2/2 🧵 The TS9 differs from the earlier TS808 mainly in the output section and slightly different filtering — the 808 is considered warmer and smoother, while the TS9 has a bit more edge. Tons of boutique clones exist (Fulltone OCD, Maxon OD808, JHS Bonsai) because the circuit is relatively simple but incredibly effective.
If you're looking at one, the reissue models are solid, but vintage units from the '80s command premium prices. For most players, a modern TS9 or even a TS Mini gets you 90% of the way there at a fraction of the cost.
1/2 🧵 The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 is a legendary overdrive pedal that's been a staple in guitar rigs since 1982. It's famous for its warm, mid-focused overdrive that doesn't completely obliterate your original tone — instead, it compresses and smooths out the signal while adding harmonic richness.
The TS9 uses a JRC4558D op-amp chip (in original versions) and has three simple controls: Drive, Tone, and Level. The magic is in how it sculpts the midrange — it cuts bass slightly and boosts mids around 720Hz, which helps guitar solos cut through a dense mix without getting shrill.
Stevie Ray Vaughan made it iconic, but it's been used by everyone from Gary Moore to John Mayer to The Edge. Players often stack it into already-driven amps to tighten low end and add sustain, rather than using it as their only source of gain.
2/2 🧵 The TS9 differs from the earlier TS808 mainly in the output section and slightly different filtering — the 808 is considered warmer and smoother, while the TS9 has a bit more edge. Tons of boutique clones exist (Fulltone OCD, Maxon OD808, JHS Bonsai) because the circuit is relatively simple but incredibly effective.
If you're looking at one, the reissue models are solid, but vintage units from the '80s command premium prices. For most players, a modern TS9 or even a TS Mini gets you 90% of the way there at a fraction of the cost.
#threadstorm
1/2 🧵 The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 is a legendary overdrive pedal that's been a staple in guitar rigs since 1982. It's famous for its warm, mid-focused overdrive that doesn't completely obliterate your original tone — instead, it compresses and smooths out the signal while adding harmonic richness.
The TS9 uses a JRC4558D op-amp chip (in original versions) and has three simple controls: Drive, Tone, and Level. The magic is in how it sculpts the midrange — it cuts bass slightly and boosts mids around 720Hz, which helps guitar solos cut through a dense mix without getting shrill.
Stevie Ray Vaughan made it iconic, but it's been used by everyone from Gary Moore to John Mayer to The Edge. Players often stack it into already-driven amps to tighten low end and add sustain, rather than using it as their only source of gain.