software

The guitarist in my band plays a single channel 100 watt JCM 800 (2203?) halfstack. His guitars are a stock Fender Cyclone and a Tom Delonge Strat (with Invader). He's been using a stock Boss DS-1 for distortion, but it sounds like ass. We've managed to get around the swarm of angry bees effect, but the biggest problem is now the massive volume drop that happens when the pedal is switched on. Regardless of battery strength and pedal settings, especially with the high-output of the Invader, the volume level of the amp drops a ton when the pedal is switched on.

This is my two-part questoin: What causes the drop, and what OD/Distortion boxes are suitable? We play a wide range of music, but most of it comes back to a Green Day meets Metallica sort of sound. He's been interested in the Zakk OD, but hasn't had a chance to play anything yet. I don't think modding this pedal will get what he needs, but I could be wrong.

So, suggestions are appreciated. Thank you much.

Here's a few choices.

- Have the DS-1 modded.
- Get an SD-1 (mods can be done too if necessary)
- The Zakk Wylde OD

The Wylde will push that amp to the edge of insanity. What also may work for him is just a simple booster to slam the front end of the amp.

The volume drop could be from too much distorted signal from the pedal to the amp causing the amp to overly compress. Try this with the DS-1 first. Turn the drive all the way down and the level all the way up, adjust the tone to taste.

Alot of guys back in the 80s used both the MXR D or the Boss Heavy Metal HM2 through their 800s to get tight,ballsy crunch...Another consideration might be a THD Hot Plate,Alessandro,or the MASS unit to attenuate your buddy's amp? A Tube Screamer in front never hurts either.


Originally Posted by ErikHHere's a few choices.

- Have the DS-1 modded.
- Get an SD-1 (mods can be done too if necessary)
- The Zakk Wylde OD

The Wylde will push that amp to the edge of insanity. What also may work for him is just a simple booster to slam the front end of the amp.

The volume drop could be from too much distorted signal from the pedal to the amp causing the amp to overly compress. Try this with the DS-1 first. Turn the drive all the way down and the level all the way up, adjust the tone to taste.

Tried that, actually. The best tone to come out of that pedal is with the distortion at 0 or 1, and the level all the way up. I'm not sure if this particular pedal is just a lemon or what, but it's always so damn low.


Originally Posted by Tom MTried that, actually. The best tone to come out of that pedal is with the distortion at 0 or 1, and the level all the way up. I'm not sure if this particular pedal is just a lemon or what, but it's always so damn low.

A stock Taiwanese DS1 is very bright and buzzy...I hate the mosquito like crap that rides over notes especially...

boss sd-1 stock or moded
ibanez ts-9 stock or moded
or a power brake of some kind

Yea i got my SD-1 from Mr. John Spina (modded of course) and i put it in front of my Laney.. does exactly what i wanted. Problem was i was looking into distortion pedals when i should have been looking at OD pedals. I bet he can get a modded SD-1 for you cheaper than a ZW pedal.


Originally Posted by suislidE03Yea i got my SD-1 from Mr. John Spina (modded of course) and i put it in front of my Laney.. does exactly what i wanted. Problem was i was looking into distortion pedals when i should have been looking at OD pedals. I bet he can get a modded SD-1 for you cheaper than a ZW pedal.

I don't buy the pedals though and I don't have any to sell...Guys just send me their pedals,I Mod them,and then send them back..

I used a Hughes/Kettner Tube Factor with my 2204. It sounded great for live performance. It has 2 styles of distortion, a frequency knob and true bypass. A lot of serious Marshall guys seem to like it.

I found that The stock OD for a Marshall amp needs an EQ to boost its capabilities. The beauty of it is that it gives the Marshall-ish sound, and the rest is for me to play around with