it truly screams.  All the mods involve changing out caps, resistors and diodes. Relatively easy. The hardest thing is the getting the soldering right. I have the mod sheets for those which tell you exactly which component to change. If you want one give me an email and tell me which one you want. If you already have a DS-1 try doing a mod on that. It is as cheap of a pedal as you will find and the improvement is dramatic.  Both the DS-1 and the SD-1 are $39.99 new. If you do one of those you minimize your risk of loss (if you ruin it).
Thank you Henry!  I'm going to see if I can find a sound byte somewhere on the "tubescreamer on steroids".  I have a DS-1 to play with, but I want to find something that will work great with single coil Strat and Tele pickup.  It is very kind of you to offer your mod sheets and I appreciate your advice.  I don't know if diystompboxes has a sound byte forum... that would be nice.