Author Topic: Keeley Modded pedals (Read 6120 times)

downrodeo · « **on:** July 15, 2006, 05:31:18 PM »

I want an overdrive or distortion pedal by Keeley. They all seem really good and I have $200 to work with, so no Tubescreamer for me. I was looking at the Boss models that get glowing reviews all over the place and was thinking about getting one of them. The DS-1 Ultra looks like what I want but the reviews and description of the Blues Driver looks great and seems to be ideal for pushing my DSL 100. I have a Fender combo that I use for small gigs and practice, so I'd like a pedal that would work well as a standalone OD/Distortion and with my head to get the overdriven, endless sustain thing going.

Guitarzan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 15, 2006, 06:21:59 PM »

I have a Boss DS-1 as well, but i got mine modded by Analogman. The mod cost me about $80 and made the pedal sound really nice. Since I have the older version of the DS-1 he could only upgrade the parts, even still it greatly improved the tone. The only downside is that it eats batteries; I think my best duration was 3 days of casual playing. Once the battery gets low you can tell because it starts to loose it's crispness and sounds like it did before the mod!

Here is the link http://analogman.com/boss.htm#DS1

Bird · « **Reply #2 on:** July 15, 2006, 07:47:31 PM »

I have the Keeley DS-1 Ultra and it's a killer pedal. The bluesdriver is more of that subtle overdrive sound. The DS is quite versatile. :twisted:

downrodeo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2006, 01:50:02 AM »

Can the DS-1 act in the way the Blues Driver does and do boosting type stuff on an already overdriven amp???

_tom_ · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2006, 01:53:38 AM »

I'm guessing so, with the gain on 0. Isnt that what Satch and Vai apparently use theirs for?

Bird · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2006, 02:22:55 AM »

I know Vai has one not sure about Satch, it might say something on Keeley's website. Just send him an email if your not sure, they're very helpful and friendly. Much like this site 8)

deg0ey · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2006, 10:25:33 AM »

I've never used any Keeley stuff, but it did get rave reviews in Guitarist last month, and everyone always goes on about how amazing they are...

I can't see the appeal to be honest though - why take something relatively bad (DS-1 for example) and try to improve it, when you can buy something that was built good to start with. Surely there's only so far you can improve on something

Maybe I've got the wrong end of the stick, but:

Keeley Blues Driver = £81
Shipping to UK = £16

Total = £97

Now, I can get a Jekyll and Hyde overdrive for £120 - and to me that seems the much better option

indysmith · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2006, 10:45:32 AM »

Quote from: deg0ey

Keeley Blues Driver = £81
Shipping to UK = £16

Total = £97

Now, I can get a Jekyll and Hyde overdrive for £120 - and to me that seems the much better option

http://www.robertkeeley.co.uk/overdrive_bd2.htm
even more expensive if you buy it from the UK site...

deg0ey · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2006, 10:48:15 AM »

Yeah, I decided afterwards that it would probably be cheaper to buy the JH pedal from the US and get it shipped, as with the Keeley - but I didn't think of that at the time

But do you agree with me that it would be a better idea to buy a more expensive but better effect straight off, rather than an improvement to an existing one...

Brow · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2006, 11:35:56 AM »

For £120 you could get a G2D Overdrive pedal from New Zealand (plus other alternatives). It'd kick the ass of the Keeley AND the Jekylll and Hyde!

I definitely agree about buying something good in the 1st place sooner than trying to improve it.

This only goes for pedals, not guitars etc though :)

deg0ey · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2006, 12:08:17 PM »

Yeah, I agree...I don't really know much about pedals, and haven't heard of that New Zealand thing - I just picked one that I'd heard good things about :P

Brow · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2006, 12:29:03 PM »

Quote from: deg0ey

Yeah, I agree...I don't really know much about pedals, and haven't heard of that New Zealand thing - I just picked one that I'd heard good things about :P

G2D aren't all that well known to be honest.

But compared to say Fulltone and ZVex, they're very good and cheaper too :)

Ratrod · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2006, 12:42:38 PM »

Anytime soon Ben will come in and will try to sell you something by Homebrew.

deg0ey · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2006, 12:43:48 PM »

I could do with a beer or two - but it's a bit far to ship from Ben, isn't it? :drink:

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2006, 04:47:47 PM »

The SD-1 IS a good pedal, it's pretty much 95% identical to a TS-808. for under £5 you can buy the components needed to mod the pedal to sound very nice indeed. Lets not forget that the Fulldrive is just a Tube Screamer and I'm fairly sure that the Jeckyl & Hyde is too.

:twisted: