DS-1 questions

grunge_freak · #1 08-14-2010, 04:21 PM

Is it worth it to pick up a boss ds-1? I play grunge and I want better, more variable distortion than my amps dist. channel delivers, but I don't wanna spend too much money. I know it probly cuts some bottom end, but I mean what distortion pedal doesn't lol. I dunno, for $40 it seems like it'd be worth it, let me know what you think.

dune2k · #2 08-14-2010, 04:47 PM

I just sold mine. It basically cuts all the low end. Better get a Proco Rat. Goes in the same direction distortion wise and doesn't cut as much low end (esp. with the so called "Ruetz mod").

Kromwarp · #3 08-14-2010, 04:48 PM

On a quick side note, what amp are you running?

As for your question, a stock DS-1 will do the trick, but you will probably want to get it modded. Maybe try the DOD YJM308 Preamp/Overdrive, $30 and may get you what your looking for

rratajski · #4 08-14-2010, 04:54 PM

They go for about $25 used...If you're that intrigued, I would get one used...

grunge_freak · #5 08-14-2010, 05:44 PM

I'm running it through a 45 watt behringer (I know, not very impressive, haha but for small gigs it's a decent amp) How much would a proco rat cost me?

rratajski · #6 08-14-2010, 05:47 PM

A RAT II (cuts lots of low end, but less than the DS-1) can be had for less than $50 used...

A Vintage Reissue RAT is $75 and up. A Vintage RAT is $120 and up. Both of these versions still cut low end, but the least amount of all pedals considered here.

grunge_freak · #7 08-14-2010, 05:53 PM

thanks for the info man, I'll take a look at the RAT II.

chrisisnotevil · #8 08-15-2010, 04:57 AM

Look into something called the ruetz mod, it'll increase the low end but cut the gain. You can do it yourself if you don't mind hacking your pedal up a bit. I did it and am very happy.

Swimming Bird · #9 08-15-2010, 08:53 AM

If you're near a good used shop, check out as many distortions as you can. There are whole bunches that you can get for $20-30 that will lose less lows than a DS-1 and as much or less than a Rat.

There are some old DOD distortion pedals that are incredible -- I'll take my 1980s Bass Grunge over anything other non-gated fuzz.

MEKer · #10 08-15-2010, 10:46 AM

Yeah-scratch the DS-1. It's weak, thin, not worth a $&^* on bass. It's also the bargain basement, beginner distortion pedal for guitarists.

Try the Digitech Grunge distortion pedal. Tracks wonderfully no matter even if your playing 32nds. No mud fuzz at all either like the higher priced pedals. Clarity AND distortion for $40 or less with the Grunge Pedal. Unbelievable that Digitech hit it right on the nailhead with an inexpensive pedal like this (I don't even like the rest of their line). Give it a shot. Stay away from ModTone pedals also---crap.

Essen · #11 08-15-2010, 10:48 AM

Please, don't buy the DS-1. Just spend a little more, and you'll get so much more in return.
It's noisy(mine atleast), it cuts of any low end, and basically sounds pretty bad.