Help Needed With Chain (Especially CS-3)

tovey87 · #1 02-02-2010, 06:56 PM

Hey Guys,

I'm new to the forum and I can imagine there has been posts similar to this but I need some help.

I play a Fender American Jazz through a Trace Elliot 1215 Combo. In my chain I have all Boss TU-2, Boss SYB-5 (synth), Boss ODB-3 (just ordered) and a Boss CS-3. I play in an Indie/Alternative band and I am wanting to have a slightly overdriven sound at certain points.

First of all I am not sure if this is the correct order to place the pedals in. What does everyone think?

Secondly I seem to lose the great sound of the Trace Elliot amp when using the CS-3. After reading other threads and reviews of the pedal I now know I am not using this pedal correctly. Has anyone got tips on how I can get more out of this pedal or should I just not use it?

Sorry for the long post, I had a lot on my mind!

bongomania · #2 02-02-2010, 11:10 PM

The best thing you can do with a stock CS-3 (aside from modding it) is to keep the "Sustain" knob down around 9:00. And/or use another pedal (like an EQ) to lower the level of your instrument going into the CS-3. This will effectively raise its threshold, making it more generally usable.

There's no "correct" pedal order other than whatever order sounds good to you. That said, I might put the comp in front of the overdrive, just because compression can sometimes take the edge off of dirt effects; and I might put the comp after the synth, because synth sounds can sometimes put out some big resonant spikes.

You might be better off with a different comp, unless you feel like doing some soldering.

Also, just FYI the ODB-3 is not capable of a "slightly overdriven sound". It's pretty harsh and extra-dirty. You'll defo want a different pedal if you want subtle overdrive.

tovey87 · #3 02-03-2010, 06:14 AM

Yeh I the guy in the local music shop that I ordered it from just said the same thing about the ODB-3. Luckily for me he is just going to put it on the shelf instead of me buying it. What overdrive pedal do you recommend?

Ive heard about modding the CS-3 in some forums. Is it a big job to convert? What does it actually do?

lowfreq33 · #4 02-03-2010, 06:21 AM

I'm pretty sure the "Keeley mod" changes some capacitors to the metal film type, which most people agree sounds better. It would require a decent knowledge of electronics and soldering on pc board.

Personally I like the Line 6 constrictor, though I know a lot of people turn their nose up at digital compressors. The Keeley 4 knob is pretty good, also I've tried the EH Black Finger, I liked it but didn't really "need" it, as I'm happy with what I've got.

As far as your chain, I'd go tuner>synth>comp>overdrive.

vstrings · #5 02-03-2010, 06:35 AM

bongomania is right, synth sounds can sometimes put out some big resonant spikes, but the Compressor may also help your Synth pedal track better. I would also try

tuner > comp > synth > overdrive

and let your ears be the judge.

Enjoy!

tovey87 · #6 02-03-2010, 07:03 AM

After looking at instructions I think modding the CS-3 would probably be a bit to much for me to cope with. I will just use it when the SYB-5 is on.

After having a discussion with the owner of my local music shop, he was telling me they compared three overdrive pedals, Blackstar HT-Drive (I think that was the name), the ODB-3 and another which I cant recall the name and said the Blackstar wins hands down. Any opinions on this?

paulygonemad · #7 02-03-2010, 07:11 AM

I wonder if the EHX Bass Blogger will get the lighter distortion sound you are looking for.

bongomania · #8 02-03-2010, 09:37 AM

The Blogger has gotten no love here. The Blackstar has gotten some positive reviews, so be sure to use the search function on the word "blackstar". While you're at it, search on "overdrive" too, as you'll find literally thousands of posts on the subject. The DOD 250 and Digitech Bad Monkey are popular choices for a cheap light overdrive.