D-Trio

After years of living dangerously with high gain amps, I still include a distortion pedal in my set up. I have this trio out most of the time. 

The Malmsteen is the newest in the group. It's been labelled as an overdrive my the manufacturer & Malmsteen himself refers to it as one. I hear very hard clippings coming out of this one so calling it an OD is a little deceiving. 

The Dragon Hound is a good catch at SV's closing down sale, it was on 40% discount if memory serves me right. Also, this is the second gen illustration, the initial iteration featured a dragon / canine graphic befitting of the name but this comical edition does not make it a lesser pedal; it's one of the best 2-in-1 distortion unit I own. 

Of coure, the distortion that started it all - BOSS' DS-1 - is still a constant reference for my needs. This dilapidated pedal is the prized Japanese version which I received as a supplementary unit when purchasing a used guitar back in my pre-cancer days.

There's no firm favourite, I will deploy the preferred pedal according to my needs.

DS 50th

A totally unnecessary purchase - another DS-1. But this is a special one, released in a darker shade of orange.

Because it's an anniversary edition. By the way, it's 50th Anniversary not 50 Year Anniversary. Available at Swee Lee now (List: $129).

Price watch (53)

Is there a DS-1 resurgence that we should be aware of? I mean this pre-owned one exceeds $100.

And another one. How much can you get one for if you visit the authorised dealer here? Slightly less than $70. If you bought one from Amazon, then it's a little over-priced but it's still lesser than these two depicted here. I just feel that some people are not initiated enough when they put stuff up for sale. They might have pegged it against their previous purchase price which might not be reflective of local prices. I also urge buyers to check out prices first before agreeing with the asking prices of after-market listings.

BOSSes (2)

So the new BOSS pedals are DS-1s. Predictably, one is the WAZA incarnation but what's the other?

The other DS-1 is the Malaysian version which I bought to prove myself right. I had a casual conversation last year with a certain someone who said the Malaysian version had a slight tonal difference. I disagreed because when I tested it in the store, there were no differences to be heard; the reason I didn't buy one then. So this purchase was to enable me to test the pedal out with my gear at home to maybe discover that difference but again, I hear no differences between the Malaysian & the Taiwanese. So, there.

Price watch (46)

Bummer. Was supposed to be at Nick Johnston's clinic but ended up not going due to work-related matters. Not really complaining as the clinic was a free event & I took up the request willingly. Despite portraying myself as unapproachable & misanthropic at work, I will empathize with emergency situations readily. Anyway, people won't approach you if they don't see you as someone dependable in times like this.

Ended the day looking at the above Ibanez AZ2204 listings. Two of them are the N version, while the other, just a regular 2204. These are listed for $2,699 new (Swee Lee). The Prussian Blue finish is a limited run, the black ones are still in production. After-market prices are reflecting a 10% +/- discounts so not much to be had in terms of price-to-satisfaction considerations. A used AZ2204N, if you buy one from Japan, lists for $2,059. Add $150 shipping / handling charges, you would still be a winner as opposed to buying one from the above listing. We need not be too worked up with the condition of any 2204 for that matter as these are relatively new in the market, they won't manifest 'relic' conditions unless there are major issues which the seller should disclose, eg. wonky electronics, parts swapped out, etc. I am NOT asking you to not buy from the sellers above, in fact, if they are open to further negotiations & prove to be very accommodating in many ways, we should support the local after-market dealings. 

OK, em... the fabled Japanese DS-1 for $500. The WAZA DS-1 will be available here soon, it's also made in Japan & has extra features for the money. I'm not equating the WAZA version with this MIJ counterpart but, yeah. It's your money. 

Banzai!

I'm feeling very blessed right now - one the blog readers here handed down his BOSS DS-1 to me saying he's done for good due to old age. From the looks of it, when I shook his hand to thank him, he might be in his late 60s / 70s. It's compounded by the fact that he remembers Swee Lee used to be located at Capitol building & that's way beyond my time. I already own a DS-1, it's my most used pedal in the mean time.

But this is the Japanese version. Let's see if there's any life left in this one.

To be continued...

Price watch (31)

$100 for a used DS-1...

Swee Lee sells it for much less. It's out of stock in the mean time but BOSS pedals get replenished all the time.

Pic: Swee Lee

 

This one is a difficult proposition; missing knob, dirty rubber parts (looks mouldy to me) & labelled like new. 

Smoothie

I usually don't do this but in an attempt to manifest that smooth drive tone, one has to employ a drive unit of that ilk last in the chain. The DS-1 is there as a push / boost unit. The TS, in my opinion, is capable of producing some of the smoothest drive tone out there but sometimes it needs assistance in terms of saturation. 

TV & practice

Was watching TV two nights ago, had this set up going:

• Blackstar FLY 3. Nothing beats this one in the mean time in terms of the most desirable tone coming from a portable unit.
• BOSS DS-1. Giving the Fly a little boost, nothing extensive.
• Ibanez GRGR010LTD. The only Ibanez GIO in my possession. It's the one that keeps me firmly in check; it's not about the bling or the label, it's totally about what you must do with your talent.

I was actually watching the news but got pissed after 10min. From the very beginning, political figures made their presence felt. It was a live news coverage, they did a special on-location broadcast from a festival market here. If they are indeed inclusive, the programme would have included other prominent local figures & not just those political few. Switched the set off & played guitar for the remaining 20min. TV vs practice, practice wins.

Orange Sunday

I'm still unwell. Trying to rest & not think about work. Had been indoors since Friday night. It's supposed to be a joyful weekend, doing the things you like that offsets work's lethargy but I guess that didn't happen.

Consolation- I got to re-string my Duo Sonic here. It moved up from 9.5s to 10s. I'm trying to get used to 10s which weren't my cup of tea since the early days of my playing. 

The obligatory post re-string playing with the set up seen here through my Blackstar which makes everything sound good. The key to good tones, after years of playing, is always the guitar-amplifier pairing. If you could make them agreeable to begin with, pedals will only help refine what you like to hear. 

Wishing everyone a good week ahead. Take care of yourselves, try not to fall sick. 😀

Agent orange

I got this Jackson DK2T for a bargain & it's proving its worth.

The usual maintenance; wipe down, re-moisturized fretboard, cleaned electronics & re-strung with Darco 9s.

I must say that the Seymour Duncans I have in various guitars are sounding good with the DS-1. I usually avoid using a distortion unit & let the high gain amp pull off all the aggression with an overdrive unit instead. However, I'm backing off the gain over at the amp a wee bit more these days to let a more commanding pedal colour the tone. So far the DS-1 is winning it & living its reputation to be a no-frills unit since day one. The pickups in this guitar: JB (b)/ Jazz (n). The JB is manifesting a deeper thump despite its reputation for being treble-inclined. 

So something happened along the way; that screw there was the culprit. I was removing the mounting ring & the said screw won't budge obviously due to its dead state. Had to use a larger screwdriver to force it out & the tension release stressed the structure hence the crack. I was wondering why this particular screw ended up this corroded when the other three were not, given the fact that I meticulously wax all screw threads to prevent any untoward incidences involving corrosion & permanent grounding. I might have overlooked this one. I have spare pickup mounting rings in the house so no issues pertaining to replacements. 

Single with orange

Had been with this set up since Monday:

• PRS S2 SC250: Pickups in there are Seymour Duncan's P-Rails (N)/ Pegasus (B)
• Boss: Distortion DS-1
• Korg: Pitch Black tuner
• DAW: Shredline pick 3mm

Was looking for a different neck feel so the SC250 was the reference. Have been in split mode every time the neck pickup is engaged so might be looking to make that permanent. Also, I had been playing everything through the DS-1 lately & sometimes took things for granted; this orange stomp box is definitely the standard to beat in terms of a no-frills offering. The Pitch Black- had been using this for all pedal tuning reference. One of the best in terms of accuracy & durability. Currently awaiting for new DAW picks to arrive but will not abandon this green meanie. 

Orange bite

Had been spending time with this guitar (Schecter VG-TE-A-SM) for most of the days last week. Its weight is substantial so the bottom end is rather healthy with this one. Despite having Duncan's Quarter Pounds in there, the tone is pretty much smooth & threatens to mud out with overdrive (especially in the neck position). So out came the DS-1 to remedy the situation & true enough, it's all the guitar needs to manifest its true potential.

I have other Tele type guitars here & they don't prove to be troublesome when it comes to the tone's top end. It's all about the weight; with heftier wood, there's not much bite when resonance comes into play so a smooth overdrive response won't sweeten things up. I'm also glad I have a good range of effects here with me to help supplement my needs when the situation arises. So folks, if it's within your means & you pretty much have decided on your guitar-amp choices, do invest in some pedals for tone shaping. It's about what you wanna hear for yourself & the best person to make it happen is you. Make it count by having some effects at your disposal. 

Have a great final November week ahead. 😎

Go with your needs

Suppose you own an awesome amp, something that gives you what you want to hear, do you still need pedal reinforcements?

I believe Marshall's JVM gives me what I want to hear even its mini-me version here. It doesn't need a BOSS DS-1 to please me. However, I still hook it up for two main reasons:

1. A different type of drive. That's right, the JVM on its own versus a JVM plus the DS-1 are two different voicings. I tend to tame the gain down on the JVM with the DS-1 in use. If the gain over at the amp is maxed out, the DS-1 presence wouldn't be heard. I just amplifies the background hissing more than anything else. I need a marked contribution from the DS-1 but it shouldn't overpower the amp. It's quite a balancing act depending on the guitars used. Most of the time it's also because I have different pickups in various guitars so there's no fixed setting that will adapt to the different guitars, it's the joy of tweaking (both amp & pedal) & discovering the sweet spot.
2. Increased sensitivity. That's right, I discovered that a cascading drive set up (doesn't matter if it's an amp-pedal or a pedal-pedal combo) gives off extra picking sensitivity. Simple reason- we are dealing with two sources of gain. It's definitely different from cranking the gain up on the amp only; that's only a single gain source. The set back is that increased background hissing.

So go with your needs. If you need to hear your favourite amp being kicked by a mild distortion unit so that you can become what you are (& not under-perform)- do it. 

Black D

I own the standard BOSS DS-1. Yes, that orange pedal that says distortion but not as angry as you'd expect it to be. This black commemorative version is every bit that orange version (still made in Taiwan contrary to popular belief) less the colour difference. I don't hear a difference (tone-wise) between them as some have claimed to have (maybe my hearing is going south due to age). You're paying about $30+/- more for a commemorative colour difference. Done. 😑

Present

Ah... birthday present. 👍But it's not even my birthday. Hmm...

Anniversary distortion

The commemorative Anniversary DS-1 is now available at Swee Lee- just $20 more than the standard model. 👍

Anniversary in black

No rubbing of eyes, please, this BOSS DS-1 is indeed the limited edition version of the manufacturer's 40th anniversary celebrations which would take place throughout the year. Expect more commemorative goodies along the way but keep in mind of the novelty & prices, some regurgitations (without fresh inputs) are not worth buying. 

Bosses

My subversive nature always manifest a bad relationship with bosses or the authority in general. The only bosses I am on good terms with are my BOSS pedals- the only bosses you can step on & make them obey.

Anyway, despite not being a BOSS fan, I do own 4 BOSS pedals as depicted above:

• OD-3: to give my TS9s some competition
• DS-1: on days when I need a harder booster for my primary distortion
• BD-2: because it's crunchier than the above-mentioned pedals
• RC-2: for days whn I feel like jamming with myself. It was on sale anyway, so nothing to lose in terms of practicing supplements

Understanding distortion

Unlike the overdrive, the signals churned out by the typical distortion unit are already 'tampered', even before reaching the amplifier. This is the reason why, one cannot acquire clean tones even at the lower levels of distortion if one chooses to use it as a clean booster. The misconception with distortion units is that it's supposed to be a hard hitting device when in fact, it's rather restrained inherently, as typified by the pioneer of pedal distortion, the Pro Co Rat. The distortion is similarly used to boost an already driven/ distorted amplifier to increase its intensity

The most popular mild distortion in the market is arguably BOSS' DS-1 but chronologically, it's a later interpretation of the distortion tone.


In its leading era, MXR's Distortion + hold its own dynamics, it even precedes Ibanez's Tubescreamer in terms of debut application.

As it is today, the average distortion unit has evolved to manifest more intensity, a better understanding of this would be acquired after one hears the BOSS Metal Zone in action. The standard in distortion intensity has always been the chemistry of the amplifier's power/ pre-amp sections. Manufacturers capitalized on this application from the fact that not everyone can afford such amps & its power ratings would mean limited applications at home (& the inability to fully realize the amp's potential).

The distortion effect is still evolving, today it incorporates other features to address the niche demand for intensity & saturation. The pedal you see above is Seymour Duncan's Twin Tube Mayhem which has an in-built booster (more intensity to bring the roof down + split ear drums) & pre-amp tubes.