It seems that certain low-priced pedals from Boss have a reputation as being terrible and unplayable by an overwhelming number of folks in the guitar community. For how long this has been going on is unknown, but these pedals are an excellent introduction to beginning players who are still searching for their sound, and the tools with which to do so. Plus, if you can pony up a few extra bucks and get them modded by companies like JHS Pedals, then you’ve really got a great-sounding beginner pedal at an excellent price. Take, for example, the SD-1 Super Overdrive.
This bright yellow beauty is not the worst stock pedal you will ever hear…nor is it the best. Like I said, a great tools for shaping the minds of the guitar-playing youth, and helping them to truly understand how effects work, and how they will affect your sound and how you play. Based on the infamous Ibanez Tubescreamer, the stock SD-1 adds just a bit of crunch and grit to your tone, to get the feel of what it sounds like when you really rock out! JHS Pedals take this concept a bit further, adding in some higher-quality components to beef up the sound and overall tone of this drive.
They replace the op amp with a low-noise TL072, and add in some metal film caps to boost the bass response and create an awesome transparent tone. Plus, they throw in a mosfet transistor into the clipping section, for a killer tube amp-style breakup sound, as well as making the pedal True Bypass, so it doesn’t suck your tone when not engaged. These small but important upgrades really transform the way this inexpensive pedal sounds, and will really get you hyped up to make some fun overdrive sounds wherever you might be, from the garage to a high-end studio.
The SD-1, once transformed with this incredible Trans Am mod, can really stand on its own with some of the big boys of the Overdrive world. For under $100, you can get an incredible drive pedal at an incredible price, with superb upgrades and quality parts throughout. Don’t be so quick to judge a pedal just because it comes with a small price tag – you just might be missing out on something special…
Submitted by Mike B, Website
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