about Boss SD-1 mods

[GibsonMarshallguy41]

I've been looking into getting a few of my Boss pedals modded soon, and the one I'm mainly focused on is my SD-1. its really old, and rusty, and noisy anyway, so I figured it would be the one that would most benefit from a good mod. I don't do mods at all, so I would obviously be sending it out. but most of the places I've researched - Keeley, Allums, JHS, Analogman - advertise SD-1 mods that turn it into a tube screamer. I don't want to turn it into a tube screamer. I want it to sound like an SD-1, but with less noise, more output, and more thickness (and maybe some gain options, if the mod offers it).

does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for an SD-1 mod that isn't a "tube screamer" transforming mod?

 

[Colt14jr]

The seeing eye/ ultra mod is awesome sounding. I did my own for about $20. Just bought the kit off Ebay and did it myself.

 

[GibsonMarshallguy41]

ok, but what company does this mod? Keeley? and wait a minute... I thought the "Seeing Eye/Ultra" mod was for the DS-1. the one I'm referring to is the Boss Super Overdrive (the yellow one), not the Distortion (orange).

 

[cubistguitar]

Hate to break it to you, but the SD-1 is for all practical purposes a tubescreamer with asymmetrical clipping. Perhaps try an MI Audio Blues Pro Overdrive, its louder, more clear and has asymmetrical clipping. Great sounding pedal, not familiar with the newest version, but it would a good device if MI made it. Has some overlap with the old SD-1, but its really its own thing too. The only tubescreamer derivative I could ever put up with except for the fabulous SD-1.

 

[insanecopilot]

Boss pedals are simple to mod.Paint by numbers. It is not worth it to send them out to mod. Better to buy a good pedal to begin with. Still buffered bypass. If the sd1 is old anyway why not try simple mods with it first?

 

[ispunk]

Here is good site that explains a lot of the popular SD-1 mods:

http://www.pedalarea.com/sd1.htm

 

[vanguard]

If it's MIJ, don't mod it! it already has all the goods! Noise is part of the pedal (like a tube screamer). If there's crazy noise, it may just need a good going through.

If it's MIT, mod away. A Burr Brown hi-fi OPA chip is a really nice sounding mod. combine that with symmetrical red LED clipping and you've got a bitchin boutique overdrive.

All the other mods I've tried weren't that great. The stock circuit is really, really good.

 

[voorhiessa]

There was a sd1 in the emporium that the seller described as more like a fuzz. I can't remember the name of the mod though.

 

[bobbyatomic]

It probably wouldn't cost you much more just to buy a new SD-1, I picked up a nearly new one off ebay for next to nothing and I haven't noticed it adding much if any noise.

 

[8mileshigh]

Monte Allumns has the best SD-1 mod in town, costs $20.00 for the kit.

 

[joe_k]

WOuld definitely go monte allums mods. Make it sounds better plus you can have the symmetrical/asymmetrical clipping switch to use whatever you like and also a switch for double gain.

Hard to beat an sd-1 with the monte mods. plenty more expensive tubescreamers which can't touch it.

 

[clapointe1]

Remove C6 and your done !

 

[jdel77]

Just leave the clipping diodes alone and do the rest of the mods then.
The asymmetrical clipping of the SD-1 gives that signature open growl that a TS doesn't really have.

 

[GibsonMarshallguy41]

just to respond to some of the posts that I've read so far...

I already removed the C6 cap, and I like the improved sound, but I still want to have it modded further... and furthermore, I've read that the difference between Japan or Taiwan made is barely noticeable to the ears, so I'm really not concerned with even attempting to figure that out... and I happen to like the sound of the SD-1, so I'm not going to go out of my way to purchase another pedal when I can pay a little bit for more presence, more gain, and less noise... and I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I do not do my own mods or tech work to my pedals, guitars, or amps. I would much rather spend the money to have someone else do it that actually knows what they're doing, rather than risking me screwing it up. to me, its well worth the money to have an experienced professional tech (and someone who invented the mod) do the work. I appreciate the fact that some people prefer working on their own gear, but I am definitely not one of them.

 

[Colt14jr]

ok, but what company does this mod? Keeley? and wait a minute... I thought the "Seeing Eye/Ultra" mod was for the DS-1. the one I'm referring to is the Boss Super Overdrive (the yellow one), not the Distortion (orange).

Uh-oh sorry wrong pedal...

 

[leonard d rock]

changing c3 to .56uf will increase the bass so it sounds fuller.

 

[fabulusfab777]

Not sure where you are located but I have a SD-1 that I had bought in a small local shop for real cheap (around 35$). I liked the tone but wanted to ''expend'' it a little. The words you are describing seem to fit what the mod did to mine. The SD-1 one was very good to push an amp or other pedal but less good as a standalone overdrive. I had mine modded by SolidGoldFX, and they did an amazing job. I know these mods are available everywhere and easy to do m but I'm very happy with mine. It stills sounds like a SD-1 but with a much better overdrive tone by itself, more volume on Tap, maybe a little more gain but mostly more pleasing gain structure/tone and more bass and presence. I still use mine pushing another OD pedal (A KOT right now) but sometime I use it on it's own and gives a great classic rock tone.

A keeper for me.

 

[GibsonMarshallguy41]

cool. it looks like Solid Gold FX still offers the SD-1 mod for 50 bucks. thanks for the input.

 

[fabulusfab777]

cool. it looks like Solid Gold FX still offers the SD-1 mod for 50 bucks. thanks for the input.

All good!

That's what I paid for it. So you get a great pedal for under 100$ in the end, was really worth it.

 

[jazzfromhell]

One of mine are modded by our own Stinkfoot and it's brilliant, it's one of the most versatile ODs I own, basically 3 pedals in one.
- massive cleanish boost w low compression
- SD-1 tone but a bit fatter and jucier
- a more compressed, sustainier tone. Great for legato playing.

I'm guessing you're in the States so it's maybe a bit pricey to ship.