Potential BOSS DS-2 Problem?

Longywales

Hey guys,

I am not sure if there's a problem with my pedal or it might be that my Amp is not powerful enough. Here is my RIg:

AMP = Randall WH40

Pedals = ZOOM G2 - EAX Small clone chorus - EAX stereo Polychorus - Tech 21 Sans Amp classic - Boss DS-2

Here's the problem:

I have my Tone set to 6 o'Clock, Distortion Full and mode set to 1 (not so bad on mode 2 but its still there), when i turn up the level there is a sort of distorted sound when bending a high note on the 14th fret. To explain this better, it reminds me of the sound you get when you turn up music too loud on a car stereo and it cracks....It is more evident when i use the DS2 with my Small Clone chorus. SO to get rid of this horrible sound i have to turn the level down.

As i stated earlier this problem could be due to my Amp but I also have a Tech 21 sansamp classic which never gives this problem no matter how loud i set it, Which makes me think its the pedal??

Any ideas?

Chris

Longywales

Just to clarify, its not just the 14th fret...the 14th fret was an example. Any high note

HNB

It is probably the pedal if the amp works without the pedal. Maybe a capacitor or something shorted, burnt out, or something?

Longywales

Yeah probably...i take it your a DS-2 User? So im guessing you have no problems with this pedal when turning up the level. Also, something that just came to me, do you think amp settings play a part in this problem? my settings are:

Bass - 1 o'clock

Middle - 10 o'c

Treble - 3 o'c

reverb - 9 o'c

If i take it apart will it be obvious if there's a circuit problem, or will i have to get my tester out *sigh*

HNB

I have two modded ds-1 and a ds-2 and do not have that issue. The pedal seems more likely. Let us know what you find looking in it. Do you have a second amp? If the pedal is the issue it should do the same noise with any amp.

Longywales

Sadly i don't have another amp to play with. I Had a look inside the pedal, nothing was obvious and all the solder joints seemed good. Then i wanted to see if i was on to something with the amp settings so I started playing about with the Amp settings and it went when Bass, middle and treb were all dialed down. I didnt get time to play about properly as the Girlfriend wanted to go out but i will have a look when i get time to play.

It could still be the pedal at fault as its fine with the Sans Amp with my original settings, i suppose i will just have to change the settings when switching pedals which is a bit of a pain!

Whats the modded DS-1 like? i mean what does the mod actually do to it. Would it be worth getting one of those instead of the DS-2.....

Longywales

Update:

I finished playing about and i came to the conclusion that my DS-2 just doesnt like my Randall WH40 treble at all! i managed to get a sweet spot using these settings:

Bass: off

mids:full

treble: OFF!!

and with the above settings i think it sounds pretty sweet!...

I might start a thread asking people to post they're pedal and amp settings so people can experiment

HNB

I did the Keeley mod on one and a partial Keeley mod on the other. Upgrades some parts and changed out the diodes. Makes it a bit heavier and the distortion a bit less fizzy crunchy and more beefy to me. I did a thread on the process with a youtube clip. It is under the effects section. 😀