Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Ratrod on November 16, 2005, 10:23:27 AM

Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 16, 2005, 10:23:27 AM
Wich is better?

I'm looking for a nice vintage sounding overdrive. I love my H&K TF but it's too Marshally for rockabilly overdrive. I'm looling for the hot tweed sound.

I've listened to all of the soundclips of both the TS9 and the SD-1 and judging by those, I think I like the SD-1 better. Hayden's clip is great!

BTW, I owned an SD-1 years ago. I shouldn't have sold it.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: chrisola on November 16, 2005, 10:33:04 AM
My sd-1 is for sale, and it comes with a JCM 800 aswell :lol:

On a more serious note... the Maxon Overdrive seems to get really good reviews, its basically an original TS9 with some tweaks... a bit pricey though...
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: HJM on November 16, 2005, 10:38:05 AM
How about the Keeley Blues Driver - that's a bit more like a tweed, responds to pick attack very well. The TS9 and SD1 are more of a boost.

The Maxon is pretty much a TS9 with a true bypass switch.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 16, 2005, 10:46:08 AM
The blues driver sounds a bit muddy and dark to me. :?
It's not all that different from my amp's overdrive channel.

Edit: I just heard the BD clip on the US website wich is very impressive.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 18, 2005, 11:28:22 AM
I saw Lee Rocker performing last night. Great show!

Buzz Campbell, one of the guitarists, used a keeley rat pedal for overdrive. It sounded great!

I want one!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: steve on November 18, 2005, 12:36:43 PM
Quote from: Ratrod
I saw Lee Rocker performing last night. Great show!

Buzz Campbell, one of the guitarists, used a keeley rat pedal for overdrive. It sounded great!

I want one!


You must have been quite close to see the little Keeley sticker on the Rat pedal!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: indysmith on November 18, 2005, 12:42:11 PM
Keeley's have different coloured LEDs to the stock pedals  :P
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: steve on November 18, 2005, 01:29:35 PM
Aah yes,they have a really blinding blue led.I remember know.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 18, 2005, 03:22:22 PM
Quote from: steve
Quote from: Ratrod
I saw Lee Rocker performing last night. Great show!

Buzz Campbell, one of the guitarists, used a keeley rat pedal for overdrive. It sounded great!

I want one!


You must have been quite close to see the little Keeley sticker on the Rat pedal!


If I reached out, I could have grabbed it. :D

I could see the blue led and the 3-way switch. I should have looked at the settings too. :?
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: steve on November 18, 2005, 03:29:57 PM
Quote from: Ratrod
Quote from: steve
Quote from: Ratrod
I saw Lee Rocker performing last night. Great show!

Buzz Campbell, one of the guitarists, used a keeley rat pedal for overdrive. It sounded great!

I want one!


You must have been quite close to see the little Keeley sticker on the Rat pedal!


If I reached out, I could have grabbed it. :D

I could see the blue led and the 3-way switch. I should have looked at the settings too. :?


Similiar thing happened to my mate,did a sound check came back to do his set and his wah and od pedal had been stolen!He now has everthing bolted down on a heavy pedal board.You only have to turn your back for a minute...
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 18, 2005, 04:14:02 PM
Howabout the new Toadworks pedal? I think its called the "Lil Leo" or something. Gets that tweed sound apparently.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 18, 2005, 06:51:34 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Howabout the new Toadworks pedal? I think its called the "Lil Leo" or something. Gets that tweed sound apparently.


It claims to do the thing I want but I found the soundclips on their site a bit thin sounding.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 18, 2005, 07:15:05 PM
How about Analogman effects? Him and Keeley are the most well known of the guys who started off modifying pedals who then went on to creating their own.

Back to the original question, the TS808 would be more suitable than the SD1 as it has a nicer sound. I know Analogman changes the SD1 so it has similar characteristics to the tubescreamer, and I expect Keeley does the same. If you do go for Analogman his silver mod version is the most highly recommended. The reason I prefer the analogman pedals is that they look more stock instead of having odd looking switches on them. Keeley's pedals might be the easiest to get hold of as he has a UK distributor. You can probably tell I'm biased towards A-man's pedals, but thats because I have been pleased with every of the five pedal's I've bought from him. I'm sure Keeley has people who are biased towards him, and Steve Vai uses his DS1 which obviously suggests he does good things.

Oh yeah one last thing, Analogman has his own forum where people discuss all pedals (including Keeleys):

http://forums.delphiforums.com/guitareffects/
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: willo on November 18, 2005, 07:24:35 PM
I have the Analogman SD1/808 mod...its very good. I've never used the original SD1 so I cant compare it with that...but through my JCM800 it works very nice thank you. It definitely smoothes out the tone when I am playing, I get a nice boost to the tone without the pedal dominating the sound of the guitar (if that makes sense).

I prefer the 'vibe' of Analogman to Keeley, in a way. I like the more down to earth feel of A-mans stuff. Buying from Keeley these days doesnt feel much different to buying something from a major company :(
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 18, 2005, 07:38:47 PM
I think that's why I prefer Analogman - it still feels like a small business with a personal touch.  I haven't heard his SD1, but I've got his DS1/Pro which sounds huge - the first time I heard it loud I must have had a stupid grin on my face.

I wouldn't hesitate recommending his clone chorus to anyone. Even the drummer in my friends band commented how good it sounded.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: willo on November 18, 2005, 07:57:13 PM
Yeah I have the mini chorus too. It always surprises me just how good it sounds. :)
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: dave_mc on November 18, 2005, 09:13:16 PM
Quote from: tewboss
I wouldn't hesitate recommending his clone chorus to anyone. Even the drummer in my friends band commented how good it sounded.


 :lol:

i think i'll take a look into those analogman pedals too...

EDIT: any idea where i can get a hold of those analogman pedals in the uk?
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 18, 2005, 09:57:31 PM
nobody sells them in the uk unless you get one from ebay (although its not been unknown for fakes to be sold). i bought mine from analogman.com and although its not the same as trying it out yourself, they are damn good. the chorus is based on the EH Small Clone, but its not just a chip replacement rather the circuit board was designed from scratch. also its got a cool case!

if you are interested in effects, his work partner (analog tom) has a rather good book published which is mostly about vintage effects.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: dave_mc on November 18, 2005, 10:07:16 PM
^it'd be the sd-1 mod i'd be interested in

and not being able to try it out isn't a major factor, i can't try the keeley one either

how much would it come to buying from the usa? i assume customs and vat would be about 22.5%, and postage would be about $25(it is on keeley's usa site to worldwide addresses)?

have you tried the keeley one too?
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 18, 2005, 10:25:27 PM
To be honest I didn't pay much duty on it, as it wasn't an expensive pedal and A-man did something sneaky on the green sticker! the pedal wasn't much more expensive than buying a stock Boss pedal from here. postage was about the same as what Keeley quotes, but postage in the UK for a pedal is only half of what the US postage was.

i haven't tried Keeley's pedals, but i am sure they are very good indeed. its just my preference is Analogman. Keeley probably sells more - his website is easier to use as well so don't discount him.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: dave_mc on November 18, 2005, 10:30:41 PM
^yeah, i haven't tried either :(

to be honest, i'll probably just stick with the keeley one, since i can get it in the UK (that analogman mod with a switch to choose between symmetric and asymmetric clipping looks nice though!), and i figure i'd be happy with either, since i was pretty impressed with the stock sd-1 i tried...

thanks for the help, anyway, i appreciate it!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 18, 2005, 11:14:14 PM
Ratrod, another suggestion. V-Stack Tweed? Expensive though I guess.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 19, 2005, 12:42:52 AM
Quote from: dave_mc
i was pretty impressed with the stock sd-1 i tried...


I know the Analogman modified pedals blows the stock pedals out the water (even the Japanese ones), so I expect the Keeley one would too.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: dave_mc on November 19, 2005, 09:47:18 AM
^ i suspect they will, so i'm assuming that since i won't get to try either the analogman one or the keeley one, they'll both be awesome, so i'll probably just go for the one that's easier to get a hold of (keeley)

thanks for the info, i appreciate it!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Floyd Pepper on November 19, 2005, 10:38:23 AM
Keely's web old site is still up there and has the info on how he does his Boss SD-1 and DS-1 mods.

SD-1 http://www.robertkeeley.com/audio6l6/sd1mods.html
DS-1 http://www.robertkeeley.com/audio6l6/dstech.html

I did the mod on my SD-1 then compared it to an original and I prefer the modded version. It has more depth to the sound. It sounded more gritty, less smooth with more character.  Haven't got round to modding my DS-1 yet.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 19, 2005, 11:46:11 AM
The V-stack sounds good. Still pricey. Is it an overdrive unit or an amp simulator?

Off course I've checked out Analog Man too. To my ears the asymetrical clipping of the Boss sounds better. The Tube Sreamer sounds a bit boxy to me. (Both the Keeley and the Analog Man)

Has anyone had any experience with the Proco Rat II? (stock or modified)

The Keeley modded Rat sounded very impressive.

Lots of info, thanks guys!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 19, 2005, 12:20:14 PM
I have a Keeley RAT 2 which I got cheapish off HJM. I really like it for low gain Led Zep style stuff but I dont really know what the "tweed" tone as such is so I cant really help that much  :lol:
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 19, 2005, 01:34:10 PM
It's kinda hard to define the tweed sound because it means different thing to different people. Some would say it's SRV's tone but that's very different from Setzer's and the Rev's tone. The first is very bassy, middy and moody while the rockabilly tweed sound is more bright and agressive. Most of ZZ-top's work is done with old Fender amps so I would considder that tweed too. Most of the pedals that are made for the tweed sound seem to be made to replicate either SRV's or ZZ-Top's sound.

In my quest, I also found this: The Monster fxs El Dorado. I like that alot.

http://www.musictoyz.com/guitar/pedals/swamp.php

soundclip: http://www.musictoyz.com/mp3/eld.mp3
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: willo on November 19, 2005, 03:44:21 PM
Quote
that analogman mod with a switch to choose between symmetric and asymmetric clipping looks nice though!),


he he, thats my one! :wink: I'd post you some clips but I have no means of recording right now. Keep an eye out on ebay.co.uk - its interesting because whereas Keeley is pretty prevalent over here, Analogman seems quite unknown, so whereas with Keeley you get sucked into buying battles with people with more money than sense (Ive seen Keeley's go for Ģ10 less than the price to buy new??), with Analogman you can sometimes really snaffle a good bargain. I saw the DS1 Pro mod he does go for Ģ60 once, whereas the Keeley DS1 SE's tend to go for upwards of Ģ90.

I actually bought my SD1-808 off HJM on here. He's played both Keeley and A-man...I seem to remember asking him about what they sounded like in comparison, he said they were very similar but the Keeley was 'hairier' (i think he said that)?

With regards to other overdrives, I remember hearing the Aramat Green Machine and thinking it sounded incredible, and the same with the Sobbat Drive Breaker II. Remember if you're worried about import tax/VAT, you could buy something like this from within the EU and not have to pay duty. It was in a German shop that I was checking out the Drivebreaker FWIW.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 20, 2005, 06:57:36 PM
I've got an Analogman modified Metalzone, although I haven't really given it a proper test yet. It's supposed to be a Dual Rectifier ish sound, compared with the DS1/Pro which is a Marshall stack in pedal sound. Keeley also does the modified metalzone but there wasnt a sound clip when I bought mine from Analogman - plus I didn't like the ugly switch on the pedal.

I can't remember how I found out about Analogman to be honest. It could have been when I bought my memory man as I ended up buying it from him. At least you know he would have tested it before he ships it unlike EH themselves - I've got a valve Hot Tubes I bought from new which is faulty. It has a really nasty oscillating sound when the gain is increased.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 20, 2005, 07:30:15 PM
That eldorado pedal sounds great when it goes high gain! I want it!  :lol:
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 21, 2005, 09:47:40 AM
Quote from: _tom_
That eldorado pedal sounds great when it goes high gain! I want it!  :lol:


I can only judge this from the clips but I like how it responds to the guitar volume. It has a very nice Billy Gibbons thing going on. I think it'll give the HBE Power Screamer a run for it's money. I also like the simplicity. Just two knobs and a switch.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 21, 2005, 05:45:16 PM
actually I know that Billy Gibbons has bought a pedal off analogman. i can't remember which one off the top of my head. Billy's book is on my christmas list he he.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: willo on November 21, 2005, 07:20:44 PM
Quote from: tewboss
actually I know that Billy Gibbons has bought a pedal off analogman. i can't remember which one off the top of my head. Billy's book is on my christmas list he he.


I thought Billy used the Bixonix Expandora, and I think you used to be able to get these off Analogman - is this the one you mean?
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 21, 2005, 10:27:34 PM
Billy used the expandora on Rhythmean, I read. Some claim it to be God's gift to guitar players, others say it sucks big time.

BTW, I'm now torn between the HBE Power Screamer and the Monster El Dorado.

I'm leaning towards the HBE now for it's versitillity.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: balde on November 23, 2005, 04:04:46 AM
Hi! As usual suspects iīll recommend both the keeley bd2, or his ts9 mod (plus or baked depending on gain needs).

Bd2: In my opinion itīs not dark at all. Stock version is piercing bright. Everybody i heard, complains that even with tone on 0, itīs is still bright.

Keeley bd2: If you are looking for an overdrive for chord work or rythm stuff, believe me, this is it. Itīs very transparent and will preserve your tone perfectly. You can go from the slightest crunch to a very furious beast (in the overdrive territory of course) This pedal works excellent as a clean boost, drive set to 0 level above unity and there you go. Also, and what i found best in this pedal, it works great with playing dynamics and the volume control.
keeley ts9: I have the baked version which has a lot more gain on tap than the plus version. I believe this is a really nice pedals for leads. I donīt like it much for chord work because it doesnīt preserve your tone as much as the bd2 and isnīt as dynamic. Anyway, ts9 based pedals with their midrangey vocal tone, stand out great for leads, cutting in the mix, with great sustain! you know that creamy overdrive so many people like. Robert makes it a perfect tool which sounds night and day with stock versions.  
i hope this was helpful to you, and i hope you get what you need!
cheers!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 23, 2005, 11:29:23 AM
I've been PM-ing Ben about the HBE Power Screamer. Ben's a tone wizard and has had first hand experience with HBE pedals. The Power Screamer seems to do exactly what I need, so I have ordered one of those. In checkerboard finish, btw, matches the guitar. It should be within my posession within a week or so.

I'll be posting a full review and make some clips later.


And thanks again Ben for all the usefull info.

PS: Strange isn't it, how a question about a simple OD pedal ends up in a complete tone quest.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Floyd Pepper on November 23, 2005, 11:40:16 AM
I did the Keely mod myself on my SD-1.  I still prefer my stock TS-9 over it.  Perhaps Keely does the mod different to how it's posted on his web site.  Maybe I need him to do a mod on my ears.  :)
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: tewboss on November 23, 2005, 05:17:50 PM
Quote from: willo
I thought Billy used the Bixonix Expandora, and I think you used to be able to get these off Analogman - is this the one you mean?


No I just found out it was the Analogman Chorus pedal.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: HJM on November 23, 2005, 05:34:19 PM
Quote from: willo
I thought Billy used the Bixonix Expandora, and I think you used to be able to get these off Analogman - is this the one you mean?


According to the Marshall book he uses six or seven Expandoras...all on at once!!
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: big steve on November 23, 2005, 06:03:56 PM
yeah, i was about to say that... they must be very different to a normal boost, i imagine 6 ts9s together would sound horrible....
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 23, 2005, 08:37:51 PM
Quote from: HJM
Quote from: willo
I thought Billy used the Bixonix Expandora, and I think you used to be able to get these off Analogman - is this the one you mean?


According to the Marshall book he uses six or seven Expandoras...all on at once!!


 PDT_027  PDT_039  PDT_044  :stupid:  :crazy2:
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 23, 2005, 08:51:58 PM
Quote from: Ratrod
I've been PM-ing Ben about the HBE Power Screamer. Ben's a tone wizard and has had first hand experience with HBE pedals. The Power Screamer seems to do exactly what I need, so I have ordered one of those. In checkerboard finish, btw, matches the guitar. It should be within my posession within a week or so.

I'll be posting a full review and make some clips later.


And thanks again Ben for all the usefull info.

PS: Strange isn't it, how a question about a simple OD pedal ends up in a complete tone quest.


Let us know how it works! I was interested in getting a Power Screamer a while back to boost my HRDx clean channel into a nice rock rhythm tone.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 23, 2005, 09:02:25 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Quote from: Ratrod
I've been PM-ing Ben about the HBE Power Screamer. Ben's a tone wizard and has had first hand experience with HBE pedals. The Power Screamer seems to do exactly what I need, so I have ordered one of those. In checkerboard finish, btw, matches the guitar. It should be within my posession within a week or so.

I'll be posting a full review and make some clips later.


And thanks again Ben for all the usefull info.

PS: Strange isn't it, how a question about a simple OD pedal ends up in a complete tone quest.


Let us know how it works! I was interested in getting a Power Screamer a while back to boost my HRDx clean channel into a nice rock rhythm tone.


Will do! If it works on my amp, it'll work on yours. Shipment has been delayed, I'm afraid. I hope to have it early december.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 23, 2005, 10:00:16 PM
Yep thats why I always like to read things from you regarding tone, I can get a better idea of how stuff will sound through my amp  :D Just be sure to get some clips  :P
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: Ratrod on November 24, 2005, 10:57:26 AM
Quote from: _tom_
Yep thats why I always like to read things from you regarding tone, I can get a better idea of how stuff will sound through my amp  :D Just be sure to get some clips  :P


I'll deffinately record sometging. I'll record a rockabilly track with the MQ equipped Dean Psycho and probably 'Keep on Rocking' by Neil Young with the Crawler equipped Yamaha SG. And who knows what else. It depends on the tonal spectrum of the Power Screamer.
Title: Keeley TS9 or SD-1?
Post by: _tom_ on November 24, 2005, 07:51:05 PM
Cool, lookin forward to hearin em!