DS-1 Rectifier Mod

The Boss Pre-1995 MIJ DS-1 is actually a pretty decent pedal stock. But there’s always room for improvement! I am a chronic tweaker you know! With this mod I will introduce a New Adapter that will allow you to change out the MIJs TA7136 Opamp for any of the many Higher Quality Dual Opamps available. You should hear a RC4558P in the circuit. That’s the one I supply with this kit. Unbelievably good in the MIJ Vintage DS-1. But with the TA7136 Adapter you can swap Opamps until you find your sweet spot. Me, I’ll stick with the RC4558P.

With the mod I flatten out the scooped mids and add warmth and clarity. I also upgrade some of the older caps. They tend to go bad after time. The 3-way Tri-Gain Switch will add to the versatility after the mod. You have your choice of keeping the 1S2473 clipping diodes or replacing them with a couple of 1N914s. You also get LEDs and a Diode Lift Mode.

With these changes, and a few others, the mod turns this already good sounding pedal into a Great Sounding Pedal!

IMPORTANT – Boss has started using surface-mount components on some of their new pedals. I’ve created a page to help you determine if your pedal is moddable. Read about it here.

Vintage_DS-1_Mod.mp3
This mp3 was recorded on the LED mode of a Modded Vintage DS-1. Unbelievable on-the-verge-of-blowing Marshall type vibe. Notice how the gain seems to bloom as the notes explode through your speakers. Very cool vibe! If you’re looking for that early Marshall tone this is it! Placed it in front of a clean amp setting or an already distorted amp. And with my new TA7136A Adapter you can swap out the opamp with your favorite Dual Opamp. I use a RC4558 but a Burr Brown OPA2134PA sounds great also as does a TL072 and JRC4558. With the Adapter Socket you can even swap back to the TA7136 which also sounds pretty darn good. Your options are endless. This is a very cool mod!

IMPORTANT – This mod will only work with the Vintage Pre-1994 Boss MIJ DS-1s. The older vintage MIJ DS-1s use a TA7136 Opamp in a 7-Pin Configuration. Your DS-1’s PCB must look like this.