Stock SD-1 vs Modded SD-1

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Code001

Code001

Well-known member
Since I got my SD-1 from mctallica1, I decided I was going to do an experiment. I'd record a riff that contained a rhythm and lead sound. Then, with the exact same settings, record it again but with the pedal being modded. I was able to get away from our Memorial Day party just long enough to record this and upload it for you guys.

Stock SD-1:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=430127&songID=5381347

Modded SD-1:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=430127&songID=5392865

If you don't notice a difference, that's cool! If you do, that's cool too! Basically, it's the Keeley Baked Mod. I plan on adding a diode switch to it and adding a buffer to help prevent the leaky bypass. I'll probably drill it out for a 5mm LED and install one of those as well. If you're interested in the exact mods, I'll be glad to tell you.

I used my RG1527 w/ a Blaze/AN7 combo and my modded JCM800 w/ my Mesa Trad. 4x12.
 
I didn't really notice a difference :confused: Did it 'feel' any different?
 
Stock sounded muffled. The leads sounded better with the Modded SD-1. More clarity.
 
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messenger":4cc60 said:
I didn't really notice a difference :confused: Did it 'feel' any different?
Click to expand...

I could tell you exactly what I think of it before vs after, but I don't want to affect how people say it sounds. I want them to use their ears first. I'll let everyone know my thoughts later.
 
i actually liked the stock one better. it was thicker. it sounded like the modded one was thinner.
 
What all did you change bro? Did you do the Keeley Baked Mod exact? You should be getting more low end out of it than that. PM me if you want some suggestions to take it a little further. It does sound clearer but my personal opinion is that it needs a little more umph. You're well on the way though!
 
The stock one sounded a bit less clear, but a tad thicker. The modded one sounded a good amount clearer, but a bit thinner as well.
 
I didn't do it exactly like he does it. I didn't want a lot of low-end in there. I did the following:

R2 - 620k resistor (Less bleed-thru)
R6 - 1.5k resistor (Lots more gain)
R16 - 100 Ω resistor (Didn't notice much of a difference)
R17 - 10k resistor (Didn't notice much of a difference)
C3 - .2uF (Needed as the 1.5k will make it thin-out)
C6 - removed (Big difference - Try it!)
C10 - 10uF (Made NO difference, IMO)
Op-Amp - RC4558P (Touch less bite, warmer)

All in all, it was $6 worth of parts shipped. I know I can increase C2 for even more bass, as well as bump up the C3 a bit. However, I really like the mid-hump tubescreamers give.

Since no one else really cares ( :lol: ), I'll go ahead and explain what I thought. First thing I noticed was a lot more gain on tap. Just by removing the C6 cap alone, it seems like there is a blanket removed from the SD-1. If you're going to try one mod, at least try that. Just desolder one leg and see if you like it. If not, you can always solder it back in. I had the volume maxed, tone knob at 11:00, and gain at 3:00. Because of the gain increase, I feel it gets a bit too "much" at some points, so I'd personally turn down a little bit of the gain on the amp.

The Op-Amp didn't do as much of a difference as I had hoped, but I noticed a subtle difference in the high-end. Believe it or not, the JRC4558DD op-amp has even more high end/aggressiveness, IMO. I actually think that's a big part of the SD-1's sound, personally. The only problem is mine is dead so I can't do any extensive A/B testing, so I'll have to get another.

All in all, it was just an experiment. I didn't mind if it went one way or the other. I just wanted to do something for fun and present it to ya guys. It was only $6 worth of parts, too, so there's really no "loss." I do plan on experimenting with the clipping section. That is where pedals really differ from one another.
 
how do I remove c6? :confused: ID like to hear it without a blanket :D
 
Simply heat up your soldering iron and unsolder one lug. If you dislike it, re-solder it back in place. If you like it, take it out completely.
 
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Code001":b9971 said:
Simply heat up your soldering iron and unsolder one lug. If you dislike it, re-solder it back in place. If you like it, take it out completely.
Click to expand...
Sounds simple enough, is c6 labeled on the board?
 
Yup. Here's a diagram in case you need it:

6-6-pedalmod2.jpg


I just replaced my LED with a nice 5mm green one and replaced C2 with a .1uF cap to see if I can get it to sound a little more full, but retain the clarity I got.
 
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Code001":cd2a3 said:
Yup. Here's a diagram in case you need it:

6-6-pedalmod2.jpg


I just replaced my LED with a nice 5mm green one and replaced C2 with a .1uF cap to see if I can get it to sound a little more full, but retain the clarity I got.
Click to expand...

sweet! Thanks, Ill give this a whirl this weekend :D
 
Cool. i just bought a SD-1 cheap, and a the GT mod kit. anyone tried one of these?
 
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maiden_fan":2771f said:
Cool. i just bought a SD-1 cheap, and a the GT mod kit. anyone tried one of these?
Click to expand...

His kits are actually very nicely priced. I haven't tried them, but I know of the mods. The only real PITA when doing that will be taking out the op-amp. For me, I just couldn't unsolder it enough to get it to pull out so I had to cut it out. Granted, the op-amp only costs like 45 cents so it's not like it was a big loss, it was still a bitch to deal with. My soldering skills aren't bad, but I always seem to have issues with desoldering (I use the braids. I had even worse luck with those suction bulbs).

The only other pain will be drilling out the enclosure for the switches and I think the LED is 5mm so you'll need to drill that out as well. I use a drill press for all my drilling. The sides of the Boss enclosures allows for ample room for switches. However, most people prefer to drill under the volume/gain knobs as it's a much cleaner look. You'll probably need to reverse one of the pots to get the switch to fit if you stick it there (thanks to LordOVchaoS for that tip!).
 
Cheers for the info.

Im just fed up of paying out the ass for boutique pedals. that probably are just basic mods

And i want to have a go at building an amp kit, so this will be training.
 
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35877&criteria=3mm%20super%20bright%20LED&doy=29m5

Will this work instead of the white LED supplied, as you seem to be some kind of pedal guru.
 
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maiden_fan":48de3 said:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=35877&criteria=3mm%20super%20bright%20LED&doy=29m5

Will this work instead of the white LED supplied, as you seem to be some kind of pedal guru.
Click to expand...

The white LED that comes with the GT Mod kit is 3mm and I'm not sure but I don't think it's for the status light, I think it's for a clipping diode. Either way, it's not 5mm so no drilling is required. If you wanted to go with green, yes that one you posted would work just fine.
 
Ahh i see, lol. what a noob.

out of curiousity why is an LED used for a clipping diode?
 
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