Boss DS-1: MIJ vs. Keeley mod?

[Inzane]

Forgive me if this question was asked already...

Is an older Made-In-Japan version of the Boss DS-1 pedal basically the same as a Keeley-modded non-MIJ DS-1, or are there still differences?

I'm trying to figure out what I should be trying to buy when it comes time to get a DS-1 (assuming I'll want/need one): just buy a new one, find an old (MIJ) one, or get one Keeley modded?

Thanks.

[jb4674]

I think that both are totally different pedals that sound totally different. As I recall reading comments and decriptions within the Keeley website, the DS-1 mod is meant to take over where the original leaves off to put it in simple terms.

Personally, if I were to get a DS-1, I'd go for the vintage one because it's harder to find. Worse comes to worse, if you don't like the original one, you can always resell it, buy a brand new MIT DS-1 and send it to Keeley to mod it.

Jimmy

[Inzane]

Which route would be better if you're after a Satch-like tone?

[jb4674]

Get the vintage DS-1 (if you can find one in decent shape), IMO.

Jimmy

[Inzane]

Originally Posted by jb4674

Get the vintage DS-1 (if you can find one in decent shape), IMO.

Jimmy

Ok, last question then: How do you KNOW what you're getting when buying a used DS-1? How can you discern a vintage MIJ DS-1 from the new lesser variety?

Thanks.

[jb4674]

There are some sites out there that help you date a Boss pedal, let me find one and I'll post the link for ya.

Jimmy

[speedy mcfeely]

the Keeley pedal is a different beast altogether. The "Ultra mod" was the mod that got Keeley on the map. SSV used one for years. The mod totally enhances your sound. Its smotther, more articulate and has more gain than a normal ds-1.

[JJEMMER777]

Originally Posted by speedy mcfeely

the Keeley pedal is a different beast altogether. The "Ultra mod" was the mod that got Keeley on the map. SSV used one for years. The mod totally enhances your sound. Its smotther, more articulate and has more gain than a normal ds-1.

Oh....you mean this pedal??? Sorry I didn't have time to crop out the cheap guitar



Yeah it's totally 100% different. You CANNOT use the Keeley as a distortion pedal alone. It simply sounds like CRAP over the clean channel. It's like a mod and boost to your existing distorion. Extra sustain and that ~spacey~ Vai/Satch sound

I love it!!! but only for certain sections. Everything has it's place

[FloridaNative]

ROFLMAO!!! Jim!! You are a pic whore when it comes to that guitar!! hehehe

[SilverSurfer2]

I had a Ds-1 seeing eye mod, it had the Fat switch that basically beefed up the tone.......it added more low end to the signal, and a little more growl to the distortion. It was like giving the original a bigger, fatter sound, great for leads as well as rhythms. The tone was also warmer than the original, as different capacitors were installed.

Back then i was using satch's setup: Marshall anniversary head/cab and Js guitars with the modded Ds-1........so i was able to get great satch tone without any problems.

I think you should be able to get satch tone with either one, but then again it depends on the guitar and amp you are using too.........but you can find audio samples of the modded one on the net........just do a search and you should be able to find some.

Good luck

[JJEMMER777]

Originally Posted by FloridaNative

ROFLMAO!!! Jim!! You are a pic whore when it comes to that guitar!! hehehe

What guitar?? All I see is a Keeley Modded DS-1 and bright blue ~LED~

[FloridaNative]

Originally Posted by JJEMMER777

What guitar?? All I see is a Keeley Modded DS-1 and bright blue ~LED~

hehehe You make me laugh! You bad bad boy! lol

[jb4674]

This page will allow you to decode the serial number:

http://www.bossarea.com/serial/sndecoder.aspx


This page shows you the different types of labels on boss pedals for various years:

http://www.bossarea.com/labels/labels.htm


This page gives you lots of useful info about how to tell the different versions of the DS-1:

http://www.bossarea.com/loadpage.asp?file=boxes/ds1.xml

Basically, if you can find a DS-1 that looks like the one in the picture below, you're golden:




The DS-1's that are made in taiwan (and were made recently) will have the "DS-1" starting from under the "i" in Distortion. MIJ pedals that are vintage will have the "DS-1" starting from undet the "t" in distortion. Vintage DS-1's will also have a silver screw, while the MIT ones will have a black plastic screw.

I hope this helps.

Jimmy

[JJEMMER777]

Originally Posted by jb4674

Basically, if you can find a DS-1 that looks like the one in the picture below, you're golden:

Oh - I almost forgot

Not to make this a classified thread, but I've got a spare (golden-as above) DS-1 if your interested, Inzane

[andy7jem]

Is no thread safe anymore