• Registered: 2010-01-13
  • Posts: 21

Topic: Keeley DS-1

I have an old DS-1 that I currently don't use. Is it worth the 60-75 bucks to have this thing modded by Keeley? Can this pedal produced a good OD sound? Good mids? ANY ADVICE/REVIEW/OPINION APRECIATED

ALSO, has anyone dealt with Keeley electronics? They seem pretty hard to get a hold of. Im a little leary of sending my pedal off without ever talking to anyone. Is there anyone out there that has dealt with Keeley? How is there customer service???

2 Reply by brandonmacey (edited by brandonmacey 2010-02-02 19:44:17)

  • Registered: 2010-01-13
  • Posts: 21

Re: Keeley DS-1

lol, I thought surely someone would have dealt with Keeley Electronics on this forum, but its looking like alot of people never have. With so many rave reviews and faithfull users, you'd think i'd be able to find someone who has dealt with them before.

  • Jon
  • Bronze Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2007-03-19
  • Posts: 39

Re: Keeley DS-1

brandonmacey wrote:

lol, I thought surely someone would have dealt with Keeley Electronics on this forum, but its looking like alot of people never have. With so many rave reviews and faithfull users, you'd think i'd be able to find someone who has dealt with them before.

I had a Keeley DS1 until recently and I used to own an original DS1 years ago so any comparison is based on what I can remember of the original. The Keeley DS1 is definitely an improvement on the original - it's less fizzy with a lot more 'thump' to it. The lower levels of drive are also surprisingly good - that coupled with the amount of volume increase that you can get from it means you can easily use it as a volume and slight gain boost for solos - high gain sounds into a clean amp are less pleasing as it still has some of that fizz that seems to sit on top of the main signal. I got rid of mine as I have been getting into Barber pedals over the last few years and now have an LTD, Direct Drive and Dirty Bomb which cover all my gain needs from subtle to OTT and which do sound better than the DS1. The MI Audio Crunchbox is also supposed to be great although I've not tried it. Overall I would say that, if the $60-75 is all you've got to play with then go for it, but if you can stretch to a new pedal then there are some better choices for a bit more money. I've also owned a Keeley TS9 and Compressor - they're great to deal with as a company, although I've always bought new rather than got them to mod a pedal.

  • Registered: 2010-01-13
  • Posts: 21

Re: Keeley DS-1

Thanks for the info Jon, I know what you mean about that terrible Fizz sound. I can't stand it stock. I also don't believe in using a clean amp then adding dirt via pedals like some people do. If it works for them thats cool, but I don't personally like the sound. I like a dirty pedal to enhance a dirty amp, does the Keeley DS-1 do this in your opinion? Or does it obviously color your sound? I know that Satch and Vai use it, and while I love there playing and music, I hate there sound LOL. I guess I should just get it, and I can always sell it if I don't like.

Has anyone had a pedal modded by Keeley? Do you just send the pedal in? Or do you have to contact them first? There website isn't crystal clear, and i've tried to call them a few times and leave messages to no avail.

  • Registered: 2009-10-27
  • Posts: 250

Re: Keeley DS-1

I would look on e-bay for an existing modded unit that is new or like new, you might find one if your patient.  A second (modded) unit may be as cheap to purchase, then if you sent your unit in, then you can test to see difference and sell off one later IMO.

brandonmacey wrote:

Thanks for the info Jon, I know what you mean about that terrible Fizz sound. I can't stand it stock. I also don't believe in using a clean amp then adding dirt via pedals like some people do. If it works for them thats cool, but I don't personally like the sound. I like a dirty pedal to enhance a dirty amp, does the Keeley DS-1 do this in your opinion? Or does it obviously color your sound? I know that Satch and Vai use it, and while I love there playing and music, I hate there sound LOL. I guess I should just get it, and I can always sell it if I don't like.

Has anyone had a pedal modded by Keeley? Do you just send the pedal in? Or do you have to contact them first? There website isn't crystal clear, and i've tried to call them a few times and leave messages to no avail.

  • Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Re: Keeley DS-1

I had a Keely Modded DS-1.  It was a decent pedal but it definetly took some of the natural tone from my tube amp and gave it a "pedal" sound. It did not have the "feel" of a good pedal. I did not have it for long. The Barber stuff is better in my opinion, along with Fulltone or Wampler.

  • JBSRV
  • JBSRV
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Colorado Springs-Colorado
  • Registered: 2008-07-04
  • Posts: 1,047

Re: Keeley DS-1

I have the Keeley BD-2 and I couldn't love it more. Based on what I've seen I'd recommend Keeley to anyone.

-Eric

"It makes it sound like the amp is about ready to explode, that's because it IS about ready to explode." -Joe

"I've come all the way from Colorado... Long way from my home. Give me the hammer that killed John Henry..." The Ballad Of John Henry
  • Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Re: Keeley DS-1

I like the Keeley BD-2 also. It is a great pedal, but I just could not get along with the Keeley DS-1.