What's your favorite Boss SD-1 mod? If you're a DIY'er, where do you like to buy your parts from? 🔗Breadboarding Course: Interested in creating, building and experimenting with your own pedal circuits? Check out my course for newbies here: www.guitarpedalcourse.com/courses/complete-beginner-s-guide-how-to-design-your-own-guitar-pedal-circuits
Love these type of videos. I recently just finished modding my Fender Pro Junior to have a treble and bass knob as well as putting the negative feedback loop into the grid rather than the cathode where it goes on the schematic. Also with a pot to adjust it ;) More mod videos please!!!! Share the knowledge my man! Love from Canada :D
I love these videos Brian! Please make more... I've done some VERY limited DIY, like solder some P Bass pickups so seeing stuff like this is super interesting on it's own and inspiration to try some stuff down the line!
parts I get from local electronics shops here in bengkulu, Sumatra. Also theres a lot of repair guys who here who fix tv/radios (people still get stuff repaired here)..i sometimes get cool salvaged parts. Also I travel a fair bit to Singapore..there's a place called sim lim tower, which is worth a visit..basically like highrise building full of electronics shops. I don't have an SD-1..but i'm definitely gonna build an 808..if I can hunt down an JRC4558.. How "critical" to the sound is the opamp?? what will you get if you were to use another like tl062/72/ne5532..which i have in my bin right now??
The Boss sounds pretty good as it is and at club gigging levels your audience won't care because they're trying to get drunk and hook up and if you're like me you're deaf from playing at club levels for years and can't tell the difference either. Great video though and informative.
I use this modified SD-1 as a mids/drive/volume solo boost stacked after my rhythm overdrive. Volume almost at noon, Tone around 1:00, and Drive around 10:30. 1. Remove C6. This will open the sound up a bit. 2. Change R2 from 470k to 1Meg. This increases the input impedance. 3. Create a switch to toggle the C3 capacitor between 0.047uf and 0.1uf. This increases the bass response when toggled to 0.1uf. Use the 0.1uf for single coil pickups and the 0.047uf for humbuckers.
As an newly graduated electrical engineer, i absolutely love hearing these kinds of videos. It’s the reason I got in to electronics, and unfortunately not the focus of many engineering programs (electric audio, that is). Keep it up, and let me know if you’re ever hiring!! :)
Just discovered your channel. Great content for a guitarist dusting off their 30 year old minor in electrical engineering. The kids are grown and I have time for hobbies again. Thank you.
Maybe i'm unusual, but i actually preferred the sound of the SD-1, at least in this video. Cool to see that this kind of video though! Learning tons from you. Thanks!
Richard C Yeah & "which" valve/tube amp you put it b4. I love my SD - 1 b4 el power tubes to really kick that British Marshall, Vox sound. Totally different from the American 6v6 Fender sound but I'll put an SD -1 there too to "give" the girl a rougher, meaner crunch to the gain channel. I love Fenders & there's places where nothing else will do, or "be right but their gain sound isn't my favourit & I usually like to harden her up with an SD -1 but it's all subjective anyway. What I like, others would hate. I'm right though just so you know.
Right. I have an old ODB-3 and I've seen mod kits for it but I don't know the first thing about getting started. It'd be nice to actually see someone do it.
I’ve had a TS-9 since I first started playing, and found that I prefer the SD-1. I find it to be a better TS than the TS-9. I prefer the SD-1’s asymmetrical clipping to the symmetrical clipping of the TS-9. I also prefer EQ curve of SD-1 so I won’t mod mine to sound more like my TS-9.
I'd love to see a separate series of videos like these! I was a harmony central guy when the diy community exploded too. I remember the old indyguitarist days well :)
From what I see, most people that have a sd 1, bought it because they wanted the sd 1 sound. You can buy a mini tube screamer for around the same price anyway but people that use the tube screamer also bought it because they wanted that sound! Both work really well at pushing a gainy amp or pedal!!
I might not tackle that one because I'm just ok at bench work. A couple of days ago I saved $260 on a Focusrite OctoPre repair by diagnosing a dead power supply board and tracking down a new one. BUT... that wasn't de/resoldering which I bet you do expertly. I really enjoy your content. I'm a retired EE who started out in tech school so I had a lot of classes in electronics. You've got some great refresher stuff and new stuff, too.
I love the "few changes" statement, than drowing in blue circules lol. Anyway, great video, I would love to see more. I also love your lack of hype regarding parts :D
Just happened to have seen a Boss ODsd1 at my local store reduced; had been sitting around in the back room and forgotten about as it was a dud. But the guy who got it out didn't know this. Anyway, it was only £35 so.....got it home to find out it was screaming....looking up stuff came across an old gentleman who fixes amps very kindly shows you what he does and teaches schematics on line. I've had it for months now......so then thought I'd take a look to see if there was a schematic I could read and up you came........So yes.......very interested in these types of videos....have been watching you anyways.......So thank you....... I own three pedal that's all. Interested in building an amp some time. Much appreciated. Thank you so much Limechillo from England.
Love this kind of info Brian. We're all tone geeks at heart so this pampers to our needs perfectly. Definitely would like to see more...How about a Fuzz conversion!!
"the Demon" overdrive is $28 and has a 808/ts9 switch and comes in a metal casing. I'm a fan of the Behringer stuff also, for low money in a pinch for a tone. I wanted to use the HM2 Swedish death metal sound for a while and the HM300 made it happen for 30 instead of 300....
The SD1 certainly sounds like it stretches the gain in a sense while the tube screamer kind of lifts it up to make it sound more intense. Both pedals approach higher gain differently, which i find to be very interesting.
Great video Brian, although I must confess I usually find it difficult to tell the difference between pedals on TH-cam comparison videos. Anyway, I have a Guyatone PS-015 overdrive that I bought new in the early 80s - still works perfectly, and I've just looked inside it, to find that it has a "TL4558" chip. Google tells me that this is rare, so by extension, it must sound better than other chips... I'm tempted to try a new TS9 alongside the Guyatone, to see if I can discern any differences. The Guyatone does have separate bass and treble controls, so it may offer more versatility, but I won't be surprised if the only difference is that my wallet is slightly emptier!
I'm getting started on getting into learning about pedal building and modifying, and I'd be interested in seeing some more "nerdy" stuff like comparisons of types of transistors, using germanium vs silicon, stuff like that. Been digging on Uncle Doug's channel lately, some people really are natural educators. Finding Keeley's old blog entries are a treat, too.
I came here to say that I have all 3 pedals plus more. Tonight I tried most of them all. The SD1 was the winner by 1% as the main overdrive to push a Marshall 4010 JCM800’s and Jubilee studio. I have to admit that the Tube Screamer is creamier and smoother. The sound of the boss can be off-putting if you like that balanced chord strum. The asymmetric clipping indeed produces a raunchier sound. Ok, so I was A/B Ing them and ended up setting the TS into the boss. I tried the spark and arrows from EQD, and I don't know the best tone is rhythm with SD1 and engaging TS for lead that makes the sound so good. 😊 if Mr.Brian says I’m loco then, I might be going deaf and that’s about it
Did you see the new Nu-tube ibanez tube screamer pedal? I would like to hear your input on this new pedal from ibanez and other pedals that have this new technology. Maxon pedals has this technology also. Thanks.
I prefer the SD-1 to the tube screamer. I don't know what it is, but I have compared the two quite a bit, and I still love the out of box sound of the SD-1.
Love these types of modifications videos. Very kind of you to share knowledge with others. I have also learned of your line of pedals that I will be checking out. They seem very affordable.
Damn, SD1 sounded great! Great playing also! I have several tube screamers, i even own one of the first modded ones, but now I'm going to get me an sd1! Oh, also, the sd1 already features a footswitch that actually is reliable! I HATE the square foot switches on my tube screamers! If you don't step on the thing at exactly the right angle you'll find your self tapping two, three, even four times to activate them!
I tried this between my 808-clone (with assymetrical clipping option) and a SD1. All I did was change R7 and R9 to 2k2, C5 and C4 to 100 nF and removed C6 on the SD1. Besides the amount of drive there's indeed no distinguishable difference. At least to my ears. I had the 808, which I don't like on it's own, but works great in a band situation. I thought I would prefer the SD1 but I couldn't bond with it being bright and harsh IMO. So now I own two 808's. 😎
Boss should manufacture an alternative SD-1 modified to TS808 spec. for £45. No need for them to mention it's a rip-off. As long as they paint it green we'd all get the hint 😉
I have both too. I use the sd1 as my mine crunch tone and use to ts9 as a boost (drive all the way down, level all the way up) I agree with you. As a main tone I prefer the sd1 all day. Simply sounds better
@@frankzerotohero7387 because it cuts too much bass, boost the bass and the mids slightly. Or I think the custom mode on the waza might fix that but idk.
Awesome Video! Please do more like these, as you are one of the guys that really understandably can explain what is really needed and what not. I always struggle with understanding what a change does before doing it and hearing. Stuff like "I would not bother as you will not hear a difference" is very valuable!
Hey Brian. What are your thoughts on Boss moving more and more toward smd construction? For example the DS-1 and BD-2 are now built using smd techniques.
I believe he meant, SMD, surface mount devices. Personally, I think it sucks because it makes it damn near impossible to fix because everything is so small - as well, I believe that different manufactured parts like capacitors impart a difference in tone other than their stated capacitance, and SMD have some of the worst tone imo.
There's good and bad things. It allows for a more complicated circuit, plus there are more parts choices since through hole is being obsoleted. I don't like mods on them as much unless you're replacing one surface mount part for another, but I see a lot of people who mod pedals using through hole parts tacked onto the small pads made for surface mount. In my experience, this can lead to problems with broken solder joints many times. Also, it's definitely harder to see... I have to use a magnifying glass much of the time for SMD, but I can remove and replace parts way quicker. Sound wise, SMD can sound good or bad depending on layout and the exact parts used.
Wampler Pedals love these videos. I'm guessing you don't like to bad mouth other pedal suppliers but I'd LOVE to see you highlight problems with SMD by showing the layout and demoing the problem. I've wondered if I could use SMD to make my own pedals. Wondering what caps you should use, thinking the ceramics (MLCC) aren't good for audio?
42 solder joints? I may need to do some practice joints before I tackle this....( may need some other joints to stay on track.) over all it sounds like a fun project for the long winter months when you cannot go outside and do yard work or home/car maintenance. Great Video. by the way, I bought your Pinnacle Deluxe pedal and I really like it. I appreciate people who still take time to do videos like this who have had success with their own work. Your a genuine article in my book.
Awesome video!!! Fantastic information!! Anytime I get a notification that you’ve posted something, that’s my indication to drop everything and watch it now.
Excellent news on the book! Always good information from indyguitarist, got my start on the .pdf's. My favorite TS808 mod is the Landgraff and seeing as the SD-1 already has a 1 Meg Drive pot I'll give one a go and add the 3 way clipping with diode lift. Thanks for posting this video with the schematics of both pedals man.
Cool video. I mostly buy from small bear. The JRC (Japanese radio corporation) 4558 is still made on the exact same machine they have always been made on. Same machine, same part, no reason to pay a lot of money for an old one when new ones are exactly the same! Just do some basic research
People on the used Market sometimes like to rape you on the price, because somehow since its original it has to be better.Sometimes that's true but sometimes it's not let the buyer beware.
I did this to an SD-1 in around 2009... I've tried a bunch of overdrives since then but I keep going back to my modded SD-1. I got it for $20 and modded it with parts I had on hand!
Frankly, TS series is one of the most over-rated and over-hyped overdrive pedal. All because some of the famous player uses it. The overdrive from my cheap Zoom G1on can get the same job done.
@@dagony7383 not better maybe but they get the job done, absolutely. Got me a joyo years ago and never even considered spending any money on a TS ever since. When I needed a mid bump to get through, the joyo always was there for me and did the job. Also part of some of my rather intensely distorted fuzz-y sounds. Let's be honest: a TS is not a magically inspiring piece of gear, like other expansive, highly sought after pedals. It is, however, a VERY useful easy to handle tool because of its mid bump.
@@ithemba I'm 55,started playing in 82,NY thrash scene. Evan Seinfeld was my nextdoor neighbor, warren Cuccurullo lived around the corner, my second cousin is Vito bratta from white lion. None of us had any money growing up. We all started with pawnshop second hand gear and made it work. Never used a boutique pedal and never would pay for overpriced name brands. Always used boss in those days, metal zone ds-1, sd-1. Now I use mxr fullbore metal, mxr distortion, joyo overdrive, dimebag wah out on clean channel fender champ solid state, 100 watt and have no complaints..
Cool video. I built an 808 clone from general guitar gadgets and added a symmetrical / asymmetrical switch. You can do the same: Instead of bridging D6, just use a switch. When closed it's a TS, when open it sounds more like an SD1
No... NO!!! Do not change an SD-1 into a TS808!!! The SD-1 is a better pedal!!! OK... fair disclosure... I've had an SD-1 on my pedal board forever. It's my favorite dirt pedal of all time. Try this: buy TWO SD-1's, change one into a TS808 and play the other. You'll still be money ahead, and you just might end up falling in love with the SD-1! :o)
I love the fact that you show actual schematics and great reviews of all types of pedals and amps. Awesome I have a degree in electronics and use build some of my own mixers and amps. Keep up the awesome video Thanks for your great videos.
I modded my TS9 with a three way switch for two bass boosts, so its bottom position on switch is Bass Boost 1 and the middle position is Stock TS9 and the upper position is Bass Boost two. Ill never own a TS9 without modding it that way again. I came up with the capacitor values and wiring myself so i wouldn't have to loose functionality and so the TS9 can work as a warmer boost which is amazing when i have it in boost position one or two being boosted by the Treble Booster i made. Its a sound that amazes me every time the are engaged. Also the TS9 boosting the Klon Clone i made is amazing also. Having the Bass boost options really gives you a seriously more versatile pedal and it actually sounds really good its not a gimmick at all. It took me a few trys to get each cap value just right cause i have them working with the stock cap instead of replacing it. That way i can leave in the stock cap and when the 3 way is in the off position its back to stock mid boost tube screamer goodness. If your interested in doing this mod comment and ill send the instructions and values to you, i promise you its worth it and if your still skeptical you can do the mod and if you dont like it all you have to do is desolder two wires from two places on the pcb and the TS9 is back to how it was before you did the mod. But if you like it, which you will! All you have to do to make it permanent is drill a single hole underneath the level control and thats where your 3 way switch will be.
Thanks Brian Love the variety of content on the channel I'm not a DIY'er but enjoyed you going through the schematic and explaining the circuit. I personally have learned a ton from these videos and appreciate you passing your knowledge on.
Brilliant! I bought an SD-1 the day before they announced the special Japanese tuned one that actually sounds good. I don't like the SD-1, the TS-808 is more open and airy, I can hear why SRV used one. I might actually mod mine and film it! :D
Awesome, love to see videos like this from a company I love. One thing, a parts list in the video description would have been very handy, and an A/B comparison of the modded pedal against the 808 would have been the icing on the cake. Can't wait to see more vids like this!
Thanks! I'll add it to the description as well, but here you go: How to modify a Boss sd-1 into a TS808 Tubescreamer style circuit R1- 1K C1 - .022 UF R2 - 510K C2 - 1UF R4 - 10K R5 - 51K GAIN POT - CHANGE TO 500K AUDIO TAPER D6 - JUMPER D4 - 1S1588, MA150, OR KEEP STOCK D5 - 1S1588, MA150, OR KEEP STOCK R7 - 1K C4 - .22UF C6 - REMOVE (DON’T JUMPER) R9 - 1K C5 - .22UF R8 - 220 OHM R10 - 1K VOLUME POT - CHANGE TO 100K LINEAR TAPER C8 - .1UF R16 - 100 OHM R17 - 10K Opamp - If you’re SD-1 doesn’t have a 4558 type, change it. *NOTE: All “C” locations are capacitors. All “R” locations are resistors. You can find parts at www.smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/
Thanks for posting this - and even more importantly, thanks for making a simple mod like this seem accessible. I'm a novice when it comes to electronics, but I have a growing interest, and this strikes me as a project that is doable, and educational. Thanks!
You ought to hear what saying "really" four times sounded like when I slowed the video down to .25x speed to read the text! 😂 Thanks for the great tutorial and all the knowledge you so eagerly pass along!
I enjoy every videos about pedal building. Please make more videos about circuits stages, how the different components affect the signal. Thanks again.
Cool video! I read your 2012 article in Premier Guitar on 5 DIY mods and figured a way to incorporate switchable gain and bass boost on my SD-1. Actually, it's more like gain boost and gain/bass boost. Sounds great! Thanks for all the cool info!
Wow that amp sounds killer! This video reminded me of how good the SD-1 is as mod platform. I've tried a bunch of mods. My favourite so far is the Monte Allums SD-1 mod. But just removing C6 also really opens up the pedal. I also tried different clipping diodes and IC's, but always found I liked the stock parts better.
By the way... if people are looking for more mod idea's. They should defenitely read Brians article in Premier Guitar on SD-1 and TS9 mods: www.premierguitar.com/articles/13562-diy-mods-to-perfect-your-ibanez-ts9-and-boss-sd-1
Whew! Had the credit card out & was just starting to order a Clarksdale & a few others. Decided to dig my SD-1 out instead. Just saved 100's!!! ,,,,,, Ok, I'm just messin with ya. But if I liked TS's I would certainly consider this. Good vid
These videos are a great rabbit hole and I love them. Really interesting and practical mod advice/history. In this case with this much de-soldering, I'd probably just get a kit and make one from scratch though for maybe not that much more? Also, I love the SD-1 as is. I agree what you said on the 4558. I made an overdrive (BB style) for a friend and he was really honing in on the op amp in talking about how to put it together in lieu of talking about what circuit he'd really prefer. I just gave him a few different flavors for less than a couple bucks so he could just play around with them for himself instead of having that circular conversation. I think A/B-ing he left the JRC in because it was the last thing he tried and what I put in there as stock.
A mod I did on a TS clone I made for one of Canada's premier blues guitarists was a variable "warp" control. Rather than using a 2+1 diode complement, I simply inserted a 10pot in series with one of the clipping diodes. It does not have the *identical* effect as using an asymmetrical trio, but it introduces a different sort of asymmetry by softening the clipping for one half cycle. The Marshall Bluesbreaker, and Analogman King of Tone (which is more or less based on the Bluesbreaker) both use a fixed resistor in series with *both* clipping diodes to soften things. Inserting the variable resistance after only one diode has a slightly different effect. Since the clipping action of one of the diodes is reduced, that also raises both the dynamic range (when that resistance is non-zero) and consequently the maximum output level. There is no *requirement* that it be a pot. If there was no room to install a pot, a person could simply remove the 3rd diode from the 2-diode side, replace it with a 10k fixed resistor, and use a 3-position toggle to either leave the resistor alone (full asymmetry), bridge that added resistor with a 3k9 fixed resistor (yielding a combined parallel resistance of 2k8 for moderate asymmetry) or bridge it fully to revert back to two diodes a la TS-9.
What's your favorite Boss SD-1 mod? If you're a DIY'er, where do you like to buy your parts from?
🔗Breadboarding Course: Interested in creating, building and experimenting with your own pedal circuits? Check out my course for newbies here:
www.guitarpedalcourse.com/courses/complete-beginner-s-guide-how-to-design-your-own-guitar-pedal-circuits
Love these type of videos. I recently just finished modding my Fender Pro Junior to have a treble and bass knob as well as putting the negative feedback loop into the grid rather than the cathode where it goes on the schematic. Also with a pot to adjust it ;)
More mod videos please!!!! Share the knowledge my man!
Love from Canada :D
I love these videos Brian! Please make more... I've done some VERY limited DIY, like solder some P Bass pickups so seeing stuff like this is super interesting on it's own and inspiration to try some stuff down the line!
parts I get from local electronics shops here in bengkulu, Sumatra. Also theres a lot of repair guys who here who fix tv/radios (people still get stuff repaired here)..i sometimes get cool salvaged parts. Also I travel a fair bit to Singapore..there's a place called sim lim tower, which is worth a visit..basically like highrise building full of electronics shops. I don't have an SD-1..but i'm definitely gonna build an 808..if I can hunt down an JRC4558.. How "critical" to the sound is the opamp?? what will you get if you were to use another like tl062/72/ne5532..which i have in my bin right now??
Wampler Pedals * I can't hear a difference between the two at all.
But can you turn a Boss SD-1 into a Univibe??? lol
You're probably the only pedal manufacturer with a TH-cam channel that shows schematics and deals into details, and this causes me great joy.
I turned my fridge in to a Mesa Boogie Rectifier
I've got one of those Marshall fridges... Wanna swap ??? lol
The reverse is also useful: front an old dorm fridge with grille cloth and tolex, then stash the malted beverage in it.
Must have some cool tones iykwim
You have to do a TH-cam tutorial on it.
It's way too cold sounding for me... XD
The SD-1 is an awesome overdrive on its own. Also I’ve found some great tones stacking an SD-1 into a TS-9.
The Boss sounds pretty good as it is and at club gigging levels your audience won't care because they're trying to get drunk and hook up and if you're like me you're deaf from playing at club levels for years and can't tell the difference either. Great video though and informative.
And let's be real - you're drunk & trying to hook up too
I watched this whole video and I don’t even have an SD-1 nor a TS-808 lol. Still entertaining though.
21 component changes....all that soldering. no thanks. LOL
Yet.
Same here but it got me thinking that I need an sd-1
Me too... and I don't even have a guitar.
@@Channel01_T - I sold my guitar to buy an SD-1
I use this modified SD-1 as a mids/drive/volume solo boost stacked after my rhythm overdrive. Volume almost at noon, Tone around 1:00, and Drive around 10:30.
1. Remove C6. This will open the sound up a bit.
2. Change R2 from 470k to 1Meg. This increases the input impedance.
3. Create a switch to toggle the C3 capacitor between 0.047uf and 0.1uf. This increases the bass response when toggled to 0.1uf. Use the 0.1uf for single coil pickups and the 0.047uf for humbuckers.
Totally prefer the SD-1. That assymetrical clipping is glorious.
I prefer the sd1 also but the ts9 is trash
Robert P The TS9 is trash? I'm not a huge tubescreamer fan but the differences between the TS9 and 808 are negligible.
ASSymetrical?
Dank Cat poot
Exactly, why wreck an sd-1?
As an newly graduated electrical engineer, i absolutely love hearing these kinds of videos. It’s the reason I got in to electronics, and unfortunately not the focus of many engineering programs (electric audio, that is). Keep it up, and let me know if you’re ever hiring!! :)
I have bought so many pedals, and my SD-1 is still the king for me!!
Just discovered your channel. Great content for a guitarist dusting off their 30 year old minor in electrical engineering. The kids are grown and I have time for hobbies again. Thank you.
Maybe i'm unusual, but i actually preferred the sound of the SD-1, at least in this video. Cool to see that this kind of video though! Learning tons from you. Thanks!
I prefer the sound of the SD-1 to the Tubescreamer
the Boss Sd1 was my first overdrive pedal, and I'm still using it (18 years later). I too, prefer the Sd1
Yep bought an SD-1 to mod, 4 years ago, still stock.
How about modding a Tube Screamer to bring it up to SD-1 spec. Now that would be radical. lol ;)
Richard C Yeah & "which" valve/tube amp you put it b4. I love my SD - 1 b4 el power tubes to really kick that British Marshall, Vox sound.
Totally different from the American 6v6 Fender sound but I'll put an SD -1 there too to "give" the girl a rougher, meaner crunch to the gain channel.
I love Fenders & there's places where nothing else will do, or "be right but their gain sound isn't my favourit & I usually like to harden her up with an SD -1 but it's all subjective anyway. What I like, others would hate.
I'm right though just so you know.
No need to. SD-1 is just fine as standard SD-1
Yes!! Don't touch it!!
I did the Monte Allums mods to my SD-1 and just wow! I think the germanium diodes in the kit just sent it to tone heaven. It's really my top pedal.
I agree.....
I been trying to replace my sd1 since the 80s lol its perfect as is...i would not touch it...
Pretty amazing how close they sound as is.
I just turned an 808 into an SD 1 and then saw this video.
Just kidding. Love your channel
I'd love to see you actually do this mod and show us a comparison of before and after.
+1
THIS
I would definitely like to watch a step by step mod, for those of us who will try anything if shown how. It's been years since I read a schematic.
Right. I have an old ODB-3 and I've seen mod kits for it but I don't know the first thing about getting started. It'd be nice to actually see someone do it.
Yeah, I was surprised when the video ended because I thought that's what he was leading up to.
Great to see you showing the similarities and differences of classic pedals. Love to see you do more on other type of pedals!
Yeah but would've been nice to see exactly how close in comparison the SD1 got to the 808 after the mod.
I’ve had a TS-9 since I first started playing, and found that I prefer the SD-1. I find it to be a better TS than the TS-9. I prefer the SD-1’s asymmetrical clipping to the symmetrical clipping of the TS-9. I also prefer EQ curve of SD-1 so I won’t mod mine to sound more like my TS-9.
With all respect to TS808, I'm all for SD-1 or OD-3. TS808 is great for pushing tube amps but that's it. I don't like it as a stand-alone pedal.
Yes, more videos for sure! I have been a big fan ever since I bought your books! I like hearing you explain, see your process, & see your reasoning.
I'd love to see a separate series of videos like these! I was a harmony central guy when the diy community exploded too. I remember the old indyguitarist days well :)
From what I see, most people that have a sd 1, bought it because they wanted the sd 1 sound. You can buy a mini tube screamer for around the same price anyway but people that use the tube screamer also bought it because they wanted that sound! Both work really well at pushing a gainy amp or pedal!!
Yay! A small and fairly easy mod for someone like me with no formal background in electronics! 😊
I might not tackle that one because I'm just ok at bench work. A couple of days ago I saved $260 on a Focusrite OctoPre repair by diagnosing a dead power supply board and tracking down a new one. BUT... that wasn't de/resoldering which I bet you do expertly.
I really enjoy your content. I'm a retired EE who started out in tech school so I had a lot of classes in electronics. You've got some great refresher stuff and new stuff, too.
I love the "few changes" statement, than drowing in blue circules lol. Anyway, great video, I would love to see more. I also love your lack of hype regarding parts :D
this is my new addiction, you're knowledge saved me a lot of time
Your
Keep doing this style of videos, I am loving it! You should A-B an original SD-1 to the 808-modded and then reference it to the TS
mastersteve78 best comment I’ve seen on here
+1
+1. And if you re-amp the same guitar track through all 3 pedals it will be the most "equal" comparison
Just happened to have seen a Boss ODsd1 at my local store reduced; had been sitting around in the back room and forgotten about as it was a dud. But the guy who got it out didn't know this. Anyway, it was only £35 so.....got it home to find out it was screaming....looking up stuff came across an old gentleman who fixes amps very kindly shows you what he does and teaches schematics on line. I've had it for months now......so then thought I'd take a look to see if there was a schematic I could read and up you came........So yes.......very interested in these types of videos....have been watching you anyways.......So thank you....... I own three pedal that's all. Interested in building an amp some time. Much appreciated. Thank you so much Limechillo from England.
and don't forget to paint your BOSS pedal in green color!
VIGO Recording Studio Vomit green at that
yeah the green paint adds more tone
You can, but I'd just leave the outer shell as is to troll people.
They'll be wondering why your SD-1 sounds like someone waved a magic wand at it! 😂
@@brosephthomas3764 I was going to, ran out of paint. So I painted it black and it got a ton of more gain
Haha, then you'd have people asking what the hell is up with your PH-3
Love this kind of info Brian. We're all tone geeks at heart so this pampers to our needs perfectly. Definitely would like to see more...How about a Fuzz conversion!!
I'd be interested in seeing what it would sound like if you left all of the values alone, and JUST jumpered the D6 diode.
I liked the brighter SD-1 on this demo. I've used a tubescreamer for years. Maybe I should look at an SD-1 now.
Behringer T. O 800 is an exact Ts 808 for $30. Your welcome
I second this. Behringer makes some great sounding pedals. Don’t believe me, check out the video that Josh from JHS put out about them.
Same thing with NUX OD-3 but cheaper: $24
@@smeercat life's surprisingly cheap when you don't need to pay for an R&D department
"the Demon" overdrive is $28 and has a 808/ts9 switch and comes in a metal casing. I'm a fan of the Behringer stuff also, for low money in a pinch for a tone. I wanted to use the HM2 Swedish death metal sound for a while and the HM300 made it happen for 30 instead of 300....
Tonewise absolutely, plastic enclosure though.
The SD1 certainly sounds like it stretches the gain in a sense while the tube screamer kind of lifts it up to make it sound more intense. Both pedals approach higher gain differently, which i find to be very interesting.
I actually love the stock SD-1. My favorite boost pedal.
Subscribed! I spent a pile of cash on a fancy soldering iron; this seems a good starter project to tackle. Thanks, Brian!
Great video Brian, although I must confess I usually find it difficult to tell the difference between pedals on TH-cam comparison videos. Anyway, I have a Guyatone PS-015 overdrive that I bought new in the early 80s - still works perfectly, and I've just looked inside it, to find that it has a "TL4558" chip. Google tells me that this is rare, so by extension, it must sound better than other chips... I'm tempted to try a new TS9 alongside the Guyatone, to see if I can discern any differences. The Guyatone does have separate bass and treble controls, so it may offer more versatility, but I won't be surprised if the only difference is that my wallet is slightly emptier!
Just discovered your Triumph pedal. Sounds really good and is most likely the next pedal to buy. #1 on my wishlist (as a reverb).
I'm getting started on getting into learning about pedal building and modifying, and I'd be interested in seeing some more "nerdy" stuff like comparisons of types of transistors, using germanium vs silicon, stuff like that. Been digging on Uncle Doug's channel lately, some people really are natural educators. Finding Keeley's old blog entries are a treat, too.
Uncle Doug's channel is great!
doewnskitty Woof !!
Joe Gore ToneFiend site & channel are great. Learned a lot!
+1 for Uncle Doug as well - his stuff is amp-related, not so much pedal.
I came here to say that I have all 3 pedals plus more. Tonight I tried most of them all. The SD1 was the winner by 1% as the main overdrive to push a Marshall 4010 JCM800’s and Jubilee studio. I have to admit that the Tube Screamer is creamier and smoother. The sound of the boss can be off-putting if you like that balanced chord strum. The asymmetric clipping indeed produces a raunchier sound. Ok, so I was A/B Ing them and ended up setting the TS into the boss. I tried the spark and arrows from EQD, and I don't know the best tone is rhythm with SD1 and engaging TS for lead that makes the sound so good. 😊 if Mr.Brian says I’m loco then, I might be going deaf and that’s about it
It would be better to slap a list of the components in the video description, great video (as always). Cheers :)
Long time fan! I have your original DIY book downloaded! Just picked up a used SD-1. May get some of these swaps!
Did you see the new Nu-tube ibanez tube screamer pedal? I would like to hear your input on this new pedal from ibanez and other pedals that have this new technology. Maxon pedals has this technology also. Thanks.
Brian Wampler busting the myths on tube screamers old and new
ibanez>maxon>ibanez
Love these videos I went to DeVry and this is the stuff I really wanted to learn back then... Thanks fo doing this!
Nice playing when doing the demo. Those were some tasty licks.
I prefer the SD-1 to the tube screamer. I don't know what it is, but I have compared the two quite a bit, and I still love the out of box sound of the SD-1.
Can you convert SD1s into any other pedals? I want to make a pedal board of SD1s where only one is an actual SD1.
Love these types of modifications videos. Very kind of you to share knowledge with others.
I have also learned of your line of pedals that I will be checking out. They seem very affordable.
Damn, SD1 sounded great! Great playing also! I have several tube screamers, i even own one of the first modded ones, but now I'm going to get me an sd1! Oh, also, the sd1 already features a footswitch that actually is reliable! I HATE the square foot switches on my tube screamers! If you don't step on the thing at exactly the right angle you'll find your self tapping two, three, even four times to activate them!
I tried this between my 808-clone (with assymetrical clipping option) and a SD1. All I did was change R7 and R9 to 2k2, C5 and C4 to 100 nF and removed C6 on the SD1.
Besides the amount of drive there's indeed no distinguishable difference. At least to my ears.
I had the 808, which I don't like on it's own, but works great in a band situation. I thought I would prefer the SD1 but I couldn't bond with it being bright and harsh IMO. So now I own two 808's. 😎
Boss should manufacture an alternative SD-1 modified to TS808 spec. for £45. No need for them to mention it's a rip-off. As long as they paint it green we'd all get the hint 😉
If possible, have a switch to toggle back and forth, use a somewhat blended color.
3 years late, but I love this kinda content. Now to see what you're currently doing...
I just don't get why TSes are so "Holy Grail". My guitarist has an SD-1 and TS9 in his pedal board and I think the SD-1 consistently sounds better.
I have both too. I use the sd1 as my mine crunch tone and use to ts9 as a boost (drive all the way down, level all the way up)
I agree with you. As a main tone I prefer the sd1 all day. Simply sounds better
Depends on the amp honestly. Asymmetrical clipping sounds way better through Marshall amps. The opposite is true for Fenders.
Sd1 is weak as piss
@@frankzerotohero7387 because it cuts too much bass, boost the bass and the mids slightly. Or I think the custom mode on the waza might fix that but idk.
Awesome Video! Please do more like these, as you are one of the guys that really understandably can explain what is really needed and what not. I always struggle with understanding what a change does before doing it and hearing. Stuff like "I would not bother as you will not hear a difference" is very valuable!
I actually like the sound of the stock SD-1. I have 2 tube-screamers but think I may check out an SD-1. Pretty cool.
Hey Brian. What are your thoughts on Boss moving more and more toward smd construction? For example the DS-1 and BD-2 are now built using smd techniques.
TheSphericalGuy * What does "SMT" building technicas mean ?
I believe he meant, SMD, surface mount devices. Personally, I think it sucks because it makes it damn near impossible to fix because everything is so small - as well, I believe that different manufactured parts like capacitors impart a difference in tone other than their stated capacitance, and SMD have some of the worst tone imo.
There's good and bad things. It allows for a more complicated circuit, plus there are more parts choices since through hole is being obsoleted. I don't like mods on them as much unless you're replacing one surface mount part for another, but I see a lot of people who mod pedals using through hole parts tacked onto the small pads made for surface mount. In my experience, this can lead to problems with broken solder joints many times. Also, it's definitely harder to see... I have to use a magnifying glass much of the time for SMD, but I can remove and replace parts way quicker. Sound wise, SMD can sound good or bad depending on layout and the exact parts used.
Wampler Pedals love these videos. I'm guessing you don't like to bad mouth other pedal suppliers but I'd LOVE to see you highlight problems with SMD by showing the layout and demoing the problem. I've wondered if I could use SMD to make my own pedals. Wondering what caps you should use, thinking the ceramics (MLCC) aren't good for audio?
Really nice vid, first time I’ve followed a circuit through and paid full attention and totally understood it all - cheers guys!
well great video! no doubt but, I would prefer to convert a TS9 into a SD1!
why not just buy an SD1 ? are you crazy? ......... ;-)
42 solder joints? I may need to do some practice joints before I tackle this....( may need some other joints to stay on track.) over all it sounds like a fun project for the long winter months when you cannot go outside and do yard work or home/car maintenance. Great Video. by the way, I bought your Pinnacle Deluxe pedal and I really like it. I appreciate people who still take time to do videos like this who have had success with their own work. Your a genuine article in my book.
Awesome video!!! Fantastic information!! Anytime I get a notification that you’ve posted something, that’s my indication to drop everything and watch it now.
Thanks Dean :)
Excellent news on the book! Always good information from indyguitarist, got my start on the .pdf's. My favorite TS808 mod is the Landgraff and seeing as the SD-1 already has a 1 Meg Drive pot I'll give one a go and add the 3 way clipping with diode lift. Thanks for posting this video with the schematics of both pedals man.
Cool video. I mostly buy from small bear. The JRC (Japanese radio corporation) 4558 is still made on the exact same machine they have always been made on. Same machine, same part, no reason to pay a lot of money for an old one when new ones are exactly the same! Just do some basic research
Exactly!
People on the used Market sometimes like to rape you on the price, because somehow since its original it has to be better.Sometimes that's true but sometimes it's not let the buyer beware.
wreckoningday Thanks for this valuable info, and thanks Mr. Wampler for confirming!
I did this to an SD-1 in around 2009... I've tried a bunch of overdrives since then but I keep going back to my modded SD-1. I got it for $20 and modded it with parts I had on hand!
Frankly, TS series is one of the most over-rated and over-hyped overdrive pedal. All because some of the famous player uses it. The overdrive from my cheap Zoom G1on can get the same job done.
Thank you, the behringer and joyo clones sound better than any tubescreamer for under $30
@@dagony7383 not better maybe but they get the job done, absolutely. Got me a joyo years ago and never even considered spending any money on a TS ever since. When I needed a mid bump to get through, the joyo always was there for me and did the job. Also part of some of my rather intensely distorted fuzz-y sounds.
Let's be honest: a TS is not a magically inspiring piece of gear, like other expansive, highly sought after pedals. It is, however, a VERY useful easy to handle tool because of its mid bump.
@@ithemba I'm 55,started playing in 82,NY thrash scene. Evan Seinfeld was my nextdoor neighbor, warren Cuccurullo lived around the corner, my second cousin is Vito bratta from white lion. None of us had any money growing up. We all started with pawnshop second hand gear and made it work. Never used a boutique pedal and never would pay for overpriced name brands. Always used boss in those days, metal zone ds-1, sd-1. Now I use mxr fullbore metal, mxr distortion, joyo overdrive, dimebag wah out on clean channel fender champ solid state, 100 watt and have no complaints..
I love these kinds of videos. I know I’m late to this one, but I would always welcome more of them.
To my ears the sd1 works way better with that tele and deluxe
Cool video. I built an 808 clone from general guitar gadgets and added a symmetrical / asymmetrical switch. You can do the same: Instead of bridging D6, just use a switch. When closed it's a TS, when open it sounds more like an SD1
No... NO!!! Do not change an SD-1 into a TS808!!! The SD-1 is a better pedal!!! OK... fair disclosure... I've had an SD-1 on my pedal board forever. It's my favorite dirt pedal of all time. Try this: buy TWO SD-1's, change one into a TS808 and play the other. You'll still be money ahead, and you just might end up falling in love with the SD-1! :o)
ThePacerX or do a tricked out mod that keeps the sd-1 close to stock tonewise but aows you to take out/change clipping and adjust tone.
I love the fact that you show actual schematics and great reviews of all types of pedals and amps. Awesome I have a degree in electronics and use build some of my own mixers and amps. Keep up the awesome video Thanks for your great videos.
4:14 ......anyone else spent 5 mins trying to see what it said ??????
I said "really" 4 times. Therefore you KNOW it's "really" similar. Really.
video speed setting to .25
No, I was busy cringing at "your mileage may vary". That saying bugs me
it drove me crazy! :D
At the end of the day, your mileage may vary. Lol
Brian, your playing is kinda extra sweet in this video,nice!
4:31 I could use a couple bucks.
4:14 Really.
Brian is SOOOO drunk at 0.25x...
Superb and looking forward to doing this. More please!!! Thanks from the Isle of Man.
Just buy a Joyo Vintage Overdrive and be done with it! Less money, and LOT less work.
Thank you, been telling people that for years. The joyo and behringer clones sound better than the tube Screamer for under $30
I tried one and it was noisy in my signal chain. Bad monkey fit the bill and budget.
Better meaning price wise!!
Yes! I was super surprised when i kicked mine on for the first time, plus its not as flimsy as some other pedals in its price range. Love mine.
I modded my TS9 with a three way switch for two bass boosts, so its bottom position on switch is Bass Boost 1 and the middle position is Stock TS9 and the upper position is Bass Boost two. Ill never own a TS9 without modding it that way again. I came up with the capacitor values and wiring myself so i wouldn't have to loose functionality and so the TS9 can work as a warmer boost which is amazing when i have it in boost position one or two being boosted by the Treble Booster i made. Its a sound that amazes me every time the are engaged. Also the TS9 boosting the Klon Clone i made is amazing also. Having the Bass boost options really gives you a seriously more versatile pedal and it actually sounds really good its not a gimmick at all. It took me a few trys to get each cap value just right cause i have them working with the stock cap instead of replacing it. That way i can leave in the stock cap and when the 3 way is in the off position its back to stock mid boost tube screamer goodness. If your interested in doing this mod comment and ill send the instructions and values to you, i promise you its worth it and if your still skeptical you can do the mod and if you dont like it all you have to do is desolder two wires from two places on the pcb and the TS9 is back to how it was before you did the mod. But if you like it, which you will! All you have to do to make it permanent is drill a single hole underneath the level control and thats where your 3 way switch will be.
Just buy a $20 Behringer TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive.
Been saying that for years, the behringer and joyo vintage overdrive sound better than the tube Screamer for under $30
@@dagony7383 The Nux Overdrive OD 3 is awesome also!
Thanks Brian
Love the variety of content on the channel
I'm not a DIY'er but enjoyed you going through the schematic and explaining the circuit.
I personally have learned a ton from these videos and appreciate you passing your knowledge on.
I destroyed my SD-1 trying to do this.
R.I.P. SD-1 :c
Raid the couch for change and get another!
Brilliant! I bought an SD-1 the day before they announced the special Japanese tuned one that actually sounds good. I don't like the SD-1, the TS-808 is more open and airy, I can hear why SRV used one. I might actually mod mine and film it! :D
Just buy a joyo vintage drive for 24 bux save the trouble
Yes! I finished this mod yesterday and i'm very happy with the sound ! Unbelieveable ! Many Thanks!
Love these kinds of videos Mr Wampler you are so unique!! Please do more!!
Awesome, love to see videos like this from a company I love. One thing, a parts list in the video description would have been very handy, and an A/B comparison of the modded pedal against the 808 would have been the icing on the cake. Can't wait to see more vids like this!
Thanks! I'll add it to the description as well, but here you go:
How to modify a Boss sd-1 into a TS808 Tubescreamer style circuit
R1- 1K
C1 - .022 UF
R2 - 510K
C2 - 1UF
R4 - 10K
R5 - 51K
GAIN POT - CHANGE TO 500K AUDIO TAPER
D6 - JUMPER
D4 - 1S1588, MA150, OR KEEP STOCK
D5 - 1S1588, MA150, OR KEEP STOCK
R7 - 1K
C4 - .22UF
C6 - REMOVE (DON’T JUMPER)
R9 - 1K
C5 - .22UF
R8 - 220 OHM
R10 - 1K
VOLUME POT - CHANGE TO 100K LINEAR TAPER
C8 - .1UF
R16 - 100 OHM
R17 - 10K
Opamp - If you’re SD-1 doesn’t have a 4558 type, change it.
*NOTE: All “C” locations are capacitors. All “R” locations are resistors.
You can find parts at www.smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/
Thanks for posting this - and even more importantly, thanks for making a simple mod like this seem accessible. I'm a novice when it comes to electronics, but I have a growing interest, and this strikes me as a project that is doable, and educational. Thanks!
Love these type of videos Brian. Please do more.
Awesome video, would love to see more videos like this!
Super cool video! Enjoyed learning about he circuits and what you do to modify pedals!
You ought to hear what saying "really" four times sounded like when I slowed the video down to .25x speed to read the text! 😂
Thanks for the great tutorial and all the knowledge you so eagerly pass along!
Yes please, more like this, as the old saying goes, if it ain't broke mend it till it is!
I enjoy every videos about pedal building. Please make more videos about circuits stages, how the different components affect the signal. Thanks again.
This is a great mod. I have an Analogman modded SD-1/TS808 on my board and love it. Goes from really clean to really dirty very easily.
Your tele and shoe game is strong, my friend. ;)
Nicely done as always! Gotta try this.
Great Video Mr Wampler! A real eye opener. Thank you. All the best.
Cool video! I read your 2012 article in Premier Guitar on 5 DIY mods and figured a way to incorporate switchable gain and bass boost on my SD-1. Actually, it's more like gain boost and gain/bass boost. Sounds great! Thanks for all the cool info!
Awesome video!! I would love to see your DS-1 Mods that everyone talks about! Beginning DIYer here, so this is extremely helpful!
Wow that amp sounds killer! This video reminded me of how good the SD-1 is as mod platform. I've tried a bunch of mods. My favourite so far is the Monte Allums SD-1 mod. But just removing C6 also really opens up the pedal. I also tried different clipping diodes and IC's, but always found I liked the stock parts better.
By the way... if people are looking for more mod idea's. They should defenitely read Brians article in Premier Guitar on SD-1 and TS9 mods: www.premierguitar.com/articles/13562-diy-mods-to-perfect-your-ibanez-ts9-and-boss-sd-1
Thank you for teaching us some skills to learn to create.
Whew! Had the credit card out & was just starting to order a Clarksdale & a few others. Decided to dig my SD-1 out instead. Just saved 100's!!! ,,,,,, Ok, I'm just messin with ya. But if I liked TS's I would certainly consider this. Good vid
Nice vid, keep 'em coming! Ironically, I like SD-1 better than any other TubeScreamer incarnation.
These videos are a great rabbit hole and I love them. Really interesting and practical mod advice/history. In this case with this much de-soldering, I'd probably just get a kit and make one from scratch though for maybe not that much more? Also, I love the SD-1 as is. I agree what you said on the 4558. I made an overdrive (BB style) for a friend and he was really honing in on the op amp in talking about how to put it together in lieu of talking about what circuit he'd really prefer. I just gave him a few different flavors for less than a couple bucks so he could just play around with them for himself instead of having that circular conversation. I think A/B-ing he left the JRC in because it was the last thing he tried and what I put in there as stock.
A mod I did on a TS clone I made for one of Canada's premier blues guitarists was a variable "warp" control. Rather than using a 2+1 diode complement, I simply inserted a 10pot in series with one of the clipping diodes. It does not have the *identical* effect as using an asymmetrical trio, but it introduces a different sort of asymmetry by softening the clipping for one half cycle. The Marshall Bluesbreaker, and Analogman King of Tone (which is more or less based on the Bluesbreaker) both use a fixed resistor in series with *both* clipping diodes to soften things. Inserting the variable resistance after only one diode has a slightly different effect. Since the clipping action of one of the diodes is reduced, that also raises both the dynamic range (when that resistance is non-zero) and consequently the maximum output level.
There is no *requirement* that it be a pot. If there was no room to install a pot, a person could simply remove the 3rd diode from the 2-diode side, replace it with a 10k fixed resistor, and use a 3-position toggle to either leave the resistor alone (full asymmetry), bridge that added resistor with a 3k9 fixed resistor (yielding a combined parallel resistance of 2k8 for moderate asymmetry) or bridge it fully to revert back to two diodes a la TS-9.
Awesome!! Thanks for the lesson! I don't even have an SD-1 but want to give it a try just because now!!
Love this vid! Really awesome info B! Keep these mod videos coming my friend!