I am not much of a techie, but, by following the pictorial on tonepad.com I was able to modify my ts9 to ts808 spec without too much trouble.
I am now interested in putting one germanium (1N34A) diode in series with one of the silicons (replacing one of the existing silicon) to add a bit more threshold voltage to one side (or so I hear).
My only problem is that, I don't know how to identify what the silicon diode looks like that I will be replacing. (I barely know what a diode look likes) Any suggestions on what I should be looking for?
Thank you!
From what i remember the silicon diodes in the ts9 are similar to 1n914 or 1n4148. Clear/red colored with a black stripe closer to one end of the diode.
I took a guess and there were two that sort of fit that description in the drive stage, facing opposite ways - located just under the chip. I swapped the bottom one out for a germanium (IN34A). The end result was a 'fuzzier' sound. It seemed to lose some of its smoothness. To me, it really changed the character of the pedal. I've already changed it back. (It wasn't bad sounding, but, I prefer the sound of the ts9-808 mod). I was hoping to add just a bit more growl to the smooth sound.
If anyone has done this, I'd be curious to know if I did this right, and/or, what their experience has been with the sound.
Thank you.
Quote from: DanaI am not much of a techie, but, by following the pictorial on tonepad.com I was able to modify my ts9 to ts808 spec without too much trouble.
I am now interested in putting one germanium (1N34A) diode in series with one of the silicons (replacing one of the existing silicon) to add a bit more threshold voltage to one side (or so I hear).
My only problem is that, I don't know how to identify what the silicon diode looks like that I will be replacing. (I barely know what a diode look likes) Any suggestions on what I should be looking for?
Thank you!
.
the keeley mod is to replace one of the diodes either one with a 1n4001
Funny you should mention Keeley - it was one of his product's reviews that made me want to try this mod. His germanium mod was referred to as "thicker sounding with tons of sustain. Very good for lead stuff"
I'd be curious to know if anyone has actually acheived this result, or, if it is a sales pitch?
Dana,
the germaniums don't sound very good in my opinion. Try this ala Keely. Take out both of those diodes and remember which way they go. Install 2 1N4001'a on one side and one on the other. Keeley does this all the time and I think it is the best tone out of all of them. Or you can leave one of the originals in there and put a 1N4001 or 2 on one side. Let your ears be the judge.
The germ tends to spit and sputter in the circuit and even Keeley had problems with it as per one of our many conversations.
The 1N4001's give a more open sound and "TUBE" like tone.
you won't be disapointed bro.
Good luck.
Mike Nichting
i never did the germ mod. i just did the 1n4001 mod. and it was like night and day. i couldn't be happier with it.
Just picked up a 1N4001 and popped it in. Kept the other diode the same. This IS more of what I was hoping for. Thanks...