Boss SD-1 C6 Mod with a DPDT switch

[mwynwood]

Hi everyone,
I've just done the C6 mod on my SD-1 using a DPDT switch.
Switch it one was and C6 is in the circuit, switch it the other way and it's gone.

Everyone online seems to rave about this simple mod, saying it just incredible... but I can't really notice much of a difference.
I'm thinking this is maybe because my switch is causing a connection to go to ground or something weird... or taking C6 out isn't such a big deal... or I'm going deaf.

Has anyone done this mod with a switch?
Thanks 

[soupbone]

Hi everyone,
I've just done the C6 mod on my SD-1 using a DPDT switch.
Switch it one was and C6 is in the circuit, switch it the other way and it's gone.

Everyone online seems to rave about this simple mod, saying it just incredible... but I can't really notice much of a difference.
I'm thinking this is maybe because my switch is causing a connection to go to ground or something weird... or taking C6 out isn't such a big deal... or I'm going deaf.

Has anyone done this mod with a switch?
Thanks  

I haven't done it with a switch,but it does sound better IMHO.In Brian Wampler's words;"It eliminates a filter,and takes the blanket over a speaker sound away".To me,You'd get more cooler results by messing with the clipping section and the IC.(i.e. socket a jrc4558,rc4558p etc.).if you want more of a "Tube Screamer" type clipping,You can use a 51pf cap and a 1N914 on a switch(ceramic or silver mica.I'd go with the latter)For D5 or D6,and you can put that on a switch and have symmetrical,or asymmetrical clipping.Here's a link i copied from a website that explains in better terms than i can of what the c6 removal does exactly; "if you noticed, the tone knob on an SD-1 really doesn't do much. C6 is a high pass filter that rolls off treble. if you want more high end punch (although this adds harshness) remove this cap and it will be a flavor closer to the TS9/TS808. its stock value is 0.01uf. replacing it with a higher value rolls off more treble and gives a more compressed distortion sound (JCM900, 5150, etc.). replacing it with a lower value opens up more treble. if you want your tone knob to actually do something, i'd recommend taking it out or replacing it with a lower value (e.g. 47pf). tubescreamers have no C6. "  Hope this info helps!-soupbone     www.youtube.com/soupboneguitar

[mwynwood]

Replacing C3 with a 0.1uF makes a much bigger difference.
Sounds great now    Woohoo!
http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2012/Oct/5_DIY_Mods_to_Perfect_Your_Ibanez_TS9_and_Boss_SD_1.aspx?Page=4

[Electron Tornado]

In Brian Wampler's words;"It eliminates a filter,and takes the blanket over a speaker sound away".

I've modded a couple of SD-1s and that description by Brian is spot on. Removing C6 gives the pedal much more clarity.

It's funny that people don't realize just how close the SD-1 is to the Tube Screamer. (It's even funnier that the TS-7 goes for so cheap. My guess it because it's not painted green.)

[mwynwood]

Yes, you're right - there is not much difference between the SD-1 and the TS
If you think removing C6 was good, try replacing C3 with a 0.1uF too and see what you think.