It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 4:09 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Keeley Mods for TubeScreamers and BOSS BD
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:27 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 am
Posts: 40
Was thinking of ordering a modified TS9 0r TS808 or BOSS BD from Keeley pedals with the mods already done in them. Are the mods worth the extra money? Anybody have them, which one do they like the best?

Thanks


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:54 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:39 pm
Posts: 1
CJL:

Yes, the Keeley mods are worth the money. Almost all of their mods are true bypass, so you don't lose your tone when you're not using them, and they upgrade the originals by using better electronic parts than the originals use. It ususally results in a lot less noise and an increase in the low end from what the stock pedals put out. Keeley uses a different chip in many of his TS mods as well.

I currently have 5 Keeley modded pedals on my board (compressor, BD, TS DX, Dly, cry baby) and each one of them is quite a bit better than the original, and sounds quite a bit better than anything else I've heard. I was not a big fan of using effects, but after buying a few Keeley pedals, it's hard to ignore them. I litterally have boxes full of old effects pedals that I never used, but I found myself buying an effects pedal board and making the Keeleys a permanent fixture in my rig.

I have a vintage Ross Compressor (the gray one that people are paying stupid amounts of money for these days), and I prefer my Keeley compressor over the Ross (which many think is the "gold standard" for compressors). The Keeley compressor is the one pedal on my board that's almost always on. I'd say during an average gig, I use it about 75% of the time. If you decide to go the Keeley route, start with this pedal. It's instant tone in a box.

The Blues driver Phat mod adds a subtle low end that the stock pedal is lacking. It sounds great when run with the drive at about 30%. I don't like this pedal when the drive is over 50% as it just gets "fuzzy". If you owne the original BD, you know what I'm talking about. Regarless, the BD Phat mod is great for light overdrive sounds (like the Eagles/Old 97's).

For heavier driven sounds, I also have the Tube Sreamer Turbo with the Keeley mods. The Keeley mods on the turbo TS give you the two most popular Keeley mods for the TS 808 and the TS-9, so it's sort of like having two different tubescreamers in one pedal. I have a stock TS-10 tubescreamer as well. I rarely use it though as the Keeley mods made the drive much more "throaty" and you don't lose the low end of your tone like you do with a stock tube screamer. And the Keeley's true bypass.

If you're trying to get a good clean or light breakup tone, I'd suggest starting with the Keeley compressor and the Phat mod Blues Driver (I'm assuming your amp already has decent tone to build from). I think it sounds better to put the BD before the compressor in the effects chain.

For the heavier/more cunchy stuff, the Keeley TS mods really hit the mark. The Keeley modded Turbo TS really gives you a broad range of drives to work with. I've heard his DS1 mod is good as well, but as I don't play super high gain stuff, I've largely ignored this pedal.

I'd recommend getting the Keeley compressor. blues driver, and tube screamer in that order. Instant tone. Even if you're using heavier (higher gain) sounds, the BD is still a worthwhile addition as it adds a nice bump to the gain/drive before it gets to the Tube screamer or drive channel on your amp. For light overdrive the comp/BD combo is tough to beat. A lot of pros use that set up.

For reference, I usually play a Tele, PRS Custom 22 or Strat through a Fender Twin Amp (pro tube series). I recently re-tubed my Twin and have a newfound affection for this amp over my other amps.

Keeley stuff is not cheap, but it retains its value. Just compare Keeley's website with ebay. You don't see many great deals on used Keeley stuff, but it's worth the money.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:44 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 am
Posts: 40
Thanks, that was great lots of information.

I play on a 5w tube amp used as a head into a 4x12 cab. right now and was looking for a Hendrix sound in something like Red House or the Wind cries Mary tone, for that tone range would you suggest a BD or one of the TS mods? One ot hose two Fender/ Boss pedals may be an option as well.

In any event thatnks for your above post.

CJL


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:22 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:26 am
Posts: 32
I have a stock Bad Monkey (Digitec - Tube Screamer Clone - $39)

We compared it with various vintage and modded ts-9s. Ya know what? The BM sounded as good and sometimes better. I did this with a buddy who is a snob and he was floored.

That's not to say that a modded pedal won't sound better for you, but keep this in mind:

The sound of an effect pedal depends greatly on your amp and guitar. I had pedals that sounded great that were trash in front of my new Super-Sonic. I have also had a few "Holy Grail" pedals that sounded awful through my amp and sounded great through a friend's amp.

If you have a pedal you like with your amp, you can't be guaranteed that the mod will be an improvment.

Also, great lead tone at band level can sound horrible when played alone. With my band, we had a great session. My leads were soaring, cutting through the mix and blending nicely. They said WOW, so I played it without the band and it was trebly, screechy, loud and peircing.

My suggestion, learn how to mod pedals, this way you can change it back if not satisfied, or mod differently to suit a different rig or style.

Try to define what you don't like about your pedal and try a different pedal.

GC has a great return policy. Try a few stock pedals. Try a few thing you don't expect to like. You may find the Holy Grail in a cheap package.

You like Keeley mods? Compare the Keeley's you have heard to your pedals through your amp. You don't have access or have never heard a Keeley? Then shame on you. Don't fall for gimmicks just because other like them.

(apologies to the previous poster. I have pedals that give me my tone which are completely useless unless you like my style and play like me)


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:41 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:39 pm
Posts: 1
Location: Philadelphia
CJL...You may want to check out Chad Matthews mods.
http://www.cmatmods.com/Portal/
Chad's mods are as good, if not better than Keeley's and a bit cheaper.
I bought the CS-3 Opto mod and installed it myself. I was so blown away that I sent him my SD-1 and had it configured to the TS-808 mod and my BD-2 which I had configured with the H2O mod. You have to hear them to believe them. The BD-2 H2O mod is my favorite. I have also just recently purchased his Deluxe Phat Boost, Tube Slammer and Deeelay. His pedals are keepers. I play a 96 Strat Deluxe Plus through a 4x10 DeVille and it sounds sweet!

Best Wishes on your Journey!

–Bill


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:43 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:51 pm
Posts: 2503
Location: Bucks County, Pennsylvania, USA
Hello CJL,

If I ever by a pedal, first,
it'll be a Keeley compressor.

Cheers.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:19 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 am
Posts: 40
thanks for the info


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 7 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: