What Makes This Pedal Great? Boss DS-1

In this video, we talk about the Boss DS1 distortion pedal and why it's a must-have for guitarists.

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The Boss DS1 pedal is loved among guitarists worldwide, and it's not hard to see why. With a sound that's stood the test of time this pedal is simple yet can be quite versatile from a circuit perspective. Inspired by my friend Rick Beato's phrase, in this video we take a deep dive into what makes this pedal so special, exploring its inner workings and talk about a few ways in which it can be customized and modified.

Keep in mind, in this video though I may explain a few technical concepts in a way that's simplified and easy to understand, I'm not going deep into electronics theory or anything of that sort, as my goal is to inspire you to experiment with your sound and encourage you to take the Boss DS1 to new heights.

So if you're curious about this iconic pedal and want to learn more about what it can do for your playing, join us as we dive into the world of the Boss DS1.
And don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more great content!

[tljmusic]

I love the part when you explain how the pedal’s unique use of the Dorian mode gives us a slightly sad, wistful feel.

[thomasadelgren]

“I’m not going to talk a lot in depth in the electronic realm” he says and then proceeds to showing a wiring diagram. Well, we all have a different view of what depth is I guess😊. Great video, thank you!

[SpaceJockey]

Thanks man, you and Rhett Schull made me fall in love with my DS1 again, after it sat in my drawer for over 10 years

[gonzoengineering]

In September I will be returning to college for electrical engineering, a passion I never knew I had, awakened by this channel. I have so much to learn at this point, but videos like this (and your book!) made what once seemed like arcane witchcraft into something logical, consistent, and, above all, something that could be understood.
Many thanks

[SlowToe]

Love this format Brian. With so many fantastic pedals this series could go on for years 😊

[aliasdandavisofficial]

I'm happy to see you do this format again. Also, I'm happy to see anyone do a video that's in the "coffee break" sweet spot (more than 10 min, less than 15). I'd love to see a Blues Driver episode using this same approach (history, what is really happening, what the 3 most popular mods do). I plugged in my old "slightly modded" (basically just got rid of the noise) BD-2 the other day. I forgot how great they can sound. /// The thing I like about Boss dirt boxes is only having 3 knobs to mess with. Again, great video.

[BCElectronic]

I love this content! I know there may be a small crowd for it but I’m sure us DIY’ers would love more in-depth videos of the circuits and mods!

[zachp]

"You can get it into sort of pseudo-fuzz territory " and @ 11:32 that pseudo-fuzz out fuzzes many fuzz pedals. Damn that was chewy and great!!! Wow.

[Bikewithlove]

Trevor Rabin uses the DS-1. All I needed to hear. Got one on the floor beside me with the light on.

[arleighhelfer]

I appreciate your understanding and explication of the electrical theory undergirding the tone. Great for people who are experimenting with circuits.

[Margilio]

back in 1995 I was on my way to get my first distortion stompbox... Believe it or not BOSS pedals were not affordable in Mexico back in the day, so the sales guy convinced my father to get me an old ARION SDI-1 stating that it was technically the same pedal. So I got that, for many years I didn't believe it and always wanted the real thing... but after trying a stock SD1 many years later I can say I prefer the Arion, and that's because they modified the tone stack on the original circuit and made it Stereo, great little box 😆

[bpabustan]

Brian, I LOVE the sound on the 10:20 mark, midrange galore! It will thicken up a strat and make it less shrill when using the bridge pickup.

[CanadianRockerGuy]

I modded my DS-1 with the Wampler JCM800 mod and I absolutely love it! Used a combo of the vintage and modern for it after some experimentation with different values and also reverted the tone stack back to stock though, sounded better to me, also swapped the main led for a blue one, looks way cooler and it sounds just like the real deal! Thank you Sir!

[maxonmendel]

you've come such a long way brian! I love your old videos from 5 or 6 years ago but this one was great too. I have your book. thanks for contributing so much to the pedal community. I love the ds1

[PerpetuallyTiredMusician]

First off, great video. I do like the idea of breakdowns of pedals and what makes them great. I hope you have the time and energy to doa few of these. I went from being at odds with the ds-1 to loving it by going from 4 to 5 on my amps volume. It likes a amp at mild to mid break up.

Peace and take care folks.

[KevyNova]

I bought mine from a pawn shop for $20. It’s a great pedal for sure.

[BreauxBobby]

The discreet op amp circuit sounded nice. I have a Made in Japan/silver screw DS-1. I've had the Keeley Mod and about 4 Made in Taiwan models. I also have a modded DS-1 similar to the Keeley mod. My fave by far is the Made in Japan, then the Keeley mod.

[Varone]

I have the Keeley mod. Never leaves the board.

People forget how versatile and fabulous the DS-1 really is. I'd even say its one of the best boosts/OD's you can put in front of a dirty amp.

[OmarDelReal]

Between those Jim Lilly videos and Bryan i love how nuanced electronics are. It's all about topology

[Vladthebaddest]

I love these kinds of videos where you give us a window into how the circuits work or even COULD work with mods. Even though I am electronics-dumb, I have to say its fascinating. I have a Way Huge Fat Sandwich and have heard that it is a DS-1 type circuit, and now I wonder how similar it is to some of these mods. It has the two LEDs in the front of the signal path (and its fun to see them light up in that same way), but then has a Red Llama on the back end of the signal.