Compare the Boss SD-1 and Ibanez TS-9 - are they virtually t

[luther]

I read in another post about the Vai tone FTLOG as being built with a Boss SD-1. *I play thru a Ibanez TS-9, *and a Boss DS-1. *How does the SD-1 compare to these two pedals?

1) amount of gain
2) trebley distortion (like the DS-1), *or smooth dynamic power (TS-9)
3) Love it/hate it/rarely use it?

Thanks,

Luther

[gkelm]

I have a Jap SD-1 and have had a few TS9s that I've modded to 808 specs. *The SD-1 is VERY close to the TS9. *It may not have the exact mid peak at the TS9, slightly different, but very, very close.

For me the SD-1 does what the TS9 does well (cleanish lead boost), and is maybe a hair better as a stand alone OD.
Greg

[Josh Blagg]

Yeah, the big thing about the TS-9/808 is the midrange it offers.

[nuno]

Sorry guys,

what the 808 specs are?

nuno

[gkelm]

Nuno-
It involves replacing an IC chip and two output resistors.

Check this out:
http://www.hdn.tmfweb.nl
...Go to "mods" and then TS808


This brings it back to the original TS808 specs...that's the pedal that SRV made famous. *I've done a few mods for myself and sold a couple on ebay. *It's not a difficult mod and the parts are cheap.
Greg

[rgr]

I think the TS is a little smoother than the SD, but I haven't used one in years. *I just bought a MIJ SD-1 and love it. *The clipping circuits in both pedals are similar with one major exception. *The TS circuit clips symmetrically, meaning the same amount on the high side and the low side of the sine wave while the SD clips asymmetrically, it clips one side of the wave earlier than the other. *What this does is introduce a subtle octave effect to the signal. *Not enough to sound like an Octavia but it does add a little something extra to the signal, makes it a little more "tubey". *The midrange "hump" doesn't seem to be as prevalent in the SD as the TS either.

$0.02,
Roger

[Josh Blagg]

Gkelm,

Are you buying original JRC4558 chips or newer ones that are in production. *The original Japanese Radio Company chips produced in the late 70's - 80's are no longer in production and are kinda hard to find in my opnion. *I've seen replicas you can buy now that are listed as a JRC4558 from such places as Mouser.com, but they aren't exactly the same.

[nuno]

Greg,
that 'Grooveyard21' site... damn!
all those TubeScreamers... scary!

btw, thanx for your advice (808-wise).

nuno

[gkelm]

Josh- I guess mine must be replicas.

Nuno- No prob...let me know if you need help if you try the mod.

Greg