TS9 Tubescreamer Review

The TS9 was reissued all the way back in 1993. Eleven years after its reissue the TS9 Tube Screamer is still going strong.

Ease of Use:	9.3
Sound:	9.7
Reliability:	8.7
Impression:	9.4
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	7.5
Comments:	58

overall: 9

Featured review by: Mr. Legato, on december 23, 2005

Price paid: $ 99.99

Purchased from: Musician

Ease of Use: It's incredibly easy to use, but most stompboxes are anyway. 3 knobs, drive, tone, and level. Drive is the amount of Overdrive. The tone knob controls sound wether it's more trebly or bassy. Fully counter-clockwise is for a more bassy sound, and fully clockwise will give you a higher pitched with the treble more prominant. The level controls the total output of the pedal. There's input and output and the stomp switch. // 9

Sound: I have a Mexican Stratocaster and a 25 watt Peavey combo amp that I use with this pedal. I use it to get Led Zeppelin and AC/DC like Overdrive, which it does great. If you put the drive down at like 2 or 3 you basically get a boosted clean sound. Drive all the way at 10 gives you a light crunchy guitar tone. It's a very smooth Overdrive, not as hot as the TS808 (which I prefer) but very warm sound. // 10

Reliability & Durability: It's a very solid pedal. All metal construction. Will not break under regular use (including gigs). Only way I see it breaking is if you were to throw it against a wall a bunch of times. // 8

Impression: When I play classic rock, (i.e Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, CCR) it gives the best sound you could want. It's also great if you play rhythm with full chords, can get nice full crunchy chords without the chords getting fuzzy or muddy, where all you hear is noise. I've been playing for 4 years. I love this pedal, if you use it for the right kind of music itll sound great, however if you try to play something heavy on this pedal you'll be disapointed in the sound. The only thing I dont like about it is that I wish it would get a little more crunch, but then I'd have the TS808 which I plan on purchasing to replace the TS9. Get the TS9 if you want a really warm sounding Overdrive and not too much gain. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on december 26, 2005

Price paid: $ 50

Purchased from: Disgruntled User

Ease of Use: I love this box! The only reason I bought it was to boost my clean channel. I don't get these people trying to boost their distortion channels, If you want distortion, buy a distortion pedal! If you want solo tones, it all depends on what you like. But if you want sweet and spicy blues with soul enough for Jesus, this is your box. // 9

Sound: This thing is hot. I run it between my Mayer Strat into an Ampeg V3, or a Vibro-king on the clean channel. I like the drive at a little past 2, Tone at whatever feels right, and the Level enough to get everything clear. I like a real bassy, almost SRV tone, but not as biting. And if I ever get the urge to scream, this does it like the best of em. People: note the name of this pedal, Tubescreamer. Yes, this means it it is built to be used with a tube amp. Not transistors. This being, any solid state amp is not going to give you that sweet SRV tone you expected. You will get mud, or treble, depending on how drive happy you are. Again, dont buy this without a decent, all tube amp (I kindly suggest the Blues Jr). // 8

Reliability & Durability: Tough as nails! I've taken mine through hell and back tryna make some cash. This thing loves it, the more you abuse it the better it seems to sound. Must be all that ugly paint that got stipped off. I use mine as a backup for my Original TS808, its older brother bulit back in the day. Same construction, somethin about the chips make it sound a little different though. Battery life is decent, Id buy an adapter. // 10

Impression: I love it, it really compliments the strat well. An all around good pedal for blues and whatever else comes out of these dirty fingers. // 9

overall: 10

Reviewed by: HENROID, on january 28, 2005

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: Since the TS9 Tubescreamer is pretty much a distortion pedal (and yes its a hell of a distortion). The only thing you might need to adjust are the three knobs on the Tubescreamer. It has drive, tone, and level, and if you don't know what each one's for, you can just read it in the fold up manual that comes in the box. This pedal is easy to use, it's pretty much step on, step off. // 10

Sound: I'm currently using my TS9 with a Yamaha Pac (it looks like a Strat), a 30watt Valvetronix Vox amp, and with my good old original Dunlop Crybaby Wah-Wah. My guitar does suck ass, so when I got the TS9 and hooled it up to the rest of the mix, my guitar was sounding totatlly different. With the TS9, I'm able to play great solos, which sound better than they ever did before. If you want a lot of distortion, then you can just put the drive all the way up, but the TS9 sounds better when the drive is put around half way. This will give you a nice creamy sound, which are excellent for solos. // 10

Reliability & Durability: The TS9 is here to last so a backup wont ever be necessary for a gig. If you're worried about the battery, you can use the AC adapter which runs through the head of the TS9. Of course you can also put a battery inside which requires no unscrewing at all. I guess if you're doing a gig, then the battery should be able to hold out, but if you're doing a show (large stage) then the AC adapter or the battery should be fine. // 10

Impression: Although the TS9 is a distortion pedal, it's more commonly used for solos. So, if you're more into just playing heavy power chords, the TS9 might work out for you but theres a greater chance that it won't. This is why you should really try it out before buying it, you know just in case. I found nothing wrong with this pedal and it helps greatly at gigs because it's so damn loud! Everybody will hear your solos with the TS9! So if I were to lose it or have it stolen, I would definitely buy another one! // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: DM036, on march 08, 2006

Purchased from: New York Music

Ease of Use: This effect pedal is just like any other pedal when it comes to the difficulty of its use. With the Tubescreamer's simple design of knobs at the top, input and output on the side, and an on and off stomp switch in the middle at the bottom, it really needs no instruction. This pedal features custom settings for tone, drive, and level of intensity, yet it's the unique sound you get that will impress you the most. This pedal runs on battery energy, however you can purchase an adapter for it for around 15-20 bucks. Brand new this pedal usually runs around $100, luckily though I found one new during a close out sale. // 10

Sound: The sound that the Tubescreamer produces is what impressed me the most. If you are looking for that extra drive, this is where you will find it. You can use this pedal to accentuate other pedals of your choice, or just use it alone and receive some great Overdrive. It brings that true vintage tube sound to life to almost any amp. I use it with a '69 Fuzz pedal and on my '65 Fender Twin Reverb and it allows me to get the kind of Stevie Ray Vaughn bluesy sound. With this pedal, you can also recreate vintage sounds by adding mod kits to it. One of the more popular mods is the TS-808 mod. Using any of the modifications you can do to this pedal can give you exactly what you are looking for in your sound. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I've been using this pedal for about 2-3 years now and I haven't had a problem with it yet. I've played some small gigs with it and it has never failed me. One suggestion for this pedal I would like to make however would be to buy the AC adapter, it tends to run through batteries quite fast. The sound will also begin to lose its drive if your battery is dying. As for durability, it is constructed out of steel, and can withstand some abuse. I've stomped it pretty hard and it still looks and functions great. // 9

Impression: Overall I would recommend this pedal to anyone searching for a good solid Overdrive unit. It can really bring life to your guitar playing capability, and is great for generating that extra drive in a solo. For someone who is into blues, blues rock, or even classic rock, this is a good pedal. If you are looking for distortion, this isn't really what you want. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 31, 2005

Purchased from: George's Music

Ease of Use: It's very easy to get a nice, warm Overdrive. Only three knobs and a stomp button. However, don't try using the Tube Screamer on a clean channel, use it to "thicken up" your drive channel. // 8

Sound: I am using the Tube Screamer with a Standard (Mexican-made) Fender Stratocaster and a 65 watt solid-state combo amp, the Fender Princeton 65. I'd be happy if I could get just a little more distortion out of the pedal, but other than that its great. It adds lots of tone and depth to my sound, and blows (predictably) the built-in distortion on my amp. // 10

Reliability & Durability: The pedal itself seems very durable, but the second time I changed the battery (9v), one of terminals broke off (I haven't heard of this happening to anyone else, so it may have been my fault). Because of this, the pedal is unusable, unless I spend more money to buy an AC adapter. Other than that, however, the Tube Screamer seems to be very durable, with all metal construction. // 6

Impression: I mostly play hard rock music, and the Tube Screamer fits it very nicely (though I still want a little more distortion). It would also work well with electric blues, classic (the Who-era) rock, and even some punk music. I would purchase another one if it were lost, but their price is pretty high, usually 150+. Other than the fact that the battery terminal broke off, its very durable. A great pedal, other than that. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on november 30, 2007

Price paid: $ 99

Ease of Use: This pedal is relatively easy to use, the Drive controls the amount of overdrive, the tone sets how much treble/bass you get and the level is just the volume. It will take abit of tweaking to get your perfect tone. It works perfectly fine un-modded. It will take a read idiot to actually go wrong with this thing. Also uses a pretty standard 9V input, 300mA. // 10

Sound: I am using it with a Line 6 Spider III, Ibanez IC 400 iceman and a Electro-Harmonix Metal muff, using the TS-9 to boost and smoothen out the rough harsh distortion from the metal muff while maintaining the 'heavy' tonal qualities of the Metal Muff. Note, this is not a distortion pedal. That is why I am able to use this pedal at the same time as my metal muff without the sound becoming muddy. The effects sound best for me at maximum drive, 50% volume and 50% tone, this is as I use the equalizer on my metal muff for most tonal tweaking. This is a very nice clean and smooth pedal, it is never noisy on whatever setting and does not generate feedback. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This pedal is a built like a f--king brick. The all metal construction makes it considerably tough. If I needed a weapon, I'd actually not mind using it. I'd happily use it to gig without backup naturally. Sad to say, the paint is not exactly scratch resistant, however the metal seems reasonable tough enough to not dent from a few hits. // 8

Impression: I play metal, that's all, that's why I never use this pedal alone. Other distortions that this pedal does an excellent job of creaming out and smoothening the edges are the DigiTech Grunge and Boss MT-2 (which sounds like crap alone). I don't hate any aspect of this pedal as, really, it is perfect for my needs, also, it is reasonably priced as compared to it's contemporaries. If it was stolen or something along those lines, I would definitely get another one. Nothing else I have tried to date even comes close to the clean boost is gives to my distortion pedals, best of all, it doesn't muddy up the distortion. // 9

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: triv fan, on december 06, 2007

Purchased from: guitar center

Ease of Use: Three knobs, Drive, Tone, and level. Very user friendly. If you play with it you can get a wide variety of tones without muting the characteristic tone of you re guitar. The Drive and tone knobs function for the most part as gain and volume Drive, while the tone knob helps you mold and shape you're tone. One input, One output, and an input for a nine volt DC adapter as well as a battery. // 7

Sound: I run mine in parrelell with a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor on the dirty or "gain " channel of my Marshall mini stack with all three knobs cranked to the right or maxxed out. Searing metal tone with loads of sustain through the bridge pickup and yet still a very creamy sound through the neck pickup of my les paul. As I said the great advantage over a distortion pedal is you're guitars character sound still shines through. I would deffinately suggest a noise gate on a dirty channel quit a bit of buzz and hum. Roll back the dials a bit and you can almost clear the overdrive out of the line and just add some sustain to you're amp. You can also use it to dirty up you re clean channel and get some really cool bluesy tones adding a little reverb. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Very solid, rugged construction. Case is steel and pedal switch portion is solid, no cheese here. Seems built to stomp on. Colors kinda funky makes it easy to find on a crowded pedalboard. Drop it off the roof then plug it in. // 8

Impression: After many failed attempts at finding the tone I was craving earlier in my guitar life using distortion pedals like DOD Death Metal, and digitechs scott ian black thirteen, my tone was hollow no real chunk to it. I am now a huge fan of driving my gain and amp and being able to here more of the tone from my fingers and guitar than I did from a distortion pedal. I compared this to the Zakk Wylde Overdrive and the Maxon 909 before purchase. // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: Ace Frehley, on july 03, 2008

Price paid: € 70

Ease of Use: The famous Ibanez Tube Screamer also known as TS-9 is one of the most descent Overdrive pedals and it has been used by many guitarists over the years. 3 knobs to mess around with, a tone, level and a gain. My friend of which I bought it from did not gave me a manual but you don't actually need one since the use of it is easy. I can get a warm overdrive at any level of the gain knob. It is quite heavy I can say, cause when I placed it into my pedal case my shoulder just "went off" while carrying it to the studio. // 10

Sound: I'm using a Cort X-2 and Peavy tube head with a Mesa Boogie cabinet and the sound is crystal. It is also plugged into my other pedals a wah, a distortion and a delay. The good thing is that you don't hear that annoying "bzzzzz" sound when you're on high gain. It can also be used as a booster. But carefull! In case you want to boost don't turn the gain knob all the way up. This will low your frequences and your volume will get lower. You have to turn the gain to about 1-2, the level knob full and then you'll get the boost. It is also an analog pedal so the sound you can get is pretty far amazing. // 10

Reliability & Durability: It is said that Tube Screamers often have problems. I have heard many stories about not working on stage and stuff. Even for the one I have the guy told me that it might not work sometimes and that I have to take the battery off, replace it, press the toggle switch a few times and then it comes back to life. I would go without backup because I can rely on my Hot Head Distortion. And I don't have any more pedals so. // 8

Impression: My playing style is mainly post-rock and experimental type of music. I'm also a guitarist in a gothic-metal band. It matches well with the experimental genre 'cause in some songs you need an OD and not a Distortion.But as I said before I'm using as a boost in the gothic band for the solos.If it was lost or stolen I'd propably buy the DigiTech Bad Monkey instead cause it's newer and cheaper. I love the colour of the TS-9 but one thing that is really annoying is that the LED light is so poor compared to my other pedals, and it's not that the battery is low. The only thing I wish it had would be a brighter LED light. Overall this pedal can do its work well. // 9

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: aeliustehman, on november 03, 2008

Price paid: $ 99

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: There's always some good sound out of this thing. It's very easy to get a good sound and it's a very easy to use pedal. There is a manual for it, but you don't really need it. It has 3 controls, Drive, Tone, and level. I'm not *exactly* sure what level *is* but, it does effect the sound and makes it heavier. My unit has not been upgraded. // 9

Sound: I use this pedal with an Ibanez ICT700 electric guitar and Peavey Valveking 212. The pedal *can* be noisy, but only when you over-do the settings ( I.e. pushing the Drive or level up too high ), but you can get any distortion sound you want. The effects are only weak if your guitar is weak, it's a face-melting kick-ass pedal. I can always get the sound I want, even if I have to look for it for a minute. My favorite artists are Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns and Roses, Slipknot, Dream Theater and so on and I can get the sound of all these bands with this pedal and the right tone settings. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I could always depend on this pedal, it's metal housing is sturdy and stout, and this pedal is so tough I'm pretty sure if you were to smack someone over the head you would kill them, No Doubt. I always say never play a gig without a backup, but if the situation came that I had to use it without a backup, I would. // 10

Impression: I mainly play metal, thrash metal, hard rock, heavy blues rock, and sometimes southern rock. This pedal plays all types of distorted music perfectly. I've been playing about a year and a half now, and I own this, an Ibanez ICT700 guitar, Peavey valveking 212, Ibanez CF-7, Dunlop crybaby 535q, and a Morley little alligator. I mainly bought this because several of my favorite artists (including Kirk Hammett) use this pedal. I plugged it in and loved it. If it was stolen I would be sad. Then I'd buy it again. I love everything about it and hate nothing. I love it. // 10

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: JeffWiredBeck24, on july 02, 2007

Purchased from: Local Music Shop

Ease of Use: When I decided to buy the classic TS9, I walked into my local music shop that I go to almost everyday and asked the clerk if I could try the Tube Screamer. He let me try out the reissue of the Tube Screamer, which costs about $100. I tried it, and loved it. Then, he let me in on this little secret; the Keeley modded TS9. There are knobs for Drive, Tone, and Level. These knobs allow for a wide variety of tones that are easy to access. The manuel that came with it was helpful, but it didn't provide anything that one couldn't figure out within the first 30 minutes of owning it. The simplicity of the pedal allows for any tone a person wants, with three simple knobs. // 10

Sound: After I tried this pedal, and the sound absolutely blew me away. The modifications allow for a warmer, fuller, richer tone. I play through a '65 Reissue Fender Twin Amp and a 2002 American Fender Stratocaser, Gibson Les Paul Special, and Ibanez RG350MDX. The pedal covers all of these perfectly. Unlike the original Tube Screamer, instead of the Drive going from 1-10, the Keeley mod Drive goes from 4-14, allowing for a wider range of tones. The pedal is surprisingly quiet, only giving off feedback under extreme circumstances. The range of the tone is incredible, you can get a slight Overdrive, a heavier Overdrive, or, if combined with your amp's Overdrive setting, a heavily distorted sound that still provides a great tone. The tonal possibilities are practically endless. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This thing is built like a tank, and, although I haven't dropped (I'm much too careful with my pedals), I'm sure it could withstand some abuse. I've used it in gigs before, and it's able to be powered by both a 9V battery and an AC Adaptor. Although, I do find the battery too last much shorter than expected. // 8

Impression: I mostly play Blues and Rock, and, when I Pick up my RG, delve into the realm of shred (Gilbert, Vai, Satch, etc.) This pedal covers them all; again, the tonal possibilities are endless. I bought this pedal after four years of playing, and it will surely stay with me for the as long as I Live. Of course, when buying this, I had to compare it to other Overdrive pedals. I compared this to three different pedals: the Boss Blues Driver, Ibanez TS9, and the Ibanez Classic Reissue of the TS9. After much deliberation, the Robert Keeley mod of the TS9 stood head shoulders above the rest. If you're looking for a beautiful overdirve pedal with a rich, warm, full tone, look no further than this Keeley modded Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 06, 2006

Price paid: $ 108

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: The Tubescreamer is extremely simple to handle. The three knobs for gain, tone and level are just what they are, and really no matter where they are you get a good sound. It's just about finding what you like. I hear they're pretty easy to modify if you want to, I've read articles on how to hot rod your tubescreamer to make it hotter, mellower, higher gain, whatever. I'm fine with what it does now though. The manual that came with it was good, just had the basics. No suggested settings section, but you really don't need that once you plug it in. // 10

Sound: I use the TS9 through a Les Paul Studio and a hot rod Deville 212 amp. It can be a little noisy when the knobs are all on 10, but nothing out of the ordinary. Overall it's just very smooth and creamy. It's a very in-control kind of pedal, and it always sounds great. The TS9 is very capable to emulating your favorite artists. Kicking up the tone will give you a very nice srv sound, roll up the gain a bit more and you have a good hendrix tone also. And of course, this pedal is more than great for rhythm playing, and those classic rock power chords are always crystal clear. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This is a very solid pedal. I like the actual stompbox part, and that its neither a noisy pebble to step on or a flimsy feeling Boss button. It's a nice well sized metal piece that moves very smoothly. It's pretty well weighted, etc. all the knobs seem in good check as well. // 10

Impression: I play blues rock, and this is definitely a good match. After 30 years of playing professionally, the Tubescreamer pedal is the best Overdrive I've used, and always will be. As for Overdrive pedals, its the only one I have, I sold the 3 other ones I was using when I got the TS9 and only needed that. If I lost this pedal I immediately get the same one. This is the Overdrive to use. That's it. I love the smooth and creamy drive it gets and the seasick green finish. Compared to any other drives, whether it's the Boss OD or the Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive, etc. it kicks total ass. It's got everything you need, nothing you don't! // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: Maj_Tom, on september 01, 2006

Price paid: $ 181.7

Purchased from: Barrie Music

Ease of Use: I was impressed right off the bat with this pedal. I plugged it in and it produced an amazing sound with everything at 12 o'clock, and no matter which way I turned the knobs, I kept getting a very different but excellent overdrive (three knobs: drive, tone, and level). It came with a small manual that explains how to hook it up, changing the batteries, and how to keep the batteries life lasting longer. You really didn't need it if you have used a guitar pedal before. An easy 10 for ease of use. // 10

Sound: I am playing this pedal with a Gibson Les Paul Studio and a Roland 30 Cube. It only produces feedback when the level is set really high, but nothing unmanagable. The effect is always there, even with the Drive at zero. I have been able to get sounds very similar to Hendrix almost right off the bat, and when I turn down the tone you can mellow out the sound to an "American Woman" type lead, smooth OD with lots of sustain. The Overdrive from this pedal is just great, you can get a find bit of grit, to an "all out" OD. It never slips into distorton which is good for my style of playing. Chords sound great with just the right amount of break up, which you can dial in to your tastes. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I am really careful with my equipment, so this hasn't been tossed around at all, but it is a very solid casing. Never leave this around when your girlfriend is mad at you, if she threw it at you the pedal would be fine, but you would not be. I would gig with the TS9 without a backup, though I haven't yet, but I would bring an extra battery. It doesnt't last terribly long. // 9

Impression: I play rock and blues and anything inbetween those two and it absolutely perfect for that. I've been playing for two and a half years and this is the best pedal I have come across for OD. If it was stolen or lost I would have to march right back out and buy another. I love the "feeling" of this pedal, the feeling is that your pickups are giving out a burning hot signal. I don't hate anything about this pedal and it suits my every need. My favorite feature would have to be how you think you have squeezed out all the OD you need, than oh, the knob still isn't up all the way. I compared this with the Boss Blues Driver and the Boss OD's and they couldnt hold a candle to this badboy. I couldn't ask for more from this pedal, and even when I take a very critical look at it, I realize there is a reason the TS9 is so popular. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on february 09, 2006

Price paid: $ 189

Ease of Use: Easy, that's the word. Just three knobs: Overdrive, level and tone. Play with them and you'll find your sound. Nothing else to say. About the manual, it doesn't exists, but there's no need neither. It's your own work to set it up. // 9

Sound: I'm using an Epiphone Les Pauls Classic Plus, and the amp is a Roland Cube 60. My pedal effects are basically Line 6 DL-4 and a Vox Wah Wah, and I can say that TS9 is something that I was looking for. Last year I bought the Boss SD-1 pedal, and it's great as well, but not the same. Not at all. I read in internet that this is the pedal used by Noel Gallagher and listening to some live songs. It's the one, no doubt. Even though my amb and my guitar are faaaaar away from his, the sound I get is pretty "close" to Oasis sound. // 10

Reliability & Durability: It looks like unbreakable, I don't know. Obviously yes, I would use it on a gig. I don't know what is it made of, but it's really heavy for a pedal effect. I bought it 2 months ago, but I think this will last for a loooong long time. I'm sure of that. // 9

Impression: I play pop/rock, some kinda indie rock. This is the pedal for that kinda music. Some other reviews explains that it is a perfect pedal for blues and classic rock. If I were stolen, I definitely would by another one, no doubt. But I should've to save some money the price in here is too high. What I love? that great warm sound, soft distortion that lets you play whatever (unless you're a metal guitarrist, if so buy some other Distortion pedal, not this one). What I hate? The price. That's the only thing I hate. But what can I say? It's 100 euros more expensive than the Boss SD1 for example but it sounds 1000 better. You know what I mean. I've never had the chance to play the Old TS9. I've read a lot o revies tryin' to say that this is a damm bad copy, I'm sure they're wrong, believe me when I say that I can get exactly the sound I want with it. I hate those know-it-all guitarrists. // 10

Comments

To whoever may be reading the second review, this pedal is NOT a distortion pedal. You'll be disappointed if you want some heavy stuff... you have to push this to get AC/DC-ish stuff, and it's simply not capable of Metallica-ish stuff. SRV used this... you have to be good to make this pedal sound good.

[Abnormal_Omish]

and yes its a hell of a distortion

my arse...

[oscarmg_99]

actually if dont think metallica uses it better look at some studio pics you can cleraly see kirk with a ts9 and a cry baby

[oscarmg_99]

clearly sorry

[JayJayE]

Kirk uses his TS9 as a booster for his lead (which it is very good at). His normal distortion is in fact his Mesa.

My opinion os TS9s are great but are best used with another distortion pedal or a good tube amp.

[JayJayE]

btw the TS9 is an OVERDRIVE pedal, not a distortion. Yes there is a difference.

[box_of_trix]

I don't understand why so many people are using this pedal as a distortion for their clean channel on their amp. I wanted to know if this pedal was a good boost infront of an already distorted amp for those lead moments. Its either this or an MXR Zakk Wylde Overdive or a Maton overdrive!! After the reviews I have read here, it still doesnt help me decide!!

[gregg freeman]

to best describe the sound this baby creates, think of the stone roses - This is essential in a guitarists arsenal!

[Stop Messin']

Stevie Ray Vaughan used 2 of these.

[benjo01]

my friend has this it sounds not bad.

[Sideshow Raheem]

I prefer the orignal TS-808.

[havocrus]

I think SRV used 808's, 2 of them in series.

[Dr.Tomahawk]

oscarmg_99 wrote:

actually if dont think metallica uses it better look at some studio pics you can cleraly see kirk with a ts9 and a cry baby

Kirk Hammett uses the tubescreamer quite a lot, particularly on the master of puppets album

[slash_thrash]

I have a question: Is it worth spending an extra 70 dollars and getting the TS-808? or is the will the TS-9 work well for someone who is low on cash? Thanks!

[blues_guitarist]

Stevie Ray used both. During the 'Texas Flood' period, he had an old beat up TS808 that screamed. By the time he got to 'In Step', it was a TS9.

When talking about Stevie Ray's wicked tone, you also have to consider that he wasn't shy about kicking on his Fuzz Face. Later on he had the Diaz circuit put into an old Fuzz Face. Listen to the solo in 'Life Without You' for an example. I've never heard better tone or sound before or since. And you can still buy a Diaz fuzz.

[will-loves-zep]

i need a booster for my solos to rise above the second guitar but will this give me much more volume?? should i look at a volume pedal instead?

[nibbleschew]

WARNING!!!!

I love the TS9, best overdrive pedal I've ever played, my set up = Ibanez AXS42>Digitech Whammy>FM4-Filter Modeler>TS9>Cs3 Compressor> DD-20 Giga Delay, 2 DL-4's>Palamino V32 Tube amp(soon to be a Vox AC30)...

But anyway back to the "WARNING!!!!". I was playing with said set-up, and I simply clicked the TS9 off, and after only 4 months, the switch broke... and is unfixable. The guy at guitar center told me it was just a bad switch and I should get another one, I probably will, but just to be sure you should really get warranty like I didnt do...

[War-Pig]

One of the reviews, "dont buy this without a decent, all tube amp"

I'm playing with a Vox AD50VT. Is it such a bad idea? I mean I will get a tube amp eventually, along with that american strat.

[Jawkster]

its a Tubescreamer TS9 better than a BOSS MT-2?

[berysLTD_h-50]

ok, i bought this pedal last week, and i got it yesterday
so far, im not super exited with it... i play it on a line 6 spider III head and cab. i use i mostly for solo boosts, but the tone is a little bit too clean, any one know how i could get a little more overdrive to give the pedal a little better tone?

[jordy-77]

SRV used to ts808's in a row, which has already been stated just to clear it up. But does anyone know what the main difference between the ts809 and ts9, is it worth spending that extra $70?

[spoonylove90]

i have a good tube amp and this thing boosts my OD channel quite nicely. gain on the amp at about 4-5, and all the knobs on the TS9 cranked. can you say solo channel?

[ShredMetal]

Some ideas for people to use if they want this for heavy metal. Use a metal muff/Du Hast and link up 2 TS9s, Heavy cascading gain.

[SL!!!]

don't get these people trying to boost their distortion channels, If you want distortion, buy a distortion pedal!

What?! No way man, your overdrive/distortion channel on your amp is always going to be better. If you have good pickups too, it makes a huge difference and using this to boost it give a great tone. A ton of big bands use it for that, even a lot of pretty metal bands. Anyway, this thing is incredibly versatile and sounds amazing.

[Ali-b912]

SL!!! wrote:
What?! No way man, your overdrive/distortion channel on your amp is always going to be better.

not if its a crappy amp. would this be good to use with a fender frontman 15g. its all ive got at the moment and i find its gain is just.. weird, and i dont much like it. i plan on buying some kind of Overdrive or distortion pedal but im not sure what kind. i like ibanez stuff and alot of people reckon these are awesome. also could someone explain which is distortion and which is overdrive. i can tell the sounds being different and im pretty sure i get it but i dont really get it very well.

[ammarrehman]

honestly, there is a huge difference between OD and Distortion. This pedal can work for players of both style though, for someone who works mainly with a clean channel and wants a warm tone then this will enhance your tone and can give you some drive as well. for someone who wants a brutal death metal tone, use this before your main distortion pedal as a boost (OD minimal, tone at 1 o'clock, level full) or with you amp's distortion channel. you won't get a metal tone with this pedal on a clean channel, that's not what it's for. personally i would pay the extra 70 bucks and get the TS808, it has more gain, i use that before my MXR Zakk Wylde ZW44 (my main OD pedal), on a TripleRec's highest gain channel to get my metal tone, i think that's what this pedal could do best for me.

[ammarrehman]

and by the way. the Boss MT-2 is a ****ing amazing pedal. you have to spend time with it. Pedals aren't magic boxes that you can turn on and expect your tone to become legendary. you have to know how to use it and understand what it does. the MT-2 requires no other pedal other than a noise-gate and it can give you any kind of metal tone you want. the only reason i use the rig i use is because that stuff combined with a triple rectifier sounds better, all you need for practice is an MT-2 and an NS-2

[Ali-b912]

ammarrehman wrote:

and by the way. the Boss MT-2 is a ****ing amazing pedal. you have to spend time with it. Pedals aren't magic boxes that you can turn on and expect your tone to become legendary. you have to know how to use it and understand what it does. the MT-2 requires no other pedal other than a noise-gate and it can give you any kind of metal tone you want. the only reason i use the rig i use is because that stuff combined with a triple rectifier sounds better, all you need for practice is an MT-2 and an NS-2

yeah i understand what you mean about spending time with it to learn it. i want something really versatile that can play from metallica to the stones. most ibanez things are pretty ranged in what they can do with themselves so i thot this would be the same.

[ammarrehman]

Ali-b912 wrote:

ammarrehman wrote:

and by the way. the Boss MT-2 is a ****ing amazing pedal. you have to spend time with it. Pedals aren't magic boxes that you can turn on and expect your tone to become legendary. you have to know how to use it and understand what it does. the MT-2 requires no other pedal other than a noise-gate and it can give you any kind of metal tone you want. the only reason i use the rig i use is because that stuff combined with a triple rectifier sounds better, all you need for practice is an MT-2 and an NS-2

yeah i understand what you mean about spending time with it to learn it. i want something really versatile that can play from metallica to the stones. most ibanez things are pretty ranged in what they can do with themselves so i thot this would be the same.

well yeah you can't get that versatile a tone with JUST the TS9 but you can use it in many different ways, that's all i'm saying.

[Edmeister]

I have a TS9 and that thing is veristile when used in conjunction with an amp. It can be used as a volume boost, light distortion, and just an overall tone enhancer. I also use it with my gain channel on my MG 10 Marshall. It really brings out harmonics and can allow my Telecaster to sound as hot as my Ibanez.

[Quoteman]

Jawkster wrote:

its a Tubescreamer TS9 better than a BOSS MT-2?

Dude, that's like comparing grapes to watermelons, or A 24 ounce steak to a bowl of apple sauce, two completely different pedals. MT-2 is more for metal (and actually can sound great if anyone bothered to master the EQ on it) the TS-9 is more for blues classic rock (maxed out it can do AC/DC). Hope that helps

[Cobalt Blue]

It will take a read idiot to actually go wrong with this thing.

...should check your spelling before you call people idiots :p

yeah i hear mostly praise for this pedal in combination with another distortion... I might grab one to try out with my fuzz face.

[hellraiserharry]

wel this pedal i got because i never use a clean tone . its one of the greatest piece of gear. i like the bite it adds to the tone. It is always on an when i use it infront my line6 HD147 it makes that amp all the louder i love it . i swaped all three pickups on my strat and when i use that guitar with the TS9 i get infinite sustain it is amazing . Real fun for early morning jamming with the guys. THIS IS SO AMAZING EVEN DRUMMERS WANNA STEAL IT

[Clypse]

That was actually very helpful because im looking for an overdrive but, I saw that one already and, im still thinking

[SL!!!]

THIS IS SO AMAZING EVEN DRUMMERS WANNA STEAL IT

Haha, man, drummers want to steal EVERYTHING. Like every drummer ii know is so into gear they want everything. Haha, i guess i do too though, i like to have options and i enjoy a wide array of sounds.

[Pete24v]

set your valve amps drive channel to a crunch tone then add a Tube Screamer for a hot lead sound. Gary Moore did it this way for years, he's now moved to the MXR GT OD. The main differences between the TS9 and TS808 are the op amp chips, Keeley does good modded pedals as does Analog man. It's also worth mentioning that Maxon, (who originally made the tube screamers for Ibanez) now make them braned as Maxon... now these are something else, the OD9 Pro is simply the best i've tried, better than the modded ibanez versions.

[cfoley8x]

I got my ts9 modded to the ts808 and the difference in sound is pretty slight, but well worth the investment because it has that little extra bite when I boost the gain. I play a strat with texas specials in the neck and middle, and a seymour duncan mini humbucker in bridge.

[the_lil_rocker]

as the guy said above me, it is definatly worth getting it modded

[fleh]

ammarrehman wrote:

and by the way. the Boss MT-2 is a ****ing amazing pedal. you have to spend time with it. Pedals aren't magic boxes that you can turn on and expect your tone to become legendary. you have to know how to use it and understand what it does. the MT-2 requires no other pedal other than a noise-gate and it can give you any kind of metal tone you want. the only reason i use the rig i use is because that stuff combined with a triple rectifier sounds better, all you need for practice is an MT-2 and an NS-2

you have a triple rec.
and use a boss mt-2.
.....ok then....

[zapatista89]

how do these sound through vox ad vt?

[guitargodderyck]

depends my freinds sounds like shit

[slpknt21]

i didn't like this pedal when i played it.

[Emenius Sleepus]

very nice pedal when you want to round out your lead tone, or bring some light distortion into your mix. Quite useful

[JackDanger]

Lots of heavy bands use this pedal on its own. It is NOT a distortion pedal but due to the amount of overdrive it produces and the rich, smooth tones it manages to keep it can be used as the perfect compliment to a tube solo head. It gives the head's gain a bit of a boost and you don't loose any sound quality, helping you acheive a heavier, yet still clear sound.

[Bluestube]

Love this pedal paired with a good tube amp it is the best pedal youll ever get!!

[gibson-sg-rocks]

the guitarist from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club uses 4, yes 4 of these bad boys. look it up on guitargeek.com if u don't believe me. i want just one however. is it best for a boost or a single overdrive on the clean channel on a tube amp? a bit pricy though.

[gibson-sg-rocks]

i bought one of these today. if i dont like it with my setup, i can return it to the guitar store for a refund. i havent played it yet though, because its late in Australia atm. i got it for $175, ebay is cheaper. i'm afraid to mod it just yet.

[Maggot4eva]

See i've been thinking of buying an overdrive pedal for a boost to give me some 'THUNK!'. Currently hav a Kustom Contender, which does get real beefy as you crank it up! You reckon as TS9 through the Kustom at full drive would give me a fat metal sound? Cos im talking i want some real grit and girth to the sound.

[maverick_137]

the maxons have tru bypass, or so ive heard, the ibanez ts9 doesnt have jrc458d chips and doesnt have tru bypass. both 808's use the jrc4558d chips. these rn't supposed to be fab for clean if u want won that is look into one that doesnt use diode clipping and uses a 12ax7 instead.

[maverick_137]

will-loves-zep wrote:

i need a booster for my solos to rise above the second guitar but will this give me much more volume?? should i look at a volume pedal instead?

NNNNOOOO volume pedals only act as a contraollable resistor to your volume this should work fine, take it put volume very high and gain relatively low.

[maverick_137]

i know im writing alot but this is what happens
--/aa\bbbbb/aa\bbbbb/aa\ when a space grows it
-/----\----/----\----/----\ becomes more distorted
/bbbbb\aa/bbbbb\aa/bbbbb\but when b space shrinks and a space grows, it becomes true distortion.

[IROn 5L1nKY]

Is it worth getting the TURBO Tube Screamer of the normal TS9. I mean, I've played around with one a bit and it seemed able to give some pretty decent metal distortion and I was just wondering. What do you guys think? It's only ten dollars more.

[jdsony]

It's funny how many gutiarists know very little. The TS9 is an overdrive pedal and not a distortion pedal. A distortion pedal is meant to be used with a clean channel an overdrive is meant to be used with either. The overdrive only provides a little bit of distortion which can act as a smooth gritty blues sound on a clean channel or it can add some "scream" to your leads if you are running it before the distortion on your big marshall ( I find it makes a big difference on the JCM2000 because it seems to lack just a little gain for metal). It's meant to compliment a tube amp hence the name. The Metal Zone MT-2 is awful. It's very very noisy and sterile sounding. I have one in my closet and I use to use it for boosting the signal to a tube amp by turning down the gain but it coloured the sound pretty badly and added a LOT of noise. I use the TS9 with my Peavey 5150 and while the Peavey has tons of preamp gain the TS9 still tightens it up a little and gives some extra sparkle to the sound. I don't doubt that the TS808 is better though. I'd like to try it sometime.

[D Gates]

I have a VOX amp and a Schecter C1 Hellraiser, how do you think this would sound with the VOX and C1 Hellraiser? comment me or message me b/c I really wanna know.

[enselmis]

the boss MT-2 is awful, i dont get why people buy them, they sound like shit. if u actually want a pedal to take a clean channel and make it high gain, use a satchurator. boss stuff is so meh, i dont get why people use it when they could get much much better stuff. and not a single person has mentioned santana used a tube screamer with a mesa and listen to his tone.

[hEAVYmETAL619]

This pedal is alrite i bought mine for $300 brand new
sound a bot tooo tiny for i like the real bassy stuff
.bss pedal are my fav

tube screamer not RECOMMENDED

[jason_1986]

My strat sounds sick clean though my marshall valvestate but the overdrive sucks, i bought this pedal to use on the clean channel and now i get awesome sounds for blues/rock.

These pedals are not just for tube amps.

[Chiodos31323]

this pedal sounds amazing with my crate v series halfstack, i got a v33h head and a v212 cab. this pedal by itself gives a great blues tone for solos!! but if you mix it with my amps distortion with the presence on! God it sounds amazing, you can hit pinch harmonics you never thought possible! reminds me of the devil wears prada and chiodos its got the same tone! i highly suggest you buy this pedal!