Boss Waza Craft DS-1w VS Vintage 90's Boss DS-1 | DS-1 Pedal Comparison | Nirvana Tone

[@HeavyCanyon]

i believe your bleach tone is very spot on, the transistor based circuit in your twin is pretty much the same as what kurt wouldn’t been using with his randall, which was a transistor circuited take on the twin, so gritty and loud paired with the hi flier and ds1 sounds astonishing, incredible playing and demonstrating as always!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you so much! I initially got the twin for Bleach tones, and man it does not disappoint at all in that department

[@W_W-f8y]

One of the best pedal comparison videos I've seen, awesome work

[@sirpapiyahyeah7605]

Damn! That School tone with the 90’s DS1 is identical to the recording!!! Good job!

[@toliosskateboarding7423]

In the vintage mode the waza doesn't sound very different but the authentic ds wins and the custom mode sounds like when I play smells like teen spirit with my fuzz face

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Agreed, the waza on standard mode sounds very close to the vintage DS-1

[@Deatg-ek8rf]

I just found a DS-1 in an abandoned shed of a building set to be demolished this weekend. There were loads of falling apart playboy Magazines, some gone off packaged foods from decades ago, the rotted remains of a peavey banit amp with the ply wood and cone completely erroded to dust and a DS-1 that looks like its been on the bottom of the ocean for 15 years. Bit of contact cleaner and it works like a treat, score!

[@the-np4mr]

Honestly I'd use the custom mode more, but stock sounds more like what he used

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Agreed! Standard mode sounds more like Nirvana, but the custom mode gives you more tonal possibilities to explore beyond Nirvana tones

[@iamshaggy3587]

I adore this! This video completely convinced me to get it! But then I saw the price :( I get so excited every time I hear “In this video…” it gets me right in the mood for a NirvanaGuitars video!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Damn you're just making me realize that I've probably opened every video with those 3 words lol 😅 I guess I'll make it my thing! Thanks for the continued support 🙏

[@iamshaggy3587]

@@NirvanaGuitarsdefinitely make it your thing! It gets me ready for the awesome tones coming up! This video is awesome btw! Not only do the tones sound absolutely amazing, but the camerawork is awesome! Having the DS1’s in the foreground, and you in background out of focus, it looks insane!!

[@NirvanaGuitars]

@@iamshaggy3587 that really means a lot that you pointed that out thank you 🤩 I went to school for audio production, so I know what I’m doing on the audio side but video wise I’ve just been guessing and learning as I go lol 😅 I was trying to get more creative with my video angle here, really happy that you like it!

[@iamshaggy3587]

@@NirvanaGuitars honestly! It’s amazing! Your audio and visuals are just perfect

[@Stanslick]

The bleach sound couldn't be closer Man! Good job, nice comparison 🔥

[@Requinto_290]

Love ur videos thanks for showing the settings for the padels

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you for watching!

[@shermanbrennan3349]

Nice comparison. Both sound excellent. Ds1 Waza is killer. Very much like the 92 but with more options. Well done Boss 👏

[@PunkMarioBros]

AMAZING comparison!! The Waza seems good but it just doesn’t compare to and beat the vintage and (as I’ve discovered) the modern day version to the DS-1

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Thank you!! Agree, I was a little disappointed with the Waza. Being spoiled by the vintage DS-1 probably doesn’t help haha!

[@jeans5658]

I noticed remarkably close between the two. As an owner of a pre 1994 MAde In Japan DS-1, I see an additional value to the older model as per other reviews here on youtube that, for anyone that like to modify the electronics to tweak to their own desires, the newer models are not easily tunable if at all due to their more modern non flexible internal setup. In this sense, If I ever consider to sell my DS-1 in the future, I will make sure to point this out to prospective buyers. I even still have the original receipt. LOL (I will never sell it) :)

[@Robyn_iz_Here]

To my ears the waza pedal seems to have alittle more bite than the original but it sounds extremely close. If it wasn't an A/B comparasion I wouldn't be able to tell. Well done Boss 👏

[@DarkPlaysThings]

The waza pedal definitely has a more distinct "sawtooth" sound on the highs

[@ravenousdragon9222]

Personally, I like both but the waza for my purposes is better (speaking as a guy who gets famous tones then uses it for a different purpose)

[@elduderino4579]

Thanks for the comparison. I have a chorus and delay from the waza range and absolutely love them! This ds-1w sounds great but I already have an original mij 82 model. Don’t think I’ll ever part with it haha.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Damn that's awesome that you have an MIJ 82!! I don't think you'll find a better DS-1 than that

[@elduderino4579]

@@NirvanaGuitars yeah man they’re out there! Just have to be patient to find them. I’m still on the hunt for a mij ds-2….. although I probably have enough distortion and overdrive pedals as it is 🤣

[@StevenPhillips]

My Waza Chorus (and this video) is leading me to get this DS-1w

[@gorillagaming2810]

Great comparison video!

[@design1of470]

I had no idea there was a Waza Craft DS-1, that's rad. I thought the Waza Craft "standard" mode sounded more like the 91, than the custom. The custom sounded a little muffled in comparison imo

[@johnjames77]

I think the Waza in S sounded exactly like the older one also

[@PalmettoStateSirens]

Classic DS-1 sounds so much better than the Waza Craft one, I would use the classic over the waza any day of the week.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

100% agree!

[@Marcelpelletier492]

@@NirvanaGuitarsI just bought the Waze craft version at my local guitar store I pefer s instead of c cuz s is more nostalgic

[@TheCleaner6969]

I would like to do a frequency analysis on a vintage DS-1 & see how much different then the Turbo DS-2 & Waza is that will really tell the difference. As the Tumnus & Mosky really aren't that different.

[@TheCleaner6969]

I just did a frequency analysis on the Turbo DS-2 & just a small frequency was pushed for mids on turbo mode.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

That would be really interesting to see an analysis!

[@--thatbih]

Ds-1 vintage for Bleach-Nevermind songs. The custom mode on the Waza sounds great paired with In Utero settings

[@tomasparodi862]

I know it's not as accurate, but i like the custom mode on the in utero tour because the notes are clearer. Also, the custom mode on the nevermind tour kinda sounds like the Buenos Aires show to me.

[@hlpsnow1105]

Why wouldn’t you adjust the tone knob in custom mode on the Waza?

[@omarheavy2009]

I like the waza Stock, sounds clear!!

[@jp38068]

Could you do a video on cheap Amps for nirvana sound?

[@davidsalas218]

I love that pedal, i think its very representative of nirvana

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Can't go wrong with any DS-1 when playing Nirvana 🎸

[@fanoboss]

DS1 is one of the most under rated and misunderstood pedals . the MT2 is another

[@NirvanaGuitars]

💯

[@endezeichengrimm]

The MT2 Waza has a nice tone in the Custom setting. Definitely worth getting the Metal Zone Waza.

[@Keyferr]

Main (and only) difference I can notice between the vintage DS-1 and the DS-1w in standard mode is the low end. The DS-1w seems to have just a tiny bit more. edit: after hearing the comparisons made using the Strat, the DS-1w sounds a little more harsh when compared to the vintage one.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

That's why I used so many different guitars! I found that for some they sound very similar, but for some guitars (especially the Vandalism Strat) you can hear more of a difference between the two

[@meckbetson]

Really great comparisons, for Bleach and Nevermind, it's gotta be the 90's DS-1. It just sounds right, but the DS-1W:C sounded great for the In Utero tones.

[@myguitardidyermom212]

when comparing an original effect with a reissue, you need to consider the manufactuing tolerences of the parts of the devices under test even two devices with sequential serial numbers made on the same day can sound a smidge different with identical settings in these kinds of shootout comparisons. the sounds are still there but the visual indicators on the outside might be misleading

[@punkgod94]

To my ears, the ‘92 more faithfully recreates the bleach and nevermind tones, but the waza takes the edge for that abrasive and gritty In Utero sound. What speakers are you using in your Twin Reverb? I suspect the switch from Celestion 75s (Nevermind live era) to Vintage 30s (In Utero live era) might sway my opinion back to the ‘92 pedal. Then again, it could’ve been from the Sans Amp pedal!

[@Ch33chCortez]

IMO DS-1 sounds better, DS-1S sound more bassy and more compressed and DS-1C some some mids and highs are missing, I'll stick with my original DS-1!

[@guitarslinger213]

Waza Standard mode sounds great to me. Maybe, I should get one.

[@sonscompass]

1. Vintage DS1 has that balance. 2. Classic on waza is decent but a bit shrill. 3. Custom mode on the waza sounds terrible. Way too muffled. Sounds like an AM Radio.

[@Happy_269]

I definitely think the ds-1w is better that the 92 ds-1 due to the tone being incredibly similar on the ds-1w:s to the ds-1 abd the price point

[@adrixn78]

Hey! Old video, I know, but I'm looking to recreate the Live tone for Breed (Live at the Paramount specifically but I really just had any Breed live performance that was played on the Vand Strat in mind) and I was wondering: Would I be better off with picking up a modern Boss DS-2 and using the settings of one of your other videos showcasing a live tone with the DS2, or the Boss DS-1W and just using the settings you used in this vid? Obviously a vintage pre 1994 DS-2 would be ideal but they can be quite a pain in the ass to find for a decent price. I'm sure both would sound fine but just wanted your opinion cause your kinda the Nirvana guy. All help appreciated!

[@aberdeenlizards]

Vintage DS1 is the way to go. I've owned mine since 94 and it has never let me down. They way to know if you have the better one is to open it up and look for the Toshiba Op amp chip.

[@DannyDerg]

I love the video i think the ds1 pedal wins

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Agreed! I think the 92 DS-1 is a little warmer, but the DS-1w on standard mode gets pretty close!

[@Arkaitz.M.A]

There is a difference but it is minimal between the ds1 and the ds1 waza in standard mode. The ds1 waza in custom mode sounds louder but it sounds very good. Waza is a very cool option to have two sounds, always depending on its price

[@NirvanaGuitars]

It is cool to have the vintage DS-1 sound and the custom mode as another option!

[@Arkaitz.M.A]

@@NirvanaGuitars It will be better if It has an input for external footswhich to change modes. The experience will be better. I think

[@BartSoundsGood]

I have never used Waza Craft, but I made a quick blind test of a vintage Japanese Boss DS1 and a modern one, you might want to have a listen.

[@lol1cris]

From what I hear the DS-1 and the DS-1W In standard sound almost the same I think the only difference is that the the DS-1W In standard mode is a clearer sound I can make out the notes being played a bit better on that one

[@Stahodad]

Wow. Pretty close.. nice review...well done... just need a small clone...

[@shoney1977]

This is a great video! I have a question for you, I have the same Twin Reverb Tone Master amp as you and I have the DS-1W pedal. If I were to put the level on the DS-1W at full and my amp at 4 or 5, it would blow my house down. How do you do that and not blow your place down?

[@mikerobbins4138]

Just got a 1989 ds1

[@Red28721]

Bro I need this pedal!

[@user-ib3gj3ty9k]

I feel like the Waza Craft pedal makes it sounds like a cheaper way to make a similar effect compared with SansAmp, it’s really not a bad pedal!

[@blueshock]

Double track the waza c and s mode and i think it would be amazing

[@1977raider]

The 90s version- they just made stuff better back then

[@asharpbflat7179]

Custom mode works best with in utero tour settings. I like it!

[@thorvelizelos]

I like the vintage DS-1 most. I have a 1988 DS-1 (made in Taiwan).. I guess it would be the same as yours 1992. The waza is also cool though and especially when it comes to layering guitars on the studio all different sounds could be useful.. Just like on the Nirvana records where the guitars are different layers..

[@kineticenergyfactory]

Your amp settings might explain my question below because that's pretty high mids.

[@wnbbmbjg]

I know this question travels away from this vid's topic, but what pedal do do you prefer, the Polychorus or Small Clone? I know they have their own eras, but don't know which is a better one overall.

[@nivac5227]

The good tones are with Bleach and In utero settings, in the rest ones only the vintage DS-1 has a closely satisfying sound. On Bleach all of them sound fine: the vintage is my favourite with a more clear tone, the Waza in S mode is very similar but a bit harshy, while the C mode is a good add with a more bassy sound (Lithium could sound fine with that, although Kurt used a Big Muff).

[@joesjams498]

you are definitely a subject matter expert on nirvana gear / tone . thanks for sharing . i have i modern ds1 , do you think the waza should replace that ? i cant compare that to anything really .. thanks again

[@joesjams498]

also the waza sounds just like the 94 to me

[@joesjams498]

lastly , what are your thoughts on the ds-1x?

[@NirvanaGuitars]

It's been a while since I've had a modern DS-1, but I remember being unimpressed with it. I'd have to try it again, but from memory I think the waza sounds better since it sounds so close to the 90s DS-1. I have never tried the DS-1x 😣

[@3rdStoreyChemist]

If you’re looking just for the Nirvana sound, then no need to get the Waza, you could easily pick up a Small Clone or a Big Muff and get more of Kurt’s tones for the extra money for the Waza. If you want a versatile distortion unit, then the Waza is well worth considering.

[@ryansagadore56]

Which would you recommend, a standard DS-1, DS-2 or DS-1w?

[@dagony7383]

Been boosting my original ds1 with a tubescreamer since the 80s.my setup still sounds better than the new ds-1waza

[@david894]

The standard mode does sound the same, but not identical. I like the Vintage DS-1 better. Thus, I don't think the Waza is worse the price. Although won't be as good, I'd rather get the non-Waza DS-1, even if it's a new one. It's like $63 on Amazon.

[@oranjjjggg]

IMO his best distortion was with the mesa boogie preamp and cab

[@honestlyliam]

I have a ds-1 and ds-2 but i seem to use and prefer the ds-2 it just has a much louder distorted tone (ik this is off topic)

[@jackstonehenge]

Disregarding the custom mode, is the Waza in S mode any louder than the original? If not, that's a big disappointment. All I wanted was a DS-1 with more headroom. That's it. I don't think I have much of a use for Custom mode. Just trying to make a decision about if I need this or not. The DS-1 is my desert island distortion. If I could only take one, this would be it. Thanks

[@Zackothy]

Custom mode on the Waza is the best out of the three for the in utero songs

[@ZX-6R]

I don't like the custom mode, otherwise, DS1 vintage or modern, they sound the same.

[@Helena-gk4ui]

i challenge you to recreate the Endless Nameless studio tone

[@thejonathandoan]

I preferred the sound of the early 90s DS1. The Waza Craft seemed to have a bit more scoop: a slightly deeper low end but far too much high end. The C setting was too muffled and dull.

[@theDragoon007yaboiCJ]

I have a made in Malaysia ds1. How does that compare? any way I can make it sound closer with any EQ?

[@NirvanaGuitars]

I have never tried a Malaysian DS-1, I don't know how they sound sorry

[@mikerobbins4138]

I still lean vintige the waza to my ears in s sound close but in custom not so

[@Grungegarage1955]

It’s cool and has a unique sound on the custom setting but I have 2 boss distortions already I have the ds 1 and ds 2 super distortion for Kurt’s tone

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Then you've already got it covered! 🎸

[@Grungegarage1955]

@@NirvanaGuitars Thxx I have like 4 boss pedals on my board also I have a channel too would u check me out?

[@JimBoom92]

Why do you always push that volume knob to the max.? How are you dealing with the extreme differences in volume when the pedal is on and off?

[@Riffmaster227]

Kurt always had the volume on full on both the ds-1 and 2a the volume difference between the pedal off and on is a signature trait of Nirvana. The clean to Loud back to quiet dynamics were inspired by the pixies. Also the ds-1 isn’t high output compared to modern pedals.

[@JimBoom92]

I could not find a single image of Kurt with maxed volume on the Ds1 or Ds2... Of course its part of their sound, stop and go. But the volume jump on a clean Fender with enough headroom is too brutal for this. Tried it several times, proof me wrong.

[@Riffmaster227]

@@JimBoom92google his settings and you should find a link to handwritten settings by Kurt Himself.

[@ripperplaysclon152]

Of course, I got stuck with a DS-1 made in 2021.

[@jasonanderson9600]

What’s the difference?

[@rmshred]

'92 ds1 sound a bit brighter, ds1w standard sound a bit clearer. For the price I'd rather go for a vintage as you can find cheap MIT black label pedals, as they use the same circuitry of the japanese ones including the Toshiba chip

[@kineticenergyfactory]

it sounds like the s and c clips are reversed because my bd-2w and MT-2w sound much warmer and full on the c mode. When I switch them to s I get more of your c mode sounds

[@NirvanaGuitars]

The clips are not reversed. What you are seeing on the pedal is the setting that you are hearing

[@mookmook5715]

Vintage DS-1.. there is no substitute.

[@TroyNaumu808]

Boss ds1w is the Boss

[@cloticcc9898]

Slts ds-1w.C sound is spot on 🤘🤘🤘

[@NirvanaGuitars]

🤘

[@herme2374]

Any EHX Poly Chorus cheap alternatives?

[@ARobloxMusician]

to be honest, I think with the waza craft with custom mode can sounds similar to a sansamp.

[@kristopherguilbault5428]

I don't know if it's because I'm listening through my phone but some of them there is little if no discernable difference.. I'll listen later with my headphones.. don't get me wrong I DO hear a difference it's just in surprised that some I really don't 🤷

[@itstcj]

i mean the waza craft on s mode sounds nearly identical to the vintage ds1 to me? i can't really tell the difference

[@NirvanaGuitars]

on S mode It does sound extremely close to the vintage DS-1! I think they did a good job replicating that sound, I was surprised

[@oleksiyrepin9886]

Is it sounds like ds1 and ds2 same time? I mean custom mode sounds similar to ds2

[@MusicalNPC]

Could you do DS-2 vs DS1W? I Want to find out which one I like more for Nirvana.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Good idea, hadn't thought to compare those two!

[@deadroses19]

I still prefer the ds-2 !

[@arroncajigas4260]

I like DS1.more!

[@lovebuzzer8730]

I’m watching this video next to my swimming class y hear your guitar detuned for the water

[@NirvanaGuitars]

🌊 🎸

[@Nirhuana_1]

which do you recommend?

[@NirvanaGuitars]

I personally prefer the vintage DS-1. But if you're not able to find one, the DS-1w on standard mode gets very close to it!

[@ppprime98K]

Honestly i don't notice a difference between the vintage and standard mode.

[@KKRoh-c8k]

Very similar between old ds-1 and waza standard mode.

[@alextempletYT]

Custom tone can double as an in utero tone just because of how mid heavy it is

[@psym1n]

They sound identical

[@NirvanaGuitars]

I hear the 92 DS-1 having a little more warmth, but it is very subtle. They are very similar!

[@Riffmaster227]

1994 ds-1s circuit changed. Same year Kurt died. Coincidence? I think not!

[@MasterChiefHarrow]

i like the 90s ds1 sound better

[@NirvanaGuitars]

Can't go wrong with boss for Nirvana tones

[@Helena-gk4ui]

your Sonic Blue Mustang must be like: pls, can i be on E standard? you: no. only E flat or Drop C#

[@NirvanaGuitars]

😂 lol that's what happens when you're in an In Utero era guitar! But it actually is in standard in this video 😊

[@Helena-gk4ui]

@@NirvanaGuitars yes, i noticed that, i usually play *always* in E standard because a lot of songs i play are on standard, i just have a Ds 1 and a Saphue Analog chorus and i think that i'm very close to Kurt's Bleach and Nevermind tone

[@Srrrgp]

is it me or the ds1w sounds like a ds2?

[@jonathanbeck1018]

Why do you say 1994 is the “magic” year for a DS-1? Kurt would have been using an 80s DS-1.

[@NirvanaGuitars]

From researching, I read that all DS-1s made prior to 94 were made with the same chips? So theoretically an 80s DS-1 and 90-94 DS-1 should sound the same, I’d love to test that out though to see if it’s true

[@SamuraiBud]

waza in mod 1 is smoother i didnt understang the sound in mod2

[@sfngr2116]

Nice, but Keeley Mod Ds-1 beats both

[@douglasvaughn9349]

Og ds-1 . The waza on custom mode sounds muddy

[@NirvanaGuitars]

100% agree, I can't see myself using the custom mode regularly

[@omarcio8153]

The ds-1w sounds like a ds-2

[@erikneill3590]

Vintage ds-1 and ds-1w:s sound virtually identical, maybe a touch more clarity on the latter, ds-1w:c sounds terrible

[@tomjoad8939]

its sounds like the ds 2 I just bought. kurt would find all this ridiculous im sure.

[@73prd]

To be honest in a band mix they both gonna sound the same, I'm happy with the old ds1 not much difference really in the wazza except for some expensive marketing

[@ASCLisy]

Бля-а-а, голова разболелась! 🤕

[@bubu2959]

I don't hear any notable differences, only on ds1w the custom mode sounds like it has less tone.