What is your opinion? TS vs SD

[moltenmetalburn]

just watch some how to solder vids on youtube and you'll be fine. sounds like your taking the iron off to fast, it takes alot of heat and pressure to crack a board. more than id think you were using.

See, that's the thing though. I have been told to flux and tin the connections prior to soldering and when I apply the tip the flux starts burning and all the while I am thinking "omg...omg...omg... SOLDER" and I end up going the solder on the tip route or putting the tip to the components and melting the solder using the heat from the tip then sliding it onto the components, both methods almost surely result in burnt solder joints. I have looked up some youtube soldering videos in the past and they all seem to melt the solder pretty fast. Not sure if they are using 45w though, I have a 15/30w gun.

I only "dip" my iron tip in my flux tin before i solder. place the component, heat the component leg for about 5 seconds then I apply the solder to the heated junction and wait until it flows.

the truth is i have built dozens of pedals without using flux at all.

get a 30 watt non gun type iron and simple rosin core solder.

 

[Stratboy151]

i use a keeley modded ts9 flexi in my rig. i either use it into the clean channel of the mark iv or use it to boost R2. my settings are volume: 12:00, gain: 12:30, tone: 9:00

 

[JakeAC5253]

I only "dip" my iron tip in my flux tin before i solder. place the component, heat the component leg for about 5 seconds then I apply the solder to the heated junction and wait until it flows.

the truth is i have built dozens of pedals without using flux at all.

get a 30 watt non gun type iron and simple rosin core solder.

This is the gun that I currently use:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062730

I actually just bought a replacement tip for it not too long ago, which didn't really seem to help. To clean it I try to dip it in flux then wipe it clean with a rag, doesn't really seem to work either, I have tried steel wool also.

Should I get one of those station things with the sponge and holder?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... id=prod_cs

Is this good solder to use?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062714

 

[eternal_idol]

I only "dip" my iron tip in my flux tin before i solder. place the component, heat the component leg for about 5 seconds then I apply the solder to the heated junction and wait until it flows.

the truth is i have built dozens of pedals without using flux at all.

get a 30 watt non gun type iron and simple rosin core solder.

This is the gun that I currently use:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062730

I actually just bought a replacement tip for it not too long ago, which didn't really seem to help. To clean it I try to dip it in flux then wipe it clean with a rag, doesn't really seem to work either, I have tried steel wool also.

Should I get one of those station things with the sponge and holder?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... id=prod_cs

Is this good solder to use?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062714

That solder looks a bit heavy duty, look for thinner easier to get flowing

 

[Beret]

If all you're doing is using it as a boost on top of a dirty channel on your Rectifier, I'd just get a stock ts-9. If you're looking for something more versatile, I'd get the Keeley TS-9. I have a Keeley and it's much warmer than a stock ts-9 for overdrive and doesn't suck near as much tone. You're not likely to hear the difference on top of a ranging recto IMHO. You can always EQ the recto to compensate for anything a stock TS-9 does you don't like.

~B

Wow, so much good info, I really appreciate it. BTW, happy valentines day to everyone.

So the Keeley Mod TS isn't that hot for metal huh? I guess the stock one is a good idea. I am still going to get a Keeley SD-1 sometime in the future because I love the full range and full fidelity fatness of the sound. To the last poster, yes, I do quite enjoy Killswitches tone better than Zakk Wylde's tone, although I don't use EMG's or a 5150 hah. Plus I thought Wylde used an MXR boost?

So between the two stock pedals, which do you guys prefer? the TS-9 or TS808 reissue? In earlier contact I had with Robert Keeley he said the only difference between the two currently is the value of two resistors in the output section and maybe the IC chip or component tolerance values. Which one would you go for if you were in my position, because I am sure that the TS-9 sounds just as good, but I have very expensive tastes lol, and I'd pay more if the 808 was better or cleaner and all that and not just an overpriced gimmick throwback to their glory days.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

I only "dip" my iron tip in my flux tin before i solder. place the component, heat the component leg for about 5 seconds then I apply the solder to the heated junction and wait until it flows.

the truth is i have built dozens of pedals without using flux at all.

get a 30 watt non gun type iron and simple rosin core solder.

This is the gun that I currently use:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062730

I actually just bought a replacement tip for it not too long ago, which didn't really seem to help. To clean it I try to dip it in flux then wipe it clean with a rag, doesn't really seem to work either, I have tried steel wool also.

Should I get one of those station things with the sponge and holder?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... id=prod_cs

Is this good solder to use?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062714

That solder looks a bit heavy duty, look for thinner easier to get flowing

thinner solder as doyle said. the rest of that looks fine. go slow and use the 30 watt iron. familiarize yourself with the layout before you start soldering. use a highlighter as you go along highlighting completed parts.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Really, having good versions of both types on your board is a good idea. Covers all sounds in spades.

I have a Monte Allums SD-1 GT808, best of both worlds.

 

[eternal_idol]

Really, having good versions of both types on your board is a good idea. Covers all sounds in spades.

I have a Monte Allums SD-1 GT808, best of both worlds.

Monte Allums has great mods and step by step instructions!

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Really, having good versions of both types on your board is a good idea. Covers all sounds in spades.

I have a Monte Allums SD-1 GT808, best of both worlds.

Monte Allums has great mods and step by step instructions!

Yep, did the mods myself, including adding the switches. Very versatile pedal.

 

[droptrd]

I never use flux and have built and modded many pedals. Just good solder. Kester 60/40. I recently picked a new 25watt iron with a ceramic heater thingamajig. Cant remember the brand. it was $15. my electronics supply guy recomended it. I like it. does far less damage than my $200 weller.

I only "dip" my iron tip in my flux tin before i solder. place the component, heat the component leg for about 5 seconds then I apply the solder to the heated junction and wait until it flows.

the truth is i have built dozens of pedals without using flux at all.

get a 30 watt non gun type iron and simple rosin core solder.

This is the gun that I currently use:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062730

I actually just bought a replacement tip for it not too long ago, which didn't really seem to help. To clean it I try to dip it in flux then wipe it clean with a rag, doesn't really seem to work either, I have tried steel wool also.

Should I get one of those station things with the sponge and holder?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... id=prod_cs

Is this good solder to use?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2062714

That solder looks a bit heavy duty, look for thinner easier to get flowing

thinner solder as doyle said. the rest of that looks fine. go slow and use the 30 watt iron. familiarize yourself with the layout before you start soldering. use a highlighter as you go along highlighting completed parts.

 

[eternal_idol]

ceramic heated soldering iron, gunna have to check that out...

 

[JakeAC5253]

I do have some of this lying around. Although from the website and packaging I can't seem to find info on the alloy mix or whether or not it is rosin core as you specified... but hey, it is thinner.
http://www.guitarelectronics.com/produc ... -Fine.html

 

[JakeAC5253]

So now I am between a stock TS808 and a Maxon OD808. Pros/Cons? Does the choice differ because of my setup? BTW I tend to use 7 strings and downtuned guitars. So in the end the tubescreamer cutting the bass frequencies is either going to help me or hurt me... I can't decide and it's making my brain hurt haha.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Both of those are basically the same pedal.

 

[Jdub]

Both of those are basically the same pedal.

I have both and either mine are unusual or they are not the same pedal by any stretch.. . Same chip? .. I think so. but my Maxon has substantially more gain and edge, while the original is more subtle and sounds warmer and rounder.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Both of those are basically the same pedal.

I have both and either mine are unusual or they are not the same pedal by any stretch.. . Same chip? .. I think so. but my Maxon has substantially more gain and edge, while the original is more subtle and sounds warmer and rounder.

I liked the maxon better for those reasons.

 

[killertone]

So now I am between a stock TS808 and a Maxon OD808. Pros/Cons? Does the choice differ because of my setup? BTW I tend to use 7 strings and downtuned guitars. So in the end the tubescreamer cutting the bass frequencies is either going to help me or hurt me... I can't decide and it's making my brain hurt haha.

I persoanlly would not go with an 808 tyoe pedal and would do a TS9 style pedal. Especially for 7 strings, the TS9 will tighten it up better, IMO. I have tried both and the TS9 does a better job to my ears. If you like Maxon stuff, try an OD9.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

So now I am between a stock TS808 and a Maxon OD808. Pros/Cons? Does the choice differ because of my setup? BTW I tend to use 7 strings and downtuned guitars. So in the end the tubescreamer cutting the bass frequencies is either going to help me or hurt me... I can't decide and it's making my brain hurt haha.

I persoanlly would not go with an 808 tyoe pedal and would do a TS9 style pedal. Especially for 7 strings, the TS9 will tighten it up better, IMO. I have tried both and the TS9 does a better job to my ears. If you like Maxon stuff, try an OD9.

The only difference in the two pedals is the input impedance and more output. two resistors. The 808 version has a higher input impedance which makes it the clear winner, the extra added output is cool but not really necessary.

there should not be any other difference in the way they frequency shape the signal. was yours stock?

 

[killertone]

So now I am between a stock TS808 and a Maxon OD808. Pros/Cons? Does the choice differ because of my setup? BTW I tend to use 7 strings and downtuned guitars. So in the end the tubescreamer cutting the bass frequencies is either going to help me or hurt me... I can't decide and it's making my brain hurt haha.

I persoanlly would not go with an 808 tyoe pedal and would do a TS9 style pedal. Especially for 7 strings, the TS9 will tighten it up better, IMO. I have tried both and the TS9 does a better job to my ears. If you like Maxon stuff, try an OD9.

The only difference in the two pedals is the input impedance and more output. two resistors. The 808 version has a higher input impedance which makes it the clear winner, the extra added output is cool but not really necessary.

there should not be any other difference in the way they frequency shape the signal. was yours stock?

I am well aware of the difference between the two, I have modded many, many TS/808 type pedals over the years. Every time I have modded a TS9 to 808 specs, I reverse it because I prefer the stock TS9. With the amps that I boost, the 2203, the TS9 sounds better than an 808. I also specifically prefer the Ibanez TS9 over the Maxon OD9. Again, I realize that technically they are the same, but there was a clear difference to my ears as far as what they did specifically to the tone. have owned them all and done comparison after comparison, and that is what I have found, to my ears.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

So now I am between a stock TS808 and a Maxon OD808. Pros/Cons? Does the choice differ because of my setup? BTW I tend to use 7 strings and downtuned guitars. So in the end the tubescreamer cutting the bass frequencies is either going to help me or hurt me... I can't decide and it's making my brain hurt haha.

I persoanlly would not go with an 808 tyoe pedal and would do a TS9 style pedal. Especially for 7 strings, the TS9 will tighten it up better, IMO. I have tried both and the TS9 does a better job to my ears. If you like Maxon stuff, try an OD9.

The only difference in the two pedals is the input impedance and more output. two resistors. The 808 version has a higher input impedance which makes it the clear winner, the extra added output is cool but not really necessary.

there should not be any other difference in the way they frequency shape the signal. was yours stock?

I am well aware of the difference between the two, I have modded many, many TS/808 type pedals over the years. Every time I have modded a TS9 to 808 specs, I reverse it because I prefer the stock TS9. With the amps that I boost, the 2203, the TS9 sounds better than an 808. I also specifically prefer the Ibanez TS9 over the Maxon OD9. Again, I realize that technically they are the same, but there was a clear difference to my ears as far as what they did specifically to the tone. have owned them all and done comparison after comparison, and that is what I have found, to my ears.

you are the first person I have encountered that prefers the lower input impedance. to each their own is my motto.

the maxon has some different components than the ts-9, I prefer the maxons upper mid slice to ibanez myself.

can you explain how the tightening is different in each pedal, I assume you mean the low end, that's the part that has me confused other than component tolerances being way off how can they sound different at all? not poking at you just curious.