Sound Pure's Take
Condition: Used, Excellent
Transforming a classic orange icon into a high-gain powerhouse, the Keeley-modded Boss DS-1 replaces stock components with high-grade film and tantalum capacitors to dramatically reduce background noise. A modified filter section lifts the thin, buzzy low-end of the original unit, delivering full-frequency bass response even at subtle drive settings. A custom 2-way mode switch toggles between "Seeing Eye" mode—which utilizes an asymmetrical diode stage with an LED inside the "Tone" label that flashes with your pick attack for tube-like touch sensitivity—and "Ultra" mode, which adds extra clipping diodes for higher output, fatter bottom end, and chunkier rhythm crunch. Complete with Tone, Level, and Distortion controls, it operates on standard 9V power.
- Base Unit
- Boss DS-1 Distortion
- Effect Type
- Distortion / Overdrive
- Bypass
- Buffered Bypass
- Tone
- Adjusts frequency emphasis
- Level
- Output volume control.
- Distortion
- Gain intensity control.
- 2-Way Mode Toggle Switch
- Added to select between Seeing Eye Mode and Ultra Mode.
- Power Requirements
- 9V DC (Center negative) power supply or standard 9V battery.
- Current Draw
- ~13 mA–20 mA
- Inputs/Outputs
- 1/4" Mono Input, 1/4" Mono Output.
Keeley Modifications
- The "Seeing Eye"
- An extra LED is installed inside the letter "O" of the printed "Tone" label on the pedal chassis.
This LED is wired directly into the clipping circuit as part of an asymmetrical clipping stage. It flashes dynamically based on your playing intensity and pick attack.
2-Way Toggle Switch Options
- Down Position (Seeing Eye Mode)
- Uses an asymmetrical combination of a standard diode and the LED in the "O". Produces a tube-like, dynamic distortion with warm harmonics and strong response to guitar volume rollback.
- Up Position (Ultra Mode)
- Engages an extra diode in the circuit, yielding a fatter, amp-like bottom-end response, higher output level, and a chunkier low-frequency boost ideal for thick rhythm tone or modern high-gain.
Component & Signal Upgrades
- Low-Noise Capacitors
- Stock metal film and ceramic capacitors are replaced with high-grade film and tantalum capacitors to lower the background noise floor.
- Improved Bass Response
- Circuit values are modified in the filter section to eliminate the thin, "buzz-saw" low-end of stock DS-1s, allowing full-frequency response even at low distortion settings.
Warranty
This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.
Returns
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