[Kevin]

I ordered this mod from http://www.monteallums.com/



hoping it would make my CS3 a bit more quiet, and less "squashy coloring"

Other than this, I loved the pedal.

After installing these parts, and testing it, I was not disappointed. Even at the highest settings the pedal wasn't "buzzing"

The pedal didn't color my sound now. And it only did what I wanted and bought it for.

To even out the sound, and add a tiny bit of sustain without ADDING any over-drive or distortion.

All I got to say is

Not saying it's the BEST compressor (I have yet to use them all) It does what I want it to now, without the noise.

And that is well worth the $21 I spent.

Considering I originally payed $30 for the pedal used I got a deal.

$51 for a boutique sounding compressor.

I really wish Boss would stop using crappy parts. It's not the circuit design that makes em noisy. But the crap parts.

[Kevin]

<snip>

[Doofy]

Sweet. Will have to investigate and spend some dough.

[Kevin]

Look at his other mods too

And it's not much dough to spend.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Look at his other mods too

Yep. Considering buying another MT2 just to install his mod and A/B it.

[Kevin]

I can tell the difference easily. Before when I engaged the compressor I'd lose a bit of high end and sparkle.

The pedal no longer does that. Plus it seems to have more "output"

Trying to find one for my Boss Chorus now.

My DD-20 is fine the way it is.

I've seen the schematics for these expensive handmade "boutique" pedals. And they look almost the same as these factory line Boss pedals. I noticed the difference was the part quality.

Metal film caps are quieter and sound better than ceramic disk caps.

Tantalum caps are quieter than electrolytic caps, and don't "leak"

And I have had a MT2 before... long ago... what do you use it for?

I can't imagine it being usable as a boost for an amp. But maybe by itself?

[FeLiZeCaT]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Here is a pic of the final product

<<<image removed at the request of the mod's copyright owner...Glenn>>>

I should have taken a before.

I am thinking about special ordering some larger value tantalum caps and replacing those electrolytic left on the board.

And maybe replacing the low value ceramic caps.

Here is the exterior

Cool! What would also have been interesting is a before and after sound...

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Kevin

And I have had a MT2 before... long ago... what do you use it for?

Killing people.

Originally Posted by Kevin

I can't imagine it being usable as a boost for an amp. But maybe by itself?

I haven't actually used it for a while, but generally I'll whip it out when I need to add some different gain textures. I usually stick it in between two EQs then run into a low gain valve amp.

[turtle777]

I bought the same pedal, moded by Robert Keeley. Sweet. He doesn't mod the CS-3 anymore, because he came out with his own compressor, so maybe, one day, it's worth eleventy billion $.

-t

[Kevin]

Keeley basically does the same mod. And his pedals are over-priced.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Keeley basically does the same mod. And his pedals are over-priced.

Well, yeah, I got mine for $ 66 or so on eBay. Thought that was not too bad.

-t

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Well, yeah, I got mine for $ 66 or so on eBay. Thought that was not too bad.

-t

I meant his personal effects. The mods themselves don't cost that much.

BTW, care to take a pic of the insides of your Keeley modded CS-3?

I am curious as to what he does to it.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I meant his personal effects. The mods themselves don't cost that much.

I agree.

I read that the Monteallums mods come very close to his own developed compressor, which costs many times more...

-t

[sal@ardent]

Hi Guys, while I am very flattered that you like the mod. I would ask that you please do not post pics of the pedal post (after) the mod. This divulges my copyrighted mod to everyone. If you could please have the list moderator remove it.

Thanx,

Monte

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by T-Von

Hi Guys, while I am very flattered that you like the mod. I would ask that you please do not post pics of the pedal post (after) the mod. This divulges my copyrighted mod to everyone. If you could please have the list moderator remove it.

Monte, could you please explain how posting a pic of a PC board "divulges your copyrighted mode". I might not be an expert, but this just doesn't make sense to me.

-t

[ghporter]

Kevin, that looks like great work-the before picture would only make it look more professional. That's a compliment; I was once known as "sergeant 'You Can't Solder, Get Out Of Here.'" So how does it sound now? Did you get the crispness you were after?

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

Monte, could you please explain how posting a pic of a PC board "divulges your copyrighted mode". I might not be an expert, but this just doesn't make sense to me.

-t

Well he sells a layout page with those parts. I guess anyone could just take the parts he gives you, and place them in the correct spots with the picture I posted, and not pay him any money for the work he did.

Originally Posted by ghporter

Kevin, that looks like great work-the before picture would only make it look more professional. That's a compliment; I was once known as "sergeant 'You Can't Solder, Get Out Of Here.'" So how does it sound now? Did you get the crispness you were after?

Yes, the "sparkle" I lost when it was engaged is now back because of this modification.

It's amazing what better capacitors will do for you.

It's just an over-all better pedal.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by what_the_heck

I agree.

I read that the Monteallums mods come very close to his own developed compressor, which costs many times more...

-t

The price you pay for "boutique"

I'd rather buy used and upgrade em. I like Boss's pedal casing the best anyhow.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Well he sells a layout page with those parts. I guess anyone could just take the parts he gives you, and place them in the correct spots with the picture I posted, and not pay him any money for the work he did.

I guess you won't mind if I work with FeLiZeCaT to delete that picture from his reply then. Is that right?

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yes, the "sparkle" I lost when it was engaged is now back because of this modification.

It's amazing what better capacitors will do for you.

It's just an over-all better pedal.

Sometimes music is less about which particular note is played and HOW it is played. Getting the sound you want is as important as hitting the right note, and it sounds like that's where you are. Congrats!

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by ghporter

I guess you won't mind if I work with FeLiZeCaT to delete that picture from his reply then. Is that right?

No problem.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by Kevin

The price you pay for "boutique"

I'd rather buy used and upgrade em. I like Boss's pedal casing the best anyhow.

The best pedal casing Boss (Roland) ever built:



Built-in power supply, and built like a ****ing tank.

[Kevin]

Yeah, kinda reminds me of my DD-20





No built in PS though. I do have a PS that has seperate transformers for each output for my effects though.

Boss Pedals for the most part, still take lots of abuse.

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by ghporter

I guess you won't mind if I work with FeLiZeCaT to delete that picture from his reply then. Is that right?

Sometimes music is less about which particular note is played and HOW it is played. Getting the sound you want is as important as hitting the right note, and it sounds like that's where you are. Congrats!

Hi Glen and Everyone, please forgive me for being so paranoid. I know Kevin wasn't being malicious in any way by posting the pic. He is a great client and paid for the mods he uses. But, unfortunately, there are those that would try and take the info and misuse it. I have had to shut down one website selling my exact mods last month and had to get another site to remove my kits from their site.

They were selling modded pedals modded with my kits and I wasn't getting a dime. So, you can see, I have had to troll the net in search of these people. Again, I know Kevin did it innocently so I am in no way accusing anyone here of any wrong-doing. It's paying clients like Kevin that are making what I do worth while.

Best Regards,

Monte Allums
monteallums.com, LLC
5829 Michaelson Drive
Olive Branch, MS 38654

901-414-0196 (H)
http://www.monteallums.com
http://www.t-mods.com/

[Kevin]

Yeah I didn't have any malicious intentions. And your kit was worth the price I payed. The parts would have came close to that had I bought them in non-bulk format I am sure.

I hope you are buying in bulk.

If you ever do a Boss CH-1 super chorus mod...

[FeLiZeCaT]

Originally Posted by T-Von

Hi Glen and Everyone, please forgive me for being so paranoid. I know Kevin wasn't being malicious in any way by posting the pic. He is a great client and paid for the mods he uses. But, unfortunately, there are those that would try and take the info and misuse it. I have had to shut down one website selling my exact mods last month and had to get another site to remove my kits from their site.

They were selling modded pedals modded with my kits and I wasn't getting a dime. So, you can see, I have had to troll the net in search of these people. Again, I know Kevin did it innocently so I am in no way accusing anyone here of any wrong-doing. It's paying clients like Kevin that are making what I do worth while.

Best Regards,

Monte Allums
monteallums.com, LLC
5829 Michaelson Drive
Olive Branch, MS 38654

901-414-0196 (H)
http://www.monteallums.com
http://www.t-mods.com/

I have no problem in respecting your wishes.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yeah I didn't have any malicious intentions. And your kit was worth the price I payed. The parts would have came close to that had I bought them in non-bulk format I am sure.

I hope you are buying in bulk.

If you ever do a Boss CH-1 super chorus mod...

Man, when I first started out I was buying a few hundred at a time. Now I buy them in lots of thousands. Thankfully I do get a great discount when buying this way. I do use good components and they are more money but are well worth the affect on the tone. I honestly never dreamed my kits would be this popular.

When I first started out I had no idea what the heck I was doing. Over time I started getting pretty good at it. It's turned into a real passion. I love getting positive feedback. Making a little money is a good thing but when what you do abtually makes people happy that makes it all the more worth it.

Monte

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by T-Von

Man, when I first started out I was buying a few hundred at a time. Now I buy them in lots of thousands. Thankfully I do get a great discount when buying this way. I do use good components and they are more money but are well worth the affect on the tone. I honestly never dreamed my kits would be this popular.

Yeah you do use good components. Something more electronic manufacturers need to do. Esp with Audio equipment.

When I first started out I had no idea what the heck I was doing. Over time I started getting pretty good at it. It's turned into a real passion. I love getting positive feedback. Making a little money is a good thing but when what you do abtually makes people happy that makes it all the more worth it.

Monte

Well you fixed my compressor issues. Without costing me a ton of money.

I do have a question. There are two different types of caps you use. The yellow boxed metal films, and the regular metal films.

What is the difference between the two in this type of application?

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yeah you do use good components. Something more electronic manufacturers need to do. Esp with Audio equipment.

Well you fixed my compressor issues. Without costing me a ton of money.

I do have a question. There are two different types of caps you use. The yellow boxed metal films, and the regular metal films.

What is the difference between the two in this type of application?

Not much at all raelly. I chose them because they were different looking than the others. It was my way of helping the inexperienced keep all the components apart. Also makes tech support easier. Both are 60V and metal film, Really no sonic differences, only visual.

Monte

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by T-Von

Not much at all raelly. I chose them because they were different looking than the others. It was my way of helping the inexperienced keep all the components apart. Also makes tech support easier. Both are 60V and metal film, Really no sonic differences, only visual.

Monte

Ah ok, cool.

I had no problems with the mod. Worked first time.

I thought it was kinda funny that Roland just had ONE tantalum in the circuit and left the rest electrolytics.

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Ah ok, cool.

I had no problems with the mod. Worked first time.

I thought it was kinda funny that Roland just had ONE tantalum in the circuit and left the rest electrolytics.

Funny thing is, most don't like the Tantalum caps. I personally love the affect on my tone. Rupert Neve used them in his famous Neve preamps. Rumor has it one of the pres went south and the repair company replaced the Tants with some other type of cap. Rupert complained that the pre sounded worse after the repair. Rupert opened it up and found they had replaced the Tants. Rupert replaced them with Tants. If they are good enough for Rupert Neve they are good enough.

I only heard this story after I chose them but, I personally feel they take the harshness out, add clarity and smooth out the tone a bit. Plus, the Metal Film 1uF caps and higher are huge and can be an issue in tight places. I took one of my two Boss OD-3s and all I did in one was replace the electrolytics with Tants. When testing them side by side it was evident that the Tants gave the one pedal much more clarity than the one that was stock. The proof was very apparent. I've learned to trust my ears and the heck with what someone else tells me I should hear.

Monte

[Kevin]

Monte I know it doesn't make sense but now the amp sounds more "tube" like. Maybe more of the amps sound is getting through.

And yes, I too am a tantalum fan.

Some of the higher value tants are expensive though...

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Monte I know it doesn't make sense but now the amp sounds more "tube" like. Maybe more of the amps sound is getting through.

And yes, I too am a tantalum fan.

Some of the higher value tants are expensive though...

Man, that's the truth. I paid almost $5 a piece for a few 100uF Tants a while back. The 1uF are almost .20¢ a piece. There's just something magical about the material. Can't explain it but I do hear it. Take two pedals and replace the electrolytics throughout with Tants and you'll see my point. The sound opens up and just sounds so much clearer. You have to be careful with Tants though. Install them backwards and they can explode.

I installed a 100uF backwards and hooked it up for only a few seconds and the things became too hot to touch. I have a Great River ME-INV that's a preamp built to clone the old Neve pres. It has Tants throughout. I use it for all my mp3s. They are expensive at $1100 but the clarity and fullness of the pre is just outstanding. When ever I use it it puts a smile on my face. All the signal is so focused, not fuzzy at all.

What made Rupert Neve so great were his ears. He had an excellent ear for good tone. His pres have a signature vibe. Not really transparent but full of character. Sort of like a tube amp. Tubes make the signal soft and pleasant unlike solid state. Solid State is almost too clean. The trick is recreating that tubiness without tubes. I have a Fender Cyber Deluxe and I swear that amp sound like it has tubes in it. Great amp.

Monte

[Kevin]

I found a unused 47uf Tan capacitor in my electronics stuff.

I replaced the electrolytic of that value with it.

Now I only have 1!

Do you happen to know what value the larger one is on the upper right side of the board?

I have glue goo covering mine.

It's probably a 100uf....

Those are probably not even in the audio path.

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

I found a unused 47uf Tan capacitor in my electronics stuff.

I replaced the electrolytic of that value with it.

Now I only have 1!

Do you happen to know what value the larger one is on the upper right side of the board?

I have glue goo covering mine.

It's probably a 100uf....

Those are probably not even in the audio path.

It's 100uF. The schematic I have is very hard to read. Don't know if it's in the audio path or not. Replace it and see if it helps the tone.

Monte

[Kevin]

T-Von got this one?

http://webpages.charter.net/zimphire...r/BossCS-3.gif



Looks like it's a filter cap for the 9v adapter.

The 47uf looks to be in the signal path right at the beginning with the first op amp.

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

T-Von got this one?

http://webpages.charter.net/zimphire...r/BossCS-3.gif



Looks like it's a filter cap for the 9v adapter.

Kevin, thanx so much for the schem. I've had the hardest time finding decent one for the CS-3.

Monte

[Kevin]

No problem. You help me fix my compressor problems with your kit.

[Kevin]

Any ideas as to what replacing the ceramic disk caps with silver mica ones would have on the pedal?

Not a big fan of the ceramic disk caps...

It would be also cool to at one point replace all the 1/8 resistors with 1/8 metal film ones.

(I know getting anal)

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Kevin

(I know getting anal)

Quoted for emphasis.

[Kevin]

You would.

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Any ideas as to what replacing the ceramic disk caps with silver mica ones would have on the pedal?

Not a big fan of the ceramic disk caps...

It would be also cool to at one point replace all the 1/8 resistors with 1/8 metal film ones.

(I know getting anal)

Any upgrade of components in the signal path will be beneficial. Metal film resistors are less noisy. But to benefit you'd have to replace all of the carbon film. Not worth the effort in my opinion.

Monte

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by T-Von

Any upgrade of components in the signal path will be beneficial. Metal film resistors are less noisy. But to benefit you'd have to replace all of the carbon film. Not worth the effort in my opinion.

Eh, I am not gonna get rid of the pedal, might as well go all out.

It would be one of a kind.

I think I am gonna replace:

• Resistors
• Ceramic caps
• 100uf cap

Just for the heck of it

Know any place that sell 1/8w metal film resistors?

[FeLiZeCaT]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Eh, I am not gonna get rid of the pedal, might as well go all out.

It would be one of a kind.

I think I am gonna replace:

• Resistors
• Ceramic caps
• 100uf cap

Just for the heck of it

Know any place that sell 1/8w metal film resistors?

http://www.mouser.com

[Kevin]

Yeah I guess that was a given. Them or digikey.

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?hand..._pcodeid=02708

Probably what I want.

As far as the ceramic cap replacement T-Von, what do you think? Micas?

They aren't cheap....

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?&amp;han...&amp;crc=false

Anything cheaper that are just as good?

[FeLiZeCaT]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Yeah I guess that was a given. Them or digikey.

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?hand..._pcodeid=02708

Probably what I want.

As far as the ceramic cap replacement T-Von, what do you think? Micas?

They aren't cheap....

http://www.mouser.com/index.cfm?&amp;han...&amp;crc=false

Anything cheaper that are just as good?

DigiKey is very, very quick. I once ordered at 10 pm and receive my stuff at noon the following day. Anyway, I buy from both, depending of the stuff.

Happy DIYing!

[Doofy]

Dude, just pop some titanium saddles on yer plank and have done with it.

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Doofy

Dude, just pop some titanium saddles on yer plank and have done with it.

Now that's funny! Never used Silver Mica so I have no point of reference. Robert uses them in the Phat Mod and that's a great sounding pedal. I'd trust him, he knows good tone. Give'm a try. Let me know whatcha thinks.

Monte

[Kevin]

What value of cap would be one labled 471k?

I am guessing 470pf?

[sal@ardent]

Originally Posted by Kevin

What value of cap would be one labled 471k?

I am guessing 470pf?

That's a 470pf

Monte