Boss DS-1 diode and tonestack question?

[Tecno_Monki]

I stumbled upon people talking about removing clipping diodes D4 and D5 in the Boss DS-1 (turns it into more of an overdrive or boost from what I understand) and it supposedly opens up the sound more.

I've also seen people remove the C12 or D17 to modify the tonestack for a flatter frequency response. I've listened to some samples and would remove the C12 in that case (great cutting sound). This is the main thing I want to do to the pedal.

I was wondering if the D4 and D5 removal is still worth doing with the C12 removed (or really worth doing at all even with a stock pedal). I know that people who can actually solder usually change the values rather than remove them fully. This is purely me having fun with an old beater and not looking to put more money and time into it than this. I'm just curious since anybody can do these mods.

[R.G.]

Best advice: become able to actually solder and audition the changes.
See how it sounds to your own personal ears. By now you've probably seen argu... er, discussions 8-) about how the same changes sound different to different people.

[Mark Hammer]

+1

Tinker, tinker, tinker.  That's pretty much how most "new" pedals come about.  Just as in scientific labs everywhere ,"I wonder what would happen if..." is the basis for much innovation.  Just be mindful of overheating traces, lest they disengage from the board.

My tinkering advice:
1) Get yourself some liquid flux.  A $10 bottle will last you a lifetime, and probably provide enough to share with friends.
2) Get yourself some solder wick.  3mm width is probably useful for working on Boss pedals.
3) Get a small container of methyl hydrate. 

The liquid flux can be dabbed onto the solder wick, with a Q-tip or similar, and turbocharges the solder wick.  Not only does that remove the solder more completely than most hand-pimped solder-suckers, it can do so more quickly, which in turn reduces the risk of overheating the traces and pads.

Methyl hydrate will dissolve the flux.  Dabbing some on with a Q-tip can dissolve and remove the flux, making the spot clean again, so you can see what you're doing and to make any subsequent solder joints tidy and secure.