Stock SD-1 vs Modded SD-1

[Dropped_2_C]

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Ahh i see, lol. what a noob.

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

well since it is a diode it can be used to clip the signal, i think it is a lesser or lower way of clipping if that makes sense

 

[maiden_fan]

Is there any sites with info and tips for modding pedals? I just bought a couple of cheap SD-1's to mod, and they are cheao enough that if i screw up it wont matter too much

 

[LordOVchaoS]

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well since it is a diode it can be used to clip the signal, i think it is a lesser or lower way of clipping if that makes sense

Light
Emitting
Diode

They are actually a lot more powerful sounding than other diodes. LED's sound clearer, bassier, crunchier, and louder. My personal favorite diode in most pedals but I usually mix them with other things as well.

 

[LordOVchaoS]

:|::QBB:

Is there any sites with info and tips for modding pedals? I just bought a couple of cheap SD-1's to mod, and they are cheao enough that if i screw up it wont matter too much

There's some good, free info here for starters: http://www.geocities.com/overdrivespider/

 

[ampjunkie]

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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.

that's how I hear it too.

 

[Code001]

I'm currently re-modding it for a tighter low end, while still trying to maintain the clarity. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

[mchn13]

thanks alot for the info. i just picked up a sd-1 this weekend at a local guitar show for 30.00. i went back and listened to the clips a couple of times, and could definately hear the gain increase. i thought it was just brighter at first. i'm so trying the c6 part of the mod before i go to practice haha. couple of quick questions before i do it (i'm a complete noob to modding which mod is responsible for the bass loss, and will the pedal function normally, if i just unsolder the one leg of c6?
the bass loss is not real crucial, as i have alot more on my amp, that i'm not using, but i don't want to burn out the pedal at practice, running it with the one leg unsoldered.

thanks again; steve

 

[Code001]

The pedal will function 100% normal with just the 1 leg desoldered. I say desolder the 1 leg incase you dislike it and want to put it back in. It's easier to re-solder 1 leg than 2. However, if you like it, I'd recommend desoldering it completely, or cutting it out. Your choice.

As far as bass loss, there are a few things you do. I only did a very minor bass mod to mine. I plan on changing a few things around. Because I increased the 4.7k resistor to 1.5k for more gain, it tends to thin it out (and that's why Keeley uses a huge .22uF cap in C6). For increasing bass, try .1uF caps in C2, C3, and C8. Also, these might help you out:

http://www.robertkeeley.com/audio6l6/sd1mods.html
http://www.geocities.com/overdrivespider/SD1/sd1.htm

If you do the gain mods on R6 (changing the 4.7k resistor), you'll at least want to change R2 for something like 620k or higher. There will be more noise and it'll start to "leak" even when the pedal is off.

The biggest difference, IMO, is changing the diodes. That's where you'll get the most drastic difference. LEDs are loud and powerful. Germaniums are quieter and softer.

 

[mchn13]

:|::QBB:

The pedal will function 100% normal with just the 1 leg desoldered. I say desolder the 1 leg incase you dislike it and want to put it back in. It's easier to re-solder 1 leg than 2. However, if you like it, I'd recommend desoldering it completely, or cutting it out. Your choice.

As far as bass loss, there are a few things you do. I only did a very minor bass mod to mine. I plan on changing a few things around. Because I increased the 4.7k resistor to 1.5k for more gain, it tends to thin it out (and that's why Keeley uses a huge .22uF cap in C6). For increasing bass, try .1uF caps in C2, C3, and C8. Also, these might help you out:

http://www.robertkeeley.com/audio6l6/sd1mods.html
http://www.geocities.com/overdrivespider/SD1/sd1.htm

If you do the gain mods on R6 (changing the 4.7k resistor), you'll at least want to change R2 for something like 620k or higher. There will be more noise and it'll start to "leak" even when the pedal is off.

The biggest difference, IMO, is changing the diodes. That's where you'll get the most drastic difference. LEDs are loud and powerful. Germaniums are quieter and softer.

thanks, i just wanted to unsolder the leg on c6, and see what it did. i don't mind the bass loss inherent to the pedal, i just wondered if removing that cap would cost alot of bass. the sd-1, and maxon od 808 are pretty much my favorite boosts, and i too like the mid hump, and don't mind a little bass loss. theres more there than i'm going to use anyway. i'm not going to try the other mods yet, i'm good at replacing pots and pickups, but have never so much as changed a cap in anything.................yet.

 

[Code001]

Threw some LEDs in place of the diodes and added a .1uF cap to C2. I still have about 4 or 5 more mods to do to it.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=430127&songID=5396261

 

[LordOVchaoS]

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Threw some LEDs in place of the diodes and added a .1uF cap to C2. I still have about 4 or 5 more mods to do to it.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=430127&songID=5396261

Getting better!!! Try using a 2.2k in place of that 1.5k if you have one. It makes it plenty clear enough. The lead tone on that clip was great! Just needs a little more girth on the rhythms! It's good enough now but there's still room from improvement.

 

[Code001]

I'm going to socket C3 and R6. See which I prefer in there. I ordered the following:

1uF caps
2 .1uF caps
B2K 16mm pot
DPDT On-Off-On Switch
Replacement JRC4558D

I also have some 2272 and Brown Burr op-amps coming my way. I'll post a clip once I finish all my mods.