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What can you get out of modding classic pedals? And is it really worth it? Adrian Thorpe helps you decide…
THE BACKGROUND GERALD BUTCHER, Via Email
I often hear about classic effects pedal designs like the DS-1 by Boss being ‘modded’ by boutique makers. Why are these mods necessary? What are some mods that are typically done to established pedals and is it worth having them done to my own classic pedals? I have a Boss CE-1, Boss CE-2, Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Boss DS-1 (original silverscrew variant). Finally, are there any other options instead of modding what I have?
THE ANSWERS
A very interesting question, Gerald, and one that goes back to the advent of guitar pedals as we know them. When pedals became mainstream in the 60s, guitarists used them for a specific sound to stand out from the crowd. The originals are now very much linked to players such as Hendrix, Clapton and The Rolling Stones. Ultimately, though, these pedals were tools for the musicians who used them, so if they needed modifying to suit their needs then they did so without thinking about it. Pedal gurus such as Roger Mayer and Pete Cornish were pioneers in this regard, modifying and improving designs (as well as creating their own) to meet the artists’ needs.
Rolling forward to the late 90s and pedals began to make a comeback after a near demise during the 80s rack boom. A new wave of ‘boutique’ effects brands appeared, making some of the established brands seem stuffy and old hat. However, it also made pedals such as the venerable Boss DS-1 easier and cheaper to get hold of. As a result of these two driving forces, people like Robert Keeley and Brian Wampler began offering modifications to these cheap and readily available pedals.
Mods aren’t necessary to get the best out of a pedal, but some pedals’ tonality and functionality are very much linked to the musical era they were released in. For instance, a lot of the early ‘heavy metal’ pedals produce a fizzy and nasal sound that was useful for the shred music of the time, but they’re not voiced correctly if you want to create a chugging heavy rhythm track now. Therefore mods are only necessary if you want to retain the pedal you have, change the way it sounds or improve it in other ways.
Generally, mods that aim to ‘improve’ a pedal are based around making it true bypass, lowering its noise floor, improving its range of EQ, and adjusting its character – very much like having a car customised to suit your personal needs. With regards to your selection of pedals, it would probably be wise to retain their originality because they are very sought after in unmolested form.
There are loads of options now that can give you a modified/enhanced version of what you have. Any of the Keeley-modded DS-1 units are ace, as are his CE-2 mods. As for the CE-1, the only necessary mod might be to change the volume potentiometer to 500k (versus the stock 50k) so that the signal isn’t as attenuated and dull for guitar. As for the Ibanez, there are a million and one takes on the modified Tube Screamer circuit. Choose the one you like best for your rig.
One last thing: don’t attempt any modifications to your prized pedals without learning how to solder first. Fixing broken pedals is a lot harder than modifying working ones!