Question:
I need to buy a simple, inexpensive distortion pedal. I've been using my $15 Danelectro FAB Distortion, and (especially for a $15 pedal) I like the sound of it, but it's plastic construction makes it a little bit too noisy. I'm fine with it for church, but I'm about to do a live recording, I want to get something a little bit better quality. Eventually I'm getting a J&H, but not right now!
Everyone says the DS-1 is standard. I believe them, but all the times I've used it it sounded thin and not warm at all. Now I've never had the chance to try a DS-1 through a Twin or any other amp that elevates even the crappiest tone . . . maybe a DS-1 through a better amp *is* in fact the sound I am looking for. Unfortunately I dont have a chance to try and between now and when I leave for the recording.
So . . . should I just pick up a DS-1, if I dont like it I can sell it after the recording . . . or is there another pedal in the <$50 range that's warmer and good quality?
For the record, I primarily play clean rhythm (why getting a good distortion box has never been a priority) and use distortion for lead lines like these here:
http://www.bandwidthcrazy.com/mr_spi..._Exalted_I.mp3
Answer:
Originally Posted by mt_spiffy I need to buy a simple, inexpensive distortion pedal. I've been using my $15 Danelectro FAB Distortion, and (especially for a $15 pedal) I like the sound of it, but it's plastic construction makes it a little bit too noisy. I'm fine with it for church, but I'm about to do a live recording, I want to get something a little bit better quality. Eventually I'm getting a J&H, but not right now!
Everyone says the DS-1 is standard. I believe them, but all the times I've used it it sounded thin and not warm at all. Now I've never had the chance to try a DS-1 through a Twin or any other amp that elevates even the crappiest tone . . . maybe a DS-1 through a better amp *is* in fact the sound I am looking for. Unfortunately I dont have a chance to try and between now and when I leave for the recording.
So . . . should I just pick up a DS-1, if I dont like it I can sell it after the recording . . . or is there another pedal in the <$50 range that's warmer and good quality?
For the record, I primarily play clean rhythm (why getting a good distortion box has never been a priority) and use distortion for lead lines like these here:
http://www.bandwidthcrazy.com/mr_spi..._Exalted_I.mp3
What is your budget? (I'd avoid the DS-1, I loathe it) Are you willing to look used? What is your amp?
Answer:
Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq What is your budget? (I'd avoid the DS-1, I loathe it) Are you willing to look used? What is your amp?
New, $50 and under from Musicians Friend, and for the recording I'll be using a Twin. In real life what I use varies from gig to gig, church to church.
Answer:
Originally Posted by mt_spiffy New, $50 and under from Musicians Friend, and for the recording I'll be using a Twin. In real life what I use varies from gig to gig, church to church. so it has to be new and from musicians friend? I like used effects. I am of the opinion you get more bang for the buck. What sound are you looking for? My initial impression would be a tubescreamer or a bad monkey if its overdrive you want.
Answer:
Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq so it has to be new and from musicians friend? I like used effects. I am of the opinion you get more bang for the buck. What sound are you looking for? My initial impression would be a tubescreamer or a bad monkey if its overdrive you want.
No I'm looking for mroe of a distortion.
I say from Musicians Friend because I need to order some strings and patch cables, I was panning to make one $100 order and free shipping. New because I want something I can trust!
Answer:
the stock ds-1 is harsh and brittle, not matter what kind of amp you play it through. but here's what's cool: a moddified ds-1 changes EVERYTHING.
check out indyguitarist.com or guitartone.net. i've done several ds-1 mods with brian (who runs both sites) and the mods are incredible. I use a boutique distortion box, but honestly, brian's tube emulator mod on the ds-1 is almost just as good.
good luck
Answer:
This sounds like a good idea.
I looked on the site, but I cant find the modding instructions, just some kits you can buy.
Answer:
Originally Posted by iAMspartacus the stock ds-1 is harsh and brittle, not matter what kind of amp you play it through. but here's what's cool: a moddified ds-1 changes EVERYTHING.
check out indyguitarist.com or guitartone.net. i've done several ds-1 mods with brian (who runs both sites) and the mods are incredible. I use a boutique distortion box, but honestly, brian's tube emulator mod on the ds-1 is almost just as good.
good luck could you post some links to scematics for these mods? i'd like to take a look at them.
Answer:
Originally Posted by What5647 could you post some links to scematics for these mods? i'd like to take a look at them.
You have to pay for them. So no, he can't post links.
-Nick
Answer:
Yeah, I too would avoid the DS-1. It's only the "standard" because it's so cheap. I think everyone at some point in their life has owned one, but that doesn't make it good. I don't like mine.
In that price range, I'm not so sure you're going to find a lot of options that are any better than the Danelectro you have. Honestly, though... Why spend another $50 when if you can save that much, you're a third of the way there to your J&H. I really wouldn't worry about that pedal for one live gig.
Answer:
Originally Posted by mt_spiffy I need to buy a simple, inexpensive distortion pedal. I've been using my $15 Danelectro FAB Distortion, and (especially for a $15 pedal) I like the sound of it, but it's plastic construction makes it a little bit too noisy. I'm fine with it for church, but I'm about to do a live recording, I want to get something a little bit better quality. Eventually I'm getting a J&H, but not right now!
Everyone says the DS-1 is standard. I believe them, but all the times I've used it it sounded thin and not warm at all. Now I've never had the chance to try a DS-1 through a Twin or any other amp that elevates even the crappiest tone . . . maybe a DS-1 through a better amp *is* in fact the sound I am looking for. Unfortunately I dont have a chance to try and between now and when I leave for the recording.
So . . . should I just pick up a DS-1, if I dont like it I can sell it after the recording . . . or is there another pedal in the <$50 range that's warmer and good quality?
For the record, I primarily play clean rhythm (why getting a good distortion box has never been a priority) and use distortion for lead lines like these here:
http://www.bandwidthcrazy.com/mr_spi..._Exalted_I.mp3
In my opinion: the Boss DS-1 is a shrill, thin, tone-sucking pedal when left stock.
It doesn't matter what amp you drive it into, it is helpless.
That said, if you get one, be sure to spend a couple extra dollars and go to indyguitarist.com and purchase the "tube emulator" mod for DS-1.
Once installed it turns the once useless paperweight into a thing of deep, dark, dirty, thick, grinding, chunky beauty.
Brian at indyguitarist.com will set you up. The mod cost, I think, $15...maybe slightly more. regardless, it's well worth it.
Seriously, I have removed my modded Boss OS-2 overdrive/distortion from my board and replaced it with the modded DS-1.
It's killer.
If you don't want to go through with the mod, a Digitech Bad Monkey is not a bad pedal for the money. More o/d than dist. but it's thick and even has a mixer out to be used as a psuedo direct box...works rather well, if you ask me.
Answer:
If you sign up for the mailing list, you get the Keeley mod free. Is this the same one you guys are suggesting?
Also, what about this pedal:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cts?sku=150054
Answer:
Originally Posted by guitargeek6298 In that price range, I'm not so sure you're going to find a lot of options that are any better than the Danelectro you have. Honestly, though...
I like the sound of the Danelectro. However, there are two problems with it being so cheap. One is the plastic construction, every so often it picks up a radio station or the like. The second is it causes a lot of feedback.
Originally Posted by guitargeek6298 Why spend another $50 when if you can save that much, you're a third of the way there to your J&H. I really wouldn't worry about that pedal for one live gig.
It's a live recording, CD and DVD, so I am worried about the one pedal for it! Unforunately on top of all the other expenses I have getting ready for it I cant spend $150 on the J&H right now.
Answer:
Or, since I like my cheap Danelectro, what about this one:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cts?sku=151852
?
Answer:
Originally Posted by mt_spiffy If you sign up for the mailing list, you get the Keeley mod free. Is this the same one you guys are suggesting?
Also, what about this pedal:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...cts?sku=150054
I'm unsure about the sound of the Keely mod but I trust Keely's name from other sources so I'm sure it's a step up for the DS-1.
You can check out the soundclips on Brian's site. The tube-mod for DS-1 captured my ear and I was not disappointed once I did the mod.