Boss DS-1...Worth Modding?

[Philippe]

Just curious as we are referring to one of the worst-sounding (stock configuration), mass-produced fxs ever created. About the only plus I can come up with is that they are relatively inexpensive (about $40.00) purchased new & somewhat cheap (around $25.00) when purchased used. Beyond that consideration, the DS-1's inherent tone often leaves a lot to be desired...with its thin, fuzzy, harsh treble et cetera.

The suggested tonal & clipping mods that appear on a variety of DIY webpages are relatively low-cost in nature but they tend to give the impression that one is essentially re-configuring anywhere from 50-75% of the original circuitry.

Metaphorically-speaking, is it actually possible to turn something like a Ford Pinto effect into a Ford Mustang or are we talking Ford Maverick at best?

[BoxOfSnoo]

I just had to reply to point out the timestamp on your post.  I think you should win something for that.... 

[Sanguinicus]

I say chuck the circuit board and put something in it that the DS-1 "should be". Then send it to Boss haha.

[oldschoolanalog]

To answer the question. Yes, it's worth modding. For a very small monetary "investment" in parts it can be transformed into something very nice.
Read this first for some ideas: http://www.diystompboxes.com/DIYFiles/up/Build_Your_Own_DS-1_Distortion.pdf
It's a very simple circuit that is easily changed to ones liking.

[toneman]

nice link oldschool 

[oldschoolanalog]

Found that link Using The Search Function (UTSF). Didn't even know it existed until tonite. There is some really good stuff in there!
I was really looking for The Big Man & Melanhead (Bob Melanson; if you never heard him play, you should check him out [google him]. ) mods. Haven't seen either active here lately but they have both made some great contributions.

[Philippe]

nice link oldschool 

Ditto. A very informative PDF considering that for the longest time, I've always thought of the stock DS-1 as little more than a cheap, noisey orange box that nearly every thirteen year-old with a Squire guitar uses (along with an imported 15 watt Fender SS amp) to create sonic pollution

OR perhaps someone else a tad older poorly attempting to recreate a George Lynch/Dokken piece.

[EATyourGuitar]

is a ds-1 worth modding? YES

too many options though. hard to really pick one. you could get 10 DS-1's and make 10 totally different sounding pedals. listen to some demos. I am actually pretty impressed what $2 in parts can make a $40 pedal sound so different and possibly usable.

[944cabby]

is a ds-1 worth modding? YES

too many options though. hard to really pick one. you could get 10 DS-1's and make 10 totally different sounding pedals. listen to some demos. I am actually pretty impressed what $2 in parts can make a $40 pedal sound so different and possibly usable.

Agreed, i recently paid 5 pounds for a mod kit for my taiwanese ds-1 and it was well worth it, the only thing i don't like about it is that the distortion seems to have less sustain and a slightly "clipped" sound when you play a note which for some reason becomes quite noticable if i have my delay pedal switched on at the same time.