Boss DS-1 distortion pedal, are you a fan?

A7X · 16-07-2008 1:42pm #1

I was wondering what people think of this pedal? I have one but im finding that its lacking something. It sounds abit thin or something, I'm not sure how to describe it! I much prefer the distortion off my amp but Im using the seymour duncan pickup booster to cut through when Im doing solos and it only works when its placed after the distortion pedal so i cant get it to work with my Marshall amp. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for another distortion pedal?

Neo# · 16-07-2008 1:44pm

I had one before and didnt like it. I think it depends on the amp you have too.

A7X · 16-07-2008 1:49pm

I know! everytime i switch back and forth between my amp and the pedal I cringe at the sound lol

Krsnik87 · 16-07-2008 2:09pm

I think they sound like white noise from a TV, never liked it...

A7X · 16-07-2008 2:10pm

the ds-1 doesnt produce tht sound as much as the boss MT series! god i hate tht pedal! No warmth or anything! I think i need a valve amp

Blackhorse Slim · 16-07-2008 2:16pm

A7X wrote: »

the ds-1 doesnt produce tht sound as much as the boss MT series! god i hate tht pedal! No warmth or anything! I think i need a valve amp

I have a DS-1, and although I always liked it, it's been sitting at the bottom of my music bag - untouched - for a number of years now. Tbh there is no pedal that can beat the sound of a valve amp with the gain cranked.

A7X · 16-07-2008 2:22pm

yeah i spose one just has to compromise! how wud tht sort of pedal sound through a valve amp? any difference wud ya say?

Blackhorse Slim · 16-07-2008 2:34pm

I used to use it through a Marshall JCM800, classic valve amp, and it sounded fine. I would imagine it would sound a lot worse through a ss amp. But I use a lot less distortion these days, so it just doesn't get used.

If you're thinking of getting a valve amp, hold on the the distortion pedal until you get a chance to try them together.

Gaspode · 16-07-2008 3:09pm

Never liked it. Sounds like a lorry load of rice krispies dropped into a lake of milk.

fourmations · 16-07-2008 3:12pm

me too, i have had two over the years

not great sounding IMO

rgds

4

sei046 · 16-07-2008 3:12pm

Lol i like the analogy

feylya · 16-07-2008 3:16pm

Used to use a modded one. Absolutely loved it.

Voodu Child · 16-07-2008 3:20pm

I wouldn't be a huge fan of it, I found the distortion a bit crude. But I have heard some guys get great sounds out of them, so I guess it just depends on the rest of your setup, and also particular models and mods etc.

A7X · 16-07-2008 5:53pm

yeah i really want a valve amp but unfortunatly the gigs tht my band play it would be really inconvineant to bring my own amp around so ill have to make due wit my set up =/

Eoin Madsen · 17-07-2008 8:33am

Distortion pedals are only ever as good as the amp they're plugged into. I've heard a DS-1 sound great, and also sound like someone shaking a balloon full of rice.

felim · 17-07-2008 8:47am

I've used one in front of a solid state and is sounded like arse, in front of a valve amp made the world of difference.

The amp really makes a difference...I have a Marshall Jackhammer that I always hated with my Laney LC50 valve amp but I recently got a Marshall valve amp and it's a totally different pedal plugged in to that...it seems to suit the Marshall amp way better. So it's not just whether it's a valve amp or not that makes the difference, it can be better with one valve amp than another.

The Keely modded DS-1 is supposed to be a lot warmer, by the way. I think there's one on adverts.ie at the mo.

A7X · 17-07-2008 1:28pm

I really want a valve amp but there just to dear for me at the moment ya know!?

Blackhorse Slim · 17-07-2008 9:12pm

Be aware that valve amps are pretty loud, even at low wattage. A 5watt amp will be loud enough for most purposes, and they can be pretty reasonable. 5 watts valve is loud enough for rehearsals and small gigs (if your drummer is not too loud!) and can be miked for bigger gigs. If you need more power, 10-15 watt amps aren't too expensive either. Try something like the Epiphone Pro Junior, Peavey Royal 8, Blackheart Little Giant or even the Harley Benton GA5H from Thomann, which is a clone of a Fender Champ. You can always put a better quality valve in it later -5 watt amps just have one valve.

Eoin Madsen · 18-07-2008 8:41am

There's plenty of crappy valve circuits knocking around as well, so don't just buy something 'causet's got valves in.

-=al=- · 18-07-2008 11:00am

not a fan, theres a lot of other stuff that does such a better job out there

darrenw5094 · 18-07-2008 12:14pm

Nope. Not a fan.....bought one brand new from USA because Joe and Steve both have them in their setup.

Disapointed with it.....it's currently in a square box, heading to UK for a Keeley mod......hopefully, will be useable, because at the moment i would not like to hurt the public at our pub gigs with that harsh tone.

red_ice · 18-07-2008 3:45pm

A7X wrote: »

I have one but im finding that its lacking something. It sounds abit thin or something, I'm not sure how to describe it!

I know exactly what your talking about, infact i made a post about it a few months ago. Im using it for bass atm, but i use it for guitar aswell - get an EQ pedal behind it between it and the amp(i use the boss eq) and its great, wouldnt trade what i have on that side of my sound for anything now. I was inches from binning it too untill i had a loan of the EQ pedal - give it a go, its worth it.

You must be able to tap dance to do it tho!

lavasoft · 18-07-2008 4:36pm

I used to use mine through a sound city head and it was fantastic but once I changed my amp it was never the same. IMO they don't work well with the ss amps.

BostonB · 18-07-2008 11:23pm

I friend has had one for years and he always sounded good with it. Not sure if he still uses it. I got one recently to play with, and I haven't really got a good sound with it. Mind you I'm rubbish which has a lot to do with it. These guys seem to use it...

http://guitargeek.com/gearview/57/