DS1/DISTO-UNO Comparison

[captntasty]

I've been spoiled by the fact that The DS-1 I had was an early one - not the first but still a "metal screw" version.  Always loved this pedal - it's my goto for a straight distortion.  Been looking to do a Tonepad version, finally got around to it (got a small pile of TA7136AP's) and I'm blown away.  Thanks to Francisco and Matt for this and many other marvelous projects.  I'm making a "donation" to their site right after I ramble on a bit.

The story goes thus - I played in a bedroom/garage band in high school back when digital technology was non-existent but fuzzes and such were no longer fashionable.  My bandmate passed this DS-1 on to me from his brother who had gotten out of guitar playing and moved on to a "real" job.  My buddy was not a maximum gain sort of guy so let me hold onto it indefinitely - it's been 20 years now and I wish I knew where he was to thank him or give it back now that I've found something that stacks up - one that I think surpasses the original.

It seems this is a pedal that in its' latest incarnation begs to be modded - and modded to snot it has been (see the BUM post) - nothing wrong with that!

I can't vouch for the TL072 version as I used a TA7136AP(if anybody is interested in making this version I'm happy to trade IC's or something as I don't see myself making 10 of these - I'm happy with this one), but it surpasses my old DS-1 in clarity/definition whatever you'd like to call it.  I've played the new versions and to put it bluntly - they suck relative to the older versions - tinny, grating, fingernails on a chalkboard kind of tone - no wonder so many mod them!

Enough rambling - here's some pics of the enclosure (I had to go with orange) and sound samples A/B'ing the two.  First is original DS-1 second the Disto-Uno.  Never know what to play but this tune - "Open Up Your Eyes" by Tonic was one that fits the effect.  Enjoy and I recommend this pedal if it is your kind of thing.  (As always, don't expect EVH or anything - straight power chords).  The knobs are identical - V-max D-2 o'clock T-11 o'clock.  There is a subtle difference in tone reponse - more low-end that doesn't roll-off the highs as the original does.



http://www.diystompboxes.com/DIYFiles/up/DS1_DistoUno.mp3

P.S. The secret for me on this pedal is no matter how much you want to, never push the tone beyond 12 o'clock....

[tungngruv]

Looks and sounds great!

[Somicide]

P.S. The secret for me on this pedal is no matter how much you want to, never push the tone beyond 12 o'clock....

The secret for all DS-1 incarnations and cousins!

[captntasty]

Amen, brother....  this really is a GREAT pedal.

p.s I should add - let the speakers and the amp do the work...................................

[mojotron]

I built the TP DISTO-UNO with a TL072, applied Melanhead's mods - adapted to the TL072's extra low-end - I love it!

[tcobretti]

I have to say that the closest I've gotten to the Billy Gibbons fuzz tone is the dist set to 12 oclock and the tone all the way up.

[wampcat1]

Sounds great!
Does the tonepad version have the nasty compression like the newer ds-1's have?

Do you have a clip of you playing through one of the newer ds-1's?

Also, what guitar/amp/recording setup are you using?

Thanks,
Brian

[PenPen]

PM'd you re: TA7136AP's.

[captntasty]

Does the tonepad version have the nasty compression like the newer ds-1's have?

It is definitely a compressed sound - I wouldn't call it nasty though.  Not totally squashed.

Do you have a clip of you playing through one of the newer ds-1's?

Alas, I do not have one.  Only tried a friends side by side and there is a noticeable difference between the two versions.

Also, what guitar/amp/recording setup are you using?

Epi LP w/ Classic '57 HB's ---> DS-1/Disto-Uno ---> Homebrew Champ amp (as clean but loud as it gets - pretty clean) ---> Celestion Vintage 30 ---> Condenser close mic'd ---> mixer flat ---> soundcard

[mojotron]

... ---> Homebrew Champ amp (as clean but loud as it gets - pretty clean) ---> Celestion Vintage 30 ...

Hmmm... Sorry this is a bit OT... captntasty - A Champ copy w/Vint30 - I was thinking of building a small 'effects friendly' amp just like that and am wondering how that worked out for you - sound-wise. How do you like that amp setup - circuit + speakers - and do you find that it works well with a DS-1 for getting a tone-full cranked amp sound?

[captntasty]

I have been thoroughly happy with this setup.  The amp I built has a tone control - I usually run it dimed but it is useful in certain situations - and Master volume.  This simple config, Vol, Tone, Master Vol allows for a lot of tonal flexibility.  The samples for the DS-1 were done with the Vol dialed back and the Master full out - a clean setting.  When I want the amp to distort I dial the Master down and crank the Vol - it gives a good overdrive.  The setup with the V30 was not intentional - I originally ran it through a Marshall 1922 with 2 G12-70's and found it dark due to the closed cabinet.  I have an old (1985) Marshall Mos-Fet 100 Twin Reverb that I was not using that has V30's in an open back enclosure - I decided to experiment with 1 (as they are 8 ohm, combined 16 ohm - my champ only has an 8 ohm output although if I get ambitious I can tap the transformers 16 ohm output)of the speakers and like it alot - V30's are great speakers.  I've also used it with a Weber 8" and it has a nice sound to - but a small amplifier sound - more like the original Champ combo I would imagine.

So after the long story, I like it.  The amp is great for recording and will provide a "large" sound.  The V30's work great for me as I'm not looking to get alot of speaker breakup - obviously this 6-8W amp will never breakup the 60W V30 - with the DS-1/Disto Uno it sounds like a full out stack.

[Fp-www.Tonepad.com]