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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For a VERY limited time, you can snag any of our courses at a steal. Just type in the code 25offnow to slash 25% off any course. Don't delay though - this deal ends shortly. What have you got to lose? ;)
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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!
Subscribe to my channel here: kzbin.info/door/dVrg4Wl3vjIxonABn6RfWw
Deep dive e-book on DS-1 mods: modyourownpedal.com/collections/books/products/how-to-modify-the-boss-ds-1-distortion-pedal-ebook
Side note: Chasing Tone Podcast is now back on youtube as well! Subscribe to the new channel to see the new podcast video each week if you’re into guitar podcasts: www.youtube.com/@chasingtonepodcast7004
Wampler Reverb store: wampler-reverb.com (forwards to reverb.com)

[@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.

[@davedavem]

Do a Lydian mod! 🤘

[@DMSProduktions]

@@davedavem LOL!

[@asherplatts6253]

Lol

[@SpaceJockey805]

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

[@gonzoengineering4894]

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

[@wampler_pedals]

That's wonderful! Thanks for your interest!

[@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!

[@fuzzb0x436]

Well a 10 min video doesn't exactly make it an in depth talk and the schematic was very simple to understand 🤷‍♂️

[@wampler_pedals]

In depth would sound more like "In an Emitter Follower the input impedance can be calculated as β * Remitter , so the total impedance of the pedal is: Zin= R1 +(R2//β*R3) = R2 = 470KΩ note: the simplifaction of the formula (Zin= R2) is because the resistor R1 is too small compared to R2 (1KΩ470KΩ), you can also make all the numbers and reach to the same conclusion. If you want a further explanation of how to make all the numeric calculations, check the Tube Screamer Input Impedance Calculation; the circuit is very similar and all the maths are there. 470KΩ is a high input impedance to avoid loading guitar pickups and tone sucking, although the rule of thumb is to interface the guitar to an input impedance that is 1 MΩ minimum."

[@thomasadelgren]

@@wampler_pedals 😜. Crystal clear, I’m going back to my coloring book and crayons now! (Cannot read the wiring diagram but loved the video regardless, keep them coming!)

[@thomasadelgren]

@@fuzzb0x436 and I was just trying to be funny 😜

[@SlowToe]

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

[@hadeseye2297]

Next one: DOD Carcosa.

[@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.

[@kendevries3212]

I have had my DS-1 since about 1982. Still use it.

[@arleighhelfer49]

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

[@BCEpedals]

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!

[@jimgibson9811]

Built my 1st pedals in 1968. Love this format.

[@civilizationmeansdomestica929]

I have a Keeley/Fromel modded DS-1 and LOVE IT!

[@kennygardner5041]

Love it with passive tone control. Tighter and louder. Awesome!

[@stuartchapman5171]

Isn't it. I'm mot a guitarist, so I don't need that overly bright tone to "stand out" in the mix, I'm also really into that fuzz mod. It'd be great to have a clone with an extra footswitch to swap diodes out.

[@grmelectric6826]

The DS-1 may be my favorite distortion. I would be all about a Wampler ds-1 with some cool mods and options!!

[@mahoganymarco9199]

I love it, I love this pedal! People that says is crap just don't know how to use it. I also use it as stack.. Always wonderful

[@Varone26]

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.

[@Margilio5150]

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 😆

[@VinceWhitacre]

Arion made a lot of stereo boxes in the day... they also made one of the very few ever BBD reverbs.

[@Billkwando]

@@VinceWhitacre I used to have a BVD reverb but you could only hear it in my pants.

[@marco-vn8si]

The SOD-1 is good shit too!

[@Ottophil]

I borrowed one a month ago. Pretty sure I’m gonna buy one when I return it

[@joshuatavares2384]

Every time I hear Brian speak I feel like he’s the smartest in the room but knows that he doesn’t have to show off His knowledge and passion make me understand things I have no clue how they properly work I’m the set and forget pedal user and I wished I had his knowledge to truly appreciate the pedals I’m using.

[@CosmicGigs]

he is the only one in the room, so yes.| PS. @Brian, we love your videos - PLEEEEEEASE do a vid on using vocals on your pedals!!!

[@joshuatavares2384]

Considering I was making a he’s usually the smartest in the room regardless of which room” comment I didn’t think I had to clarify or make it aware of him being alone. I’m not sure if you wanted to just treat me as if I don’t understand your words But trust me I was aware that he was in the room by himself as par the course for more KZbin demos But thank-you for the clarification. I now can move on with my day having this pointed out

[@CosmicGigs]

@@joshuatavares2384 it was a joke dude.

[@maxonmendel5757]

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

[@wampler_pedals]

Thanks so much!

[@maxonmendel5757]

​@@wampler_pedals looking at pg 120 of your book. deciding between evil mod, JCM mod, and modern distortion mod. will you please share more about what the evil mod is? is it just lots of gain? what inspired the name? I want a JCM800 so badly 😩 and I've got an MXR Super BadAss which is close. Im looking at the Mr Black JDS-50, which is close. I know I prefer jcm to plexi. so. obviously the JCM mod is appealing. finally, by modern distortion, what are we meaning? will I get like super hot soldano tones out of that mod? thanks again, just curious what your take is. ill most likely do the JCM with optional high gain mod, but im super curious about the other two. the book doesn't say much and forums don't either.

[@ericvandruten]

​@@maxonmendel5757 get a breadboard and experiment? ❤

[@jw6588]

One of the few commenters to talk about good DS-1 tone and then actually be able to produce a good DS-1 tone, that actually sounds good.

[@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!

[@zzanz4520]

WOW DS1 sure is an all timer. Thank you for that incredibly deep dive!

[@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.

[@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.

[@scottbower9851]

Oh man, I can’t wait for a new Wampler take on a classic pedal! Love all of the tweaks and options you give us! 👍

[@richardburkow3792]

Me, too! Hopefully, it will also be able to tweak the mids.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Still my favourite Distortion even when it isn't

[@MDBenton]

I Love This ! Can you cover some more classic pedals like this ?

[@wampler_pedals]

Yes, will do more

[@scottmcardle4806]

Second that

[@mazklassa9338]

​@@wampler_pedals second that

[@OzGramcko]

i love my ds-1, i tried some mods, but i modded it back as stock, i have it since 25 years ago! mine is from 1991 and it is still on my pedal board

[@OzGramcko]

@The Tired Horizon i'm agreed with you, mods are cool, but is better found another pedal than mod

[@wampler_pedals]

I’d be open to that if enough people were interested in it, I suppose if those reading this find it interesting then “like” the original commenters post

[@darklight4815]

@@wampler_pedals i imagine folks would be into a DS-1 style pedal with a toggly switch for a couple different options and maybe an eq on board...i know my Dracarys is my favorite new dirt pedal right now,it rips,so i know the DS-1 style would rip just as hard

[@StratsRUs]

Loved it.Thank you

[@monstrok]

My gosh that sounds SO much better, to my ears, with the simple tone control. That sound has some girth!

[@sdcustompedals115]

I love simple passive tone setup, love to watch your informative videos, thanks ☺️

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Love this. Really hope you do more of these, and please don't be afraid to get more technical! 🍻

[@John_2Much_Coffee]

Great video, with the new tone control I really like the changes it made. It brings it kind of like a mild version of your Phenom distortion. Thank for sharing, I really want to try some breadboard pedal making. Cheers from Canada

[@beaston_guitar]

Honestly, you made all these circuits sound great.

[@vaibanez17]

What a great video showing all the sounds and mods possible on DS-1. Very well explained. Please do this series for every pedal for those of us who don't know all these things.

[@massiegauthier1529]

I had just bought two second hand DS1 on a whim, and a few hours later your video was published... Syncronicity👌

[@surrrfclub2424]

I love the sound of the tone stack changed one and the capacitor changed one. Great post!

[@delusionwalker8852]

I just can't get enough of videos as this one

[@rakusin]

This is the definitive video of the definitive distortion by the definitive pedal nerd ❤️ we love you B. This brings so much added value.

[@DSilvergun]

I would have liked if you would have briefly covered the changes Boss made with the DS-1W in Custom mode.

[@Glicksman1]

Look, I have no beef for or against this or any other pedal. I just want to tell a short story: I was at a gig and we had just taken a break after the second set. I had just leaned my guitar on my Deluxe Reverb which was on standby when a guy came over to me and said that he liked our music, and pointing to my guitar he said, "That guitar really sounds great." I thanked him for his compliments to the band and pointing to my guitar leaning on my amp, I said, "So, how does it sound now?"

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I love these videos. I have watched all the others you did in the past over and over. thanx, this goes in rotation immediately!!!

[@tipston3366]

Mr. Wampler I would buy your take on this circuit in a heartbeat! Especially if it has a different kind of tone control or controllable mids. Take my money already!

[@mikepeace2112]

Definitely here for this as an ongoing series.

[@joshuamorganmusic]

The ds-1 is super underrated. I used to have a crap ton of boutique pedals and DIY builds then my board got stolen and I couldn’t even find half of that stuff. Decided on going ‘off the shelf’ with my current board. I can find everything on it at most major retailers and the sound is so much better now! (The buffers in boss pedals are really good, esp if you use one at the begging and end of your chain)

[@fuckcensorship69]

false. overrated due to cobain. maybe if it could volume match a clean tone....

[@joshuamorganmusic]

@@fuckcensorship69 it can if you set it up. Plus who wants to have the dist signal the same loudness as the clean? It should be slightly louder. It’s called rock n roll ya know😜

[@fuckcensorship69]

@@joshuamorganmusic no, the distortion should absolutely be louder....every ds1 ive played made my guitar quietet though

[@joshuamorganmusic]

@@fuckcensorship69 ooof! That sucks👎 don’t think I’ve had that issue or at least never really noticed it

[@r0flgal0re]

You, Sir, are a legend. Love this format, I m looking forward to new episodes.

[@Wammus85]

I am absolutely amazed by the fact that i have my tone control in almost exactly the same position as you and did the exact same thing to get there.

[@Jonathan-se7nr]

Another great video, and it's really great to see a fantastic pedal builder taking time to explain things in a way that even I can understand 😅 Plus you always have a genuinely nice vibe 👍

[@traceyoungs1637]

Wow that “new” tone control sounds amazing!

[@bang9869]

Pleaaaseee make this a regular series Brian, especially touching on older boss, MXR and EHX models. So informative and fun, keep it up!

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome how you showed the "mods" Live. I use my DS-1 After my Blues Driver BD-2 for extra 'crunch' and am very happy with the sounds it gives me. Although I can keep the settings lower which is my preferred tone as The BD-2 is already giving a surprising amount of gain I find. Yes I think the Boss DS-1 Pedal is Great. Cheers

[@insanecomicdude]

This is the coolest format of video ever! Would love to see more.

[@handwiredbyme]

Brian your an awesome guy in here. You do alot for the pedal amp mod community. I am fixing to order a soldering iron and am gonna start modding and building pedal kits. I'd like to eventually build an amp and modify my deluxe reverb. Your story was awesome on tone talk. You derive all your successes man. I appreciate all you do for anyone interested in this stuff

[@wampler_pedals]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@EclipseAtDusk]

The keeley mod DS-1 is one of my fav drive pedals out there, it’s SUPER dynamic & sounds delightful in front of a crunchy amp

[@TheSwanepoelmj]

The tone stack removed sounds amazing

[@glenech0]

When you played the very first power chord the first thing that immediately came to mind was "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" (the introductory riff). Looked it up...sure enough, DS1.

[@TheAaron3dg]

Great video! Your explanations are so clear and easy to understand. I particularly enjoyed the tone stack demo

[@backlom]

Thank you for this demo. I enjoyed all the variations.

[@MrTPF1]

Great video. I make no apologies about loving the DS1. You can go for it's stand alone distortion, which is great, or you can add it to any other pedals or amps just to give them a little extra kick.

[@d.a.t.4699]

Great show brian, thanks for being you man!

[@Dokkensound]

Excellent video. Most is over my head but I love hearing all the possibilities of a circuit.

[@gregmize01]

My buddy did the Less/More Mod on mine years ago and it's glorious!

[@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.

[@Dcardozo05]

great video love the format !!! thanks a lot Brian, cool guitar btw

[@jezgomez]

Oh man, this is so cool! So many kids would take up electronics if you were their teacher. Instantly subscribed

[@DrJeebles]

This is very cool, Brian. I would definitely love to see more of this series of videos.

[@jimhoman4415]

I hope this is the first in a long series.

[@JimFeeley]

Fun name (and graphic) for the series.

[@silencers666]

I've been waiting for this for a long time. Thx

[@VapnFagan]

I never heard a DS1 sound this good. What magic is going on here?

[@joelspaulding5964]

D@mn- Even the stock, initial tone sounded thick and very eighties, even through my phone speakers. I do not expect such "heft" from a KZbin demo. Excellent video and love the Beato reference.

[@kronoscamron7412]

wooow I got this when I was 15 ...the nostalgia

[@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.

[@FrostlordTheWizard]

Amazing! Thanks so much for this video!

[@M81_WOODLAND]

I have a Bob Keeley modded DS-1 and it is the only distortion pedal I will ever need. That thing just sounds glorious.

[@Bikewithlove]

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

[@glenkepic3208]

I dig mine. I've had it for over 15 years. It's on a pedal board with 3 other dirt boxes and i use it the most. Often thought of it as The Gary Moore Pedal since i read he used one on Corridors Of Power,

[@glenkepic3208]

btw,,,,love the Big Muff ref. Had a red script in the ''70s. maybe why i love the DS-1 so much.

[@doctorskull8197]

Outstanding video! Informative and entertaining. My beef with DS1: using a clean Fender Deluxe reverb, when the DS1 is engaged, I notice a big drop in volume and the overall sound “washes out”, although the sound is very good. This doesn’t happen when I use a different overdrive pedal such as Fulltone OCD.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I love my ds1. It was my first pedal and depending on the amp I'm using at the time it's my go to drive. It sounds killer through my new Magnatone Varsity Reverb. Not fizzy at all but I think a good quality amp does wonders for pedals. Like adding seasoning to a filet mignon instead of seasoning a hamburger steak. Both work but ones preferred.

[@wklorenzino]

That discret op Amp makes it sound like a saging tube Amp to me. Which is really cool.

[@cameronstolhand7149]

I love it when you do videos like this!👍

[@Bixll09]

I have a Japanese version of this, that I clipped the clipping diodes in. Love the tone it gives me. You it as boost, more than anything. I think I will put the diodes on a switch, so I can have with or without.... Love your channel Brian. I use an older Blues Jr "96".

[@mc5228]

This is a great video! Love the discussion and I am going to make one of the mods

[@nowayjay123]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your insight and knowledge!

[@Auxend]

Brian! Good to see you! Love it!

[@joeblack007forever]

I really enjoy this kind of video. Thank you so much :)

[@73prd]

Removing both diodes in this pedal is the why I use it, huge sound

[@russiangoose7053]

Changing the tone control totally woke up the pedal in my opinion. I wonder how a Marshall style TMB tone stack would sound in it's place 🤔 especially with the discrete opamp

[@wampler_pedals]

That's a great idea, and a great example of looking at circuits in "blocks" like I mentioned, I have to try this!

[@russiangoose7053]

@@wampler_pedals there's a pedal called the Krank Distortus Maximus which is a Rat style circuit but replaces the stock tone control with a marshall style tone stack. I also have a Fuzzlord drone master that can switch the stock Rat voicing with a Hyper fuzz voicing. It was also interesting the tone control mod you did on the DS1 because I want to do the same thing to my Big muff pi as well as remove all the diodes for a more wide open sound. Thanks for making these awesome informative videos 😊

[@ganjjabarsmedium2347]

Great breakdown, I love the boss ds1! I run it through an orange OR15 amp, and it’s a beefy ass tone 🤘

[@m.a.6478]

I love when you do nerdy circuit stuff in videos!

[@OmarDelReal45]

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

[@discouragetheghost8981]

as always... great video. So informative. Thanks

[@ChrisBrayden]

Thank you Brian! Appreciate the break down and the detailed look at each block stage. Was planning on doing the seeing eye mod, so that was very cool to see with the breadboard. Really love the details about the eq placement and differences in location; also always love hearing your thoughts on what changes to individual components, like a resistor or capacitor, would have on the sound. Thank you Professor Wampler! I look forward to more detailed analysis. Ps love the Les Paulcaster! Like chocolate and peanut butter!

[@brentfox805]

I'd love to hear a DS1 with LEDs, a discrete op-amp, and that new tone control that you made. I think that would be killer.

[@pahwraith]

Sounds like a turbo rat/guvnor type distortion pedal. Which would be ducking AWESOME!

[@aceflibble]

That's the combo I want, for sure. Each of those changes on their own, as demonstrated here, were an improvement. All three would, at least on paper, be ideal.

[@mr.richiej]

I have a Monte Allums moded DS 1 it it does sound good. I also have a Moreland Mod in one. He took that mod from the web and its killer as well. Great work

[@WorshipGuitarResources]

I love this! I've had a few DS1's and as much as I wanted to, I didn't love it, but I was probably using it wrong 🤣

[@briand7381]

This is great. Would love a video to go over a mod step by step, there are so many out there. And this mod sounds great.

[@stuartchapman5171]

Great stuff as ever. I have a DS-1 clone. It's never really fitted in with my setup. That passive tone stack and a switch for that fuzz cap, and it's a great sound.

[@xxsouthxxsidexxroyxx]

Also I can't wait for an episode on the OD-3!

[@zandig666]

Very cool sir I've got one of these cheapies !! Still yet to really play with it !!😁😁🤟🤟