Up for sale, a 1970s Maxon D&S II Distortion Sustainer pedal in perfect working order. The D&S II lives in the Tube Screamer flavored overdrive world, featuring a dual op-amp design similar to the original OD-808, yet with increased low-end, output, and gain. With its mild drive, relaxed sustain and high output, the D&S II rides the line between an overdrive and a distortion pedal. This unique "split personality" makes the D&S II a perfect stompbox for players who seek the bark of an 808 with a bit more bite. Distortion, Tone, and Balance knobs give the user complete control ranging from subtle crunch to intense saturation.
Rather than using silicon diodes commonly found in today's circuits, the D&S II distortion pedal uses germanium diodes in the clipping stage. The germanium diodes can distort low-level tones and create a somewhat rounded waveform of the clipped signal, thus making a warm, smooth distortion.
Also unique to the D&S II is its tone control; while most other overdrives and distortions feature hi boost/hi cut tone circuits, the D&S II tone control uses a low range boost/cut circuit for added bottom end. This original D&S II features an MC1458P chip, a common precursor to the frequently sought after 4558, further contributing to the OD-808-style characteristics. The MC1458P is a dual op amp version of the LM741, the same chip used in the much-coveted DOD Gray 250.
This pedal has some finish chips on the enclosure edges, with clean graphics and the original knob set (one knob skirt is chipped). The serialized sticker is fully intact on the back of the box, as is the original foam pad.