All user reviews for the Boss DS-1 Distortion (Japan)

Distortion pedal for 80 years, analog.
Certainly the pedal sold in the world!
This version is Made in Japan (mine date 83) and is much better than priori the latest Taiwan.

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration, no need for manual, it's so Boss indestructible.
I love the orange side yard on my pedalboard, it does not take place,
Surprising having the volume set differently than the boss SD1, not a problem ...

SOUND QUALITY

Pass at her, I use a telecaster or stratocaster with a tube amp 60s and a vox ac15c1 from time to time.
I hesitated to buy it because I'm pretty adept with overdrive! I figured at worst, she would boost ...
First, respect the guitar is complete! The sound is always clear and sharp oriented medium. Most users grows and the rule to Nirvana, often with a drive very thorough. My usage is different: little or no drive / tone 9h/volume 12. In this configuration, it does wonders, just what I expected ... Beyond half drive, it becomes Grunge classic and I understand those who critique: On a Gibson set to hide funds for the lack of heat from a transistor amp, other saturations would probably be better, even if it password with a synthetic side really 90 years!

OVERALL OPINION

I recently started using in my rock band style indie pop. She dethroned my overdrive classic I've tried a good thirty times more expensive. If someone had told me one day that I have played a one DS1, I hallucinating! For my use, this is excellent, it serves overdrive and I do not regret my purchase. My use: single coils + amp + Boss DS1 bulbs mini set, I CARE! For another use, I'll let you judge ...

Boss distortion .. Apparently it is analog. A pretty orange color that brightens a bit of a board a little sad. There are not 36,000 buttons, just a tone, level and gain.

UTILIZATION

No manual, and then we must say that it would be futile for a pedal disotrsion .. The tone knob reacts very well, and really changes the color of his, but this pedal is really a "set" because the rate of gain acting on the dynamics etc. ..

SOUND QUALITY

Brilliant! This is the first word that came to mind when I connected. Hyper versatile, I play both of Soundgarden, Nirvana, Metallica or Iron Maiden above. I use this pedal in a Bugera V22 Ltd and ec-1000 - Jackson RR24.

OVERALL OPINION

Tried for two hours of intense Jam, I love it! What I like is its versatility as it is very good in all registers. Mine is not modified and date of February 1984. Bought for a pittance and an incredible state, I am really a bargain.

Analog distortion pedal. Boss standard format box, power supply 9v battery or adapter type Boss ACA.
An inlet, an outlet.
"Tone" is the general tone of the effect, gradually increasing the rate of treble.
"Level" volume effect when displayed on a clear, mix with the rate of unprocessed sound when added to a saturated sound.
"Dist" rate of gain.

My only complaint from an Sd-1 or 3-Od is the provision of knobs. This is the "Tone" is touched less often: why not be placed in the center, like other pedals on the range?

UTILIZATION

Simple arch-general configuration as usual at Boss, editing is very simple ways, it will just find the setting of "tone" and gain that suits you best!

SOUND QUALITY

Remember Joe Satriani in the late 80's: it is open. Saturation big American rock 80's, but a synthetic hair shiny and full of punch. This is why I bought it and I do not regret. The comparison with the Taiwanese version is loud and clear: the Japan is better, more bass, the mids and treble as always, but most music on it.
It makes anyway much better than some "lights" of aujourd'ui!

I prefer a clean sound, this can be interesting on a saturated to bring out its full of harmonics when the gain is set low, but hey, the overdrive already doing very well!

Beware though, the tone gets really too aggressive after a certain point in clean. Treat your settings!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 weeks. Although I'm a fan of the crunch config + overdrive, I wanted a good disto for the situation or I would not have my amp.
I already have an OD-1 japan which I am more than satisfied and I wanted to offer me his little sister upset. I had the chance to buy it for thirty euros, at this price go for it! When it will be worth 120 used, I do not think more than that really worth the shot, the sound is very distinctive and somewhere, a prisoner of time, but attention is also what makes its charm!
I'm more than eager to test it in a big two-body lamps, and can easily enjoy the sound clear.
I would do that choice even if I had to pay its actual dimension!

Distortion pedal
tone, and distortion level
power supply or 9V battery or adapter
Japanese model (ie with higher quality components than the Taiwanese version)

UTILIZATION

What could be simpler as distortion, 3 knob, you can easily find its sound
Very interesting as a boost of distortion (overdrive or drive type)

SOUND QUALITY

Then nothing to do with the version taïwannaise, a much more crunchy and fuzzy that does not alter the original sound of my preamp tube, one as a clear sound with distortion on the preamp distortion is really drinking any style where the Crunch is a must, but where it really is like deposit complement of distortion with the distortion of my preamp, now we approach the sound settings according to Vai, Satriani or even zappa, the only problem being that two distortion as a result is not without gene with a lot of background noise (with my guitar volume to zero and the hand on the strings it becomes a live radio !!!!!!? sisi!! means the speaker of the foreign radio where the famous intro to surfing with the alien satriani) hence the need to use a noise gate or noise suppresor (good quality even when not otherwise sustain).
However one approaches the Vai (which uses an ultra ds1 mod by Robert Keeley) and I hope in the future even modified.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been a month since I have and I do not regret it! it's been a year that I was looking into opportunities and I got it for 70 euros. Frankly it completely changes the dimensions of your fucking distos with grain.
Before I had a ds2 Taiwan and is really shit, nothing to do
But I recently try two Ibanez TS9 modified (one in 808, the other original TS9) and the sound was really terrible
Level quality / price ratio, is the opportunity I feel happy (the change costs 75 euros max keeley I believe however if you are willing to put 200 euros you sell it already changed)
I plan to redo this choice because in the future I would like to have another hack

3 pots:
- Tone: who sets the equalization of the distortion
- Distortion: rate-distortion
- Level: [/ b] to adjust the overall volume
Connections:
- 1 input
- 1 output

UTILIZATION

- My style is oriented 80's heavy
- No need to use manual
- All used in a lamp configuration (preamp. + + power amp speakers)

SOUND QUALITY

The most important point, I was looking for a distortion-oriented hard / heavy and I found it. Associated with a Boss CS-3 I can optenir good disto big round pressise also the rest of the other effects are all equally important reverb, delay ... in order to make his own sound.

OVERALL OPINION

- I use this pedal for 8 months
- Quite hard to find car model and former Jap
- Value for money is good got it on Ebay for 60 euros

I would do without this choice problem.

For English speakers:

<p class="bbcode-cite"> Quote: <span>DS-1 Distortion
This is Truly a classic distortion pedal. It Produces a distortion sound with a hard edge and IS Known to Have a very low noise level Compared to Other distortion pedals. Many people swear That the older "Made in Japan" models sounds better Than the newer "Made in Taiwan" models. The DS-1 over the years HAS Been Used by a lot of great guitar players. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani are Two players Who has voiced praise over this pedal Their. The DS-1 est aussi Among a favorite modifiers. Keeley, Analogman and Provide Their Own Stinkfoot all versions of this distortion Among icon makers.

Version differences
The design of the DS-1 WAS Somewhat changed around 1994. That WAS the hand changes the Toshiba TA7136AP opamp WAS Replaced with the Mitsubishi M5223AL. The DS-1 HAS gone aussi Through a number of cosmetical exchange. The Earliest Version Had a clear switch, silver thumb screw and the D in DS-1 Directly Placed underneat the t in Distortion. The D in DS-1 soon ended up in i Under the Distortion Where It Remains today.
Boss Guitar Effects Guide Book vol.11 (1995):
THE DS-1 Provides a harder distortion effect for guitar and keyboard sounds.lnstead of toneless, fuzzy distortion, the DS-1 faithfully all the subtle nuances reproducer quiet to screaming loud. The onboard Tone Control allow you to tailor the sound to your liking overalls.

Specifications
* Controls: Tone, Level, Dist
* Connectors: Input, Output, AC Adaptor
* Current Draw: 4 mA (DC 9V)
* Weight: 400 g (15 oz.)
* Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu
* Input Impedance: 470kOhm
* Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
* Output Impedance: 1kohm
* Recommended AC Adaptor: ACA or PSA Series (DEPENDING ON production year)

Labels
* Black - Made In Japan
* Silver - Made In Taiwan

The DS-1 WAS sold from June 1978 to present</span>

THE orange box does it need to be submitted? Well, ok, we do it anyway ... The DS-1 Japan (known as Black Label) is one of distortion pedals that are the most famous. It's a stompbox everything from classic. The technology is analog. Jack 1 IN, 1 OUT, 1 DC 9V power supply jack from home boss, nothing too surprising. Note here that the pedal is analog, it is less subject to concerns arising from the use of another power supply that Boss digital pedals. Some even used this pedal with 12V DC: I think she can survive, you will probably win something in sound, but hey, attention is a collector, now ... 3 knobs: drive, tone, level ... What sutrprise! I put 9 for the location of the stack at Boss ... Note that my switch begins to suffer (at the same time, it has almost 25 years, these pedals are still virtually indestructible)

Edit 21/06/2011: attention is the Boss ACA! In fact my problem came from that switch.

UTILIZATION

So we wonder if the config is simple, I say so, should not have been normal sup 'to understand the Bestio, CA. It could not be more simple Similarly, the Tone knob is reactive, the Progressive Drive well and Level can really boost your sound if you wish. Manuel ... I challenge anyone to find me a manual DS-1 Black Label (attention no cheating!): I think it must be rare, especially since it has never served anyone. Whoever takes me a picture of such a genuine piece of paper, he came to Lille and I pay a Tripel Karmeliet pressure!

Edit 21/06/2011: I'm not a big fan of Karmeliet. chouffe one?

SOUND QUALITY

Let's see if you feel the question his quarter century of the beast ... Ben ... Yes and no! Yes, because the sound, although mat has an unmistakable color, and no, because if we compare with the current DS-1 is the day and night! The distortion sounds great, very even. The foot is not cut for the very big sound, but it's still a distortion: the drive with the kids, imagining still not make a clean boost ... For those to whom the difference between distortion and overdrive escapes, which I understand completely, you should try a DS-1 and TS than taking courses in physics: the OD is a special case of the distortion, the rendering is completely different. To be mild, still means that it is not an OD. Personal I like to couple the two for a little stoner sound, it works well (it depends mostly on stuff around actually). Although that'm a fan of the overdrive or fuzz when it's necessary, this distortion is one of the few that really convinced me. Of course, there are distos heavier for those who prefer, more modern too. But hey, with a Start and a small amp, it's still not bad. Although with low too.

This pedal is really great versatility, which is one of the two strengths, the other being that it is hard to get tired and almost impossible to get rid ...

Edit:
I return to the versatility. Since I changed my amp, this pedal I use less often. I like it, but I have heard and OD distos that really convinced me. More expensive, of course.

Edit 21/06/2011: I emerged, I like it, this small, it blows a little, but hey, it's not unpleasant

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year, I found it on Ebay for 80 euros. I like its texture, versatility, mythical side as well, we do not hide. Besides this aspect a bit irrational not be overlooked: it is that makes you feel good and once we play a little better! Besides this side a little mystique is very common among addicts Tubescreamer (I understand), they invoke the JRC 4558D chip as a god and are willing to pay 120 euros for a reissue TS9 when this component is approximately 25 cents ...

To return to the DS-1, I tried a few other distos before, but it was the most accurate, the hottest too. As I do not play metal is perfect for me. I agree with a previous opinion regarding the purchase. Better not to rush: the increasing scarcity makes him appreciate in value, but hey, when I see the argus set at 110 euros, I'm not sure I would have bought at that price ... Mine? No I do not claim!

Edit:
The Argus has declined somewhat since then, and that's fine. Clearly, the DS1 Japan is much better than his cousin today. But between that and a T-Rex Mudhoney, I return my jacket fissa.

Analogue distortion pedals. An input output Jack. A transformer 9V jack and a slot for a battery. Three knobs: Tone, Level and Dist. In the classic Boss!

UTILIZATION

Like all Boss pedals, a child of fifteen days can mumuse with. I did not have the manual, but the pedals a year younger than me (27 years old then) so I found was normal. Any fawn, it's almost insulting to find a manual with this kind of pedals.

SOUND QUALITY

Great sound: while providing the distortion, it keeps perfectly the original sound of the instrument. Nothing to do with the versions of today that changes the sound at all at all!

Used as well with a Les Paul than a Start, you can place your little plan or play a bluesy riff overkill pushing the distortion. The PDAL is the epitome of versatility and quality!

OVERALL OPINION

I use the pedals for over a year now. I love his versatility and respect she has of the instrument. Of the distortion pedals I tried one package, but the I found my diamond. Purchased at full price (100), I'm saying you need! If I remake this choice? I bought a week deuxime dernire!

Frankly, when you come across a DS-1 Made In Japan, the buy!

Probably the most beginner or entry level distortion box you can buy. You can find this pedal in just about every music store in the world. There is a couple reasons for that, one being that everyone likes this pedal and its marketed very well. The other being it is as cheap as they come and can get you somewhat of a desired result.....not really

The Japan made one people swear by as a much better tone than the Taiwan made version. This pedal will sound better as a booster pedal but not the main overdrive. Many modifier guys will mod this pedal to have more clarity and a much better usable distortion. The Japan version has a different circuitry chip inside and may be the reason as to why people like this version better.

Level will turn your overall volume up or down. The tone will brighten or darken your tone depending on which side you turn it to. The Dist with give you the grind or saturation that your looking for.

UTILIZATION

Specifications

* Controls: Tone, Level, Dist
* Connectors: Input, Output, AC Adaptor
* Current Draw: 4 mA (DC 9V)
* Weight: 400 g (15 oz.)
* Nominal Input Level: -20dBu
* Input Impedance: 470kOhm
* Nominal Output Level: -20dBu
* Output Impedance: 1kohm
* Recommended AC Adaptor: ACA or PSA Series (depending on production year)


SOUND QUALITY

I used this pedal with a good old Gibson Les Paul which I find blends better with the voicing of this pedal. It is still kind of a thin pedal so the mahogany makes up for that thinness to the tone. I would also try a Strat with the pedal as you can get a good bluesy tone with the neck pickup in the STrat.

I heard that they make a mod for it that you can pick up on ebay. Maybe this address the volume loss when engaging this pedal or makes it sound better when using in a high gain mode I guess you can only make this thing sound better with a decent modification to it.

OVERALL OPINION

These amps have been discontinued for a while now. They have been replaced by the Taiwan made version. This is an pedal isn't bad for running is as a boost into an overdriven amp that you can pick up on the used market for right around $60. Not a bad price for a good working pedal that can be used as a decent boost but not the main overdrive.

Disto analog
Three knobs Level, Tone, Drive
MADE IN JAPAN

UTILIZATION

The Tone knob become usable compared to taiwanese ...
The drive sounds good everywhere!
I prefer the Drive half running, my exprience all sound really good boss distortion Including the DS-1 Japan ...

SOUND QUALITY

Record trsraliste,
for once it is immersed in the sound of the album Nevermind by Nirvana!
The solos work well too, but it Plutt adapted to rhythmic nerve.
For solos I hallucinognes my HM-2 Japan ...


OVERALL OPINION

This is my 5ime DS-1, and my silver screw deuxime Japan.
The DS-1 I had before (even MIJ silver screw, even Analogman) did not sound as well.

Like what you have to buy a dsepr ruin, and presto! fall by chance on the piece of cake!

STUDY J'intentionne well its circuit, and rpliquer with true bypass.
I will not let it die this pedal, it will be my children.