Boss DS-1 true bypass?

[Guitar_Alec]

I Want to make my pedals all true bypass, and I figured I would start with my least favourite in case I mess up. Is a true bypass mod hard to do to a DS-1? And does anyone have any suggestions on where to find a good schematic or instructions? I have very limited experience with electronics, I have only ever modded guitars.

Thanks in advance for any advice guys.

[Jeff B.]

The easiest solution would be for you to buy a true-bypass looper and run the pedals through that. It avoids having to modify your pedals while still giving you true-bypass.

Boss pedals can be modified for true bypass but it is a bit labour intensive. You need to replace the switch with one like this. http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=1095 and make changes the boards wiring. I think 11guage covered this here last year but I can't find the thread.

Jack Deville's Bypass kit is another option and it includes directions to install it in some Boss pedals such as the DS-1. http://www.clicklesstruebypass.com/

[Rich_S]

If you want a distortion pedal with voodoo bypass, buy one. Modding a good, buffered Boss pedal for TB is a waste of time. Out of 8 pedals on my board, only one is true bypass, and I wish it was buffered like all the rest. As it is now, I get a choice of bypass or (effect+tone suck); the TB only helps when the pedal's off.

If you're going to mod your DS-1, mod it to sound better, then maybe it won't be your "least favoriite". My DS-1 with an Allums Recto mod just beat out two other pedals for the "distortion" spot on my pedalboard; 1) because it sounds good, and 2) because it has a buffer.

[davmac]

Originally Posted by Jeff B.

The easiest solution would be for you to buy a true-bypass looper and run the pedals through that.

+1 but before you go searching for the holy grail of true bypass it might be worth taking a minute to have a google for "true bypass myth".

In many cases the true bypass myth arose because it was sold as a benefit by people who were not good enough to design a decent buffer into their pedals. IMO of course.

[Guitar_Alec]

Davmac,

That was a very informative article, thank you. I suppose I still had some researching to do. I think il just make some changes to my board.

[Guitar_Alec]

Rich_s,

I've been looking for some good mods for that. I will check out that one. I just don't care for the tinny sound its got.

[Rich_S]

I've tried several DS-1 mods, including the Keeley SEM/Ultra and the Recto smokes them all. THe only thing wrong with it is the name - it sounds nothing like a Mesa Rectifier, as the mpedal actually has mids. It's not a scooped modern metal sound.