Regular DS-1 and DS-1 Keeley Mode
- Thread starter moo_5150
- Start date
I still think, IMHO, a DS1 is, well, lousy.
And a modded DS1 is a better lousy.
A MIJ DS1 is good, but not good enough for me to spend the $150 plus or much more on it.
But new ones are cheap and do get the job done. Satch has a top-secret modded DS1, and many other great players use them too.
And a modded DS1 is a better lousy.
A MIJ DS1 is good, but not good enough for me to spend the $150 plus or much more on it.
But new ones are cheap and do get the job done. Satch has a top-secret modded DS1, and many other great players use them too.
Ized
New member
this is just my opinion, no offence intended if you feel otherwise ya. Well I feel that a ds-1 is not lousy, it just has it uses.
alot of young players go buy the ds1 with the wrong intent and expectations. and then they go to harmony central and write reviews like, "its crap its it cant get me a brootalz klvtz tone"
*epic facepalm*
I find that what a ds1 really excels at is at BOOSTING. the way it boosts an amp or main drive pedal is quite different from say, a tubescreamer. It adds hair, sustain and fatness to the tone, yet it retains more of your tone and picking dynamics compared to a tubescreamer. Thats how Vai uses it anyways, it fattens up his lead tone and tightens up his rhythm tone.
What I find its not so good at, is as a primary drive pedal into a clean amp. It gets buried in the mix easily. Once modded its a different story though. It does have an interesting sound when used into a clean amp though... Satriani anyone?
alot of young players go buy the ds1 with the wrong intent and expectations. and then they go to harmony central and write reviews like, "its crap its it cant get me a brootalz klvtz tone"
*epic facepalm*
I find that what a ds1 really excels at is at BOOSTING. the way it boosts an amp or main drive pedal is quite different from say, a tubescreamer. It adds hair, sustain and fatness to the tone, yet it retains more of your tone and picking dynamics compared to a tubescreamer. Thats how Vai uses it anyways, it fattens up his lead tone and tightens up his rhythm tone.
What I find its not so good at, is as a primary drive pedal into a clean amp. It gets buried in the mix easily. Once modded its a different story though. It does have an interesting sound when used into a clean amp though... Satriani anyone?
Victorinox
New member
The keeley mod will add more bass to the DS1 and give it more of a "growl" than the stock version. Thats what I remember about mine. The switch will make it louder but slightly cleaner when toggled.
And I have taiwan versions of the MIJ ds1. Its another whole story behind the history of ds1 but take it that the taiwan version is similar to the MIJ ds1. Its different but not better than the current MIT ds1. The keeley mod is better than both mainly because of the added bass and "grow"
Its pretty good and I dont see it as crap at all. It perfectly funtional and usable. Between the direct drive, screwdriver and ds1, its the ds1 that gets brought out for jams!
And I have taiwan versions of the MIJ ds1. Its another whole story behind the history of ds1 but take it that the taiwan version is similar to the MIJ ds1. Its different but not better than the current MIT ds1. The keeley mod is better than both mainly because of the added bass and "grow"
Its pretty good and I dont see it as crap at all. It perfectly funtional and usable. Between the direct drive, screwdriver and ds1, its the ds1 that gets brought out for jams!
Whitestrat
New member
I was ok with the DS1 stock (Taiwan or Japan, doesn't matter to me). I liked the Keeley DS1. but I LURVE the Vox Satchurator!!!!!:twisted:
keithC
New member
ARE YOU SERIOUS? ive been contemplating the screwdriver for quite some time!
Ized
New member
I actually preferred my stock mij one to the modded versions.... but i guess thats because i use mine for boosting....
Victorinox
New member
Well, I didnt say it was better. I just said it got brought out to jams more often
. Because its old and cheap and I can kick it around without feeling the pinch. I'll get a heartache if I get a scratch on the screwdriver. I'm sure the screwdriver is good but I just kind of not so used to the sharpness knob. Unlike a regular tone knob which adds treble when turning it clockwise, the sharpness knob reduces bass instead when turning it clockwise. Something like a reverse bass knob.
But the screwdriver is better for the clean up with guitar volume roll off thing. And naturally of course, its 200 US with a five month wait time!
Whitestrat
New member
I actually preferred my stock mij one to the modded versions.... but i guess thats because i use mine for boosting....
I did like the MIJs, mainly because they were a bit warmer and smoother than the Taiwan ones. But I didn't find it compelling enough to go out and hunt for one. The Keeley DS1 (MIT) alone was really good enough.
I wonder if I could get him to mod my Satchurator?:twisted:
The stock MIJ DS1 is a gem for boosting. I think its a tasteful, toneful gain pusher... it helps give a more satch-like feel, in a nutshell. More squish, a looser feel, and a nice singing compression.
Actually, Lionel, I'm interested to hear the satchurator in a boost situation. I must say that the unit sounds extremely good standalone though. I dig it. With the Dimarzio Cruisers, the satchurator gets that fuzz-like tone? Its brilliant! Next time, let me have a go with it...
Actually, Lionel, I'm interested to hear the satchurator in a boost situation. I must say that the unit sounds extremely good standalone though. I dig it. With the Dimarzio Cruisers, the satchurator gets that fuzz-like tone? Its brilliant! Next time, let me have a go with it...
Whitestrat
New member
Basket... You've had it TWICE and you never played around with it... See lah? always aim my guitars...:twisted:
You want it to boost something? or have something boost it? for it to boost something, it's quite ok. But for something to boost it, is pointless.
BTW, check this out: http://www.jhsmods.com/JHS_Pedals/Vox_Satchurator.html
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