Monte Allums Boss DD-2, DD-3 & DD-5 Hi-Cut

Pretty easy. The only hard part is drilling the hole in the case of your pedal. For this, the directions give NO suggestions. They show you where the switch goes, (which was incorrect for my older model DD-3). But they don't tell you how to do it. Luckily, I (pretty much) know what I'm doing in this regard. But be warned. It is unnerving to take a drill to your pedal, assuming that what you are doing is right, but not being exactly sure...

I had to locate my switch on the upper right, directly over the graphic for the different delay times. This is irritating since the upper left would have been perfect. Perhaps with some effort I could have rearranged the interior wires occupying that space, but I didn't want to mess anything up.

After the mod was done, the switching was easy. No problems. And it worked right off the bat. My 8 rating is based on the lack of direction Monte gives you for drilling the hole and alternative switch placement. I don't think there is any excuse for him not giving some helpful advice in this regard. Beyond drilling the hole and alternative switch placement, this is probably the easiest mod you can do to a pedal.

It sounds about like I was hoping it would. I agree with a prior review that said the first level of reduction is barely noticeable. The only time I really notice it is when I turn the repeat way up. It will not repeat forever like it can in stock mode. Beyond that, it isn't much different than stock. If you listen closely, it is not quite as bright though. I wish it were somewhere in between the stock mode and the second reduction mode.

My favorite is the second, more radical high end reduction. It sounds very good and much like an analog pedal. The MXR Carbon Copy comes to mind. The modded DD-3 probably isn't as dimensional as the MXR. But for $20, you can come very close. It warms up my over all tone and I like it a lot.

The effect level on this second reduction stage is noticeably reduced compared to the stock mode. You cannot dial in any over the top delay in this second mode. But you can go right up to the point where it becomes too much.

My rating for this category is based on the fact that I can't understand why the first mode does not cut more highs than it does. It should be a more obvious high end cut in my opinion.

Seems like it will be pretty reliable. If you make good solder joints, there isn't much that can go wrong, unless the switch goes bad. Check back with me in 15 years.

You kind of get what you pay for. Monte tends to be pretty good about answering E-mails and questions. I think his lack of instruction on drilling and switch placement is a significant error of omission on this mod though.

Just a warning: Don't do your own pedal mods unless you are willing to sacrifice your pedal. It can happen. It happened to me with one of Monte's mods on my Blues Driver. I followed the directions right up to the end, checking it after every step and it worked... until I closed it up for the last time. Then the effect wouldn't switch off. I spent several hours checking and rechecking with no luck. -One Blues Driver down the drain.

I'm happy with his mod that I did on my Dynacomp though.

I'm glad I've done this mod. For 20 dollars, my pedal is significantly more versatile. If you're thinking this $20 mod will turn your DD-3 into a Carbon Copy, think again. But it makes your DD-3 closer to a Carbon Copy than you analog guys might think. It's pretty darn warm in the 2nd mode.

Like I said, in the first mode, there really isn't enough of an impact on the stock tone for it to be worth it. From a practical standpoint, you have two modes: stock and the 2nd deeper mode. Even with that, it's worth the price.

My rating is higher for this category, simply because it adds so much dimension to the pedal for not much money. If Monte would only modify the first mode to impact the tone more noticeably, I would have no complaints about the final product.

All said and done, I would do it again.

Very easy mod and makes a really classy sound come out of what was for me a pedal that was very bright to the point of unusable.

The switch does need careful mounting as space is tight but solder it up first then fit. Like all things with mods don't rush and think it through.

Really good. The pedal has lost the high top end that, with a strat, sounded like breaking glass.

Very quiet. This is a simple mod in electronic terms but makes a big difference.

Can't see any reasons for a problem.

E mails answered quickly and knowledgeably.

I have been playing for a long time....

Mostly Christian worship but that has changed a lot and the style are as varied as anything else. There are times of quiet playing and so effects and gear in general that is quiet is essential. This fits the bill.

It's a kit- super easy to do- takes about 15 minutes max.
Hardest part is placing the switch. On my DD-5 I had to place it under the delay-type knob instead of the volume

I can't tell a big difference between stock and the smaller capacitor (smaller cut) -- but definitely tell a difference with the big capacitor. And I REALLY like it.

I had been using a Line 6 DL-4 for most my delay needs- because it has a looper, different delays, and a tap tempo. I ended up building a tap tempo at the end of the day anyway (basically cable input wired to a momentary switch. Put it in a box and GO)

This is gonna bring this lil stomper back to my board for sure

Still a boss pedal.

No Question. It's enough to make me want to play more.