I was so lucky with my TS808. My sister was at a garage sale and she saw music equipment and she facetimes me and shows me a box full of “those things you step on when you play guitar” 😂. She shows me the box and I see a TS808 in there and she was able to bargain it down to $50!!!!! I got so lucky idk how but I did. It’s a great pedal
The true secret to the TS808 is what most people don't pick up on (please try what I suggest below)... And maybe this is why all the other tube screamer variants were made (from it being misunderstood in the first place) When people first heard guys like Stevie play it and they wanted that sound they attributed it to the TS so they went out and got one and hated it. Because they weren't using it right.. they were cranking the drive and not hearing what they thought they would. Because you dont drive the tubescreamer... you drive what it's plugged into. Please try this. Get your favorite overdrive pedal ( or just your amp ) have it set to your usual rhythm settings, put your TS808 BEFORE this pedal and set the Drive at about 9oclock.. basically just enough to engage the pot so that it wont steal volume. Then crank the volume all the way and put the Tone wherever you want. Now with your overdrive pedal on, engage the tube screamer to play your lead/solo and feel the magic. you basically get a lead boost + that greasy smooth sustain of the Tube Screamer circuit without adding an additional drive tone since you are keeping the TS drive down.
That’s exactly how I’ve always used my 808. Depending on the guitar that drive usually doesn’t go pass 10oclock and I’ll run it into my flux five and they are a wonderful pair.
Essentially like the treble boost pedal that isn't well known now. Also adds some clarity to the break up also. Rory Gallagher turned on Brian may to it. Tommy Iommi, Ritchie Blacmore used one too. Then you can just adjust the guitars volume know to clean it up some or alot, instead of just switching it off.
I wouldn't say that's such a big secret. This is the way I used tube screamers in the 90's, and the way most players I know have used them. The same can be said about the Klon, or clone of that. Another thing about the TS is its voice works best with Strats, or strat like guitars. A humbucker doesn't need the boost to the mids that comes with the pedal in most situations.
I kind of get the idea... But I also think at the end of the day, if a pedal isn't good on its own I have no interest in it. Life's too short. If a pedal isn't good on its own, then I'd rather get one that is. You're better off just getting a decent EQ than a tube screamer, it'll drive your distortions like a screamer used as you describe, and it'll give you more control over any frequency. A screamer won't do that, its a one trick pony.
I'm 53 and tried numerous overdrive pedals without finding the one that really satisfied me, but I thought the Tubecsreamer was kind of outdated. But last week-end, I've finally bought a TS9, just to see and BAM ! There it was! That's the sound I was searching for years. Single coils, humbuckers, P90...neck, middle or bridge....low, mid or high gain.the pedal sets the tone immediately. I just have to adjust the EQ on my amp, but so little. This pedal is pure magic to me
One of my favourite TS-Style designs is the T-Rex Moller. It's a tubescreamer with a blend-knob and a seperate boost circuit. Quite underrated in my opinion.
I'm running the JHS Bonsai that contains 9 different circuits - essentially 9 different tube screamers including the two you specified. Also the Wampler Tumnus and Plexi. The OG circuit provides most of my warm tones. I use it a lot.
This was a useful video for me. Instead of demo-ing the most recent TS clone it answered a question I’ve had for a while. It hasn’t inspired me to spend money, I already have as TS9 but if I go down the TS into TS path one day I’ll probably add a 808 since there’s a functional difference.
ts9/ ts808 i think there's two models only because of the history of their production please correct me if i'm wrong ts808's footswitch gone out of production so they launch the (almost) the same circuit with a new enclosures if they sound really DIFFERENT, i wouldn't call them both tube screamer as a manufacturer. after launching the ts9, ts808 just gone out of production, but because of the folklore and myths going around, ibanez marketing team saw the chance and reissued the ts808. but after all it's the same thing :D but, all that, i have both
The 808 tames the top end the ts9 definitely has high trebble and this causes a clipping effect when pushed higher. Esp with other distortion pedals. High treble is the sound of classic rock though, they would never allow for that in the age of sythesized computer edits.
Love this video!! And love your playing! The video really gave me the ability to hear the subtle differences between the TS9 and the 808, both iconic pedals. Most of the time with these pedal comparison videos, the audio quality is lacking rendering them useless for my purposes. So really great job nailing down the audio!! For me the 808 tames the top end. If you ever get a chance to try a TS808TM or other tube screamer variants, I would love to hear your thoughts. All 3 are excellent pedals. Looking forward to more of your videos! Just subscribed!
I got the TS808 and I think it’s amazing, it’s definitely my fav overdrive pedal. Now I’m waiting for the J. Rockett Archer…and hopefully get the perfect combination 🔝✨
Two TS808 tube screamers have been on my pedalboard for over 20 years. They are actually converted TS5s, but I did the conversion myself, as well as many TS9 to 808 and they all sound just as good as a "real" 808. I run them into a clean amp, typically 15-20W and keep the tone control right at 9:00. This might vary on clone pedals, because the pots have different tapers than what Ibanez used. Gain is set a little less than halfway up on the first one one and all the way up on the second one. Volume set on each pedal to match my bypassed volume. This gives me a lot of optrions from clean to #1, #2 or #1+#2. I think you are on the right track here. The Tube Screamer is a great pedal and two play very well together. My idea with them was: they should not significantly alter my base tone and there should be no volume shift as I engage them. The TS808 set as I describe does exactly this. I run a volume pedal after the TS pedals to control my stage volume without changing the distortion.
I have an old Ibanez Metal Screamer, it sounds like all of my Tube Screamers. They all sound good and quite similar. In a band mix you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
I have never mained a tube screamer. That being said, I do own one that I love, and it's a TS-808. The reason why I don't use it all the time is that I only like it into a dirty amp (which is a KILLER sound) but into a clean amp it has this weird high end thing going on. When I don't know what I'm getting into, I use a Klone
I've been using the 808 for 10+ years and one thing that stands out versus a lot of other guitar pedals is tone control. When I'm using my Strat (with Texas Specials), I set my 808 to ANY desired overdrive level with the volume at 12 o'clock. I then have the tone knob on the 808 and my amp set to be ALMOST (
Hey Mike, I just found your channel today. Just wanted to say that I really enjoy your approach and attitude towards guitar. Earned a sub, well done man.
I love the tones you're getting on both! Great playing! If you're feeling adventurous, try out the Behringer clone, I believe the TO808 and let me know what you think. But I do need one of the actual Tube Screamers in my collection. Happy pedal day!
I bought the 808 reissue when they cam out in 2004. Only overdrive pedal I’ve owned that long. They just have something special. Super classic smooth cranked and contains single coil edginess when slightly cranked
I pretty much did the same thing. In the late 80’s o went for a tube screamer, the 808. Was told they were no longer available. They were out of ts9’s but had the Ts9dx. I used it a couple times and it’s been sitting ever since.
I have bought at least three or four tube screamers. Sold all of them. Thought I missed them. Even though I never used it much. Bought another one. Still don't use it. But...there it is... a testament to tonal wishy washyness. Turns out my favorite green pedal is the Nobles ODR1. I have had only one and it will always be on my board. That said I know many fine players use the TS to great effect. Please enjoy yours. Good to see your subs growing. Well deserved.
I’ve been at a cross road as well should I get one? Which one? I’ve seen vids that say it’s a mid range boost. Modded TS pedals again confuse me. I’ve got the mini on a an all Ibanez mini pedal board. But I’m not really impressed with what it does in the chain. It’s not a high gain pedal so I’m sort of lost
I'm a TS9 guy it was also pretty much the first pedal I bought , I find this one has a bit more bite than a 808 and I agree with the comment below I use my TS9 before my favorite overdrive which right now is Browne Amplification Carbon which is a Blues Breaker based circuit, them together is a masterpiece . Also stacking the TS9 with a RAT is great as well .
TS9 is taming the top end a lot. It also sounds more compressed. I'm not sure why that is - could have to do with your pedalboard; could be the circuitry. Fantastic demo! I think the 808 is the sound I prefer from this vid. Thanks!!
Cool.. I have the 10 on my board along with a Caline pure sky, and a EHX Crayon. Seems to cover most of the sounds I go for. If I’m feeling a little 60’s, what the heck, Put ‘em all on at once. Instant Joy( and depending on the guitar I’m using) Feedback of epic proportion💥💥😱😎 Great content on your channel!
I have a TS10. I got it in the late 80s in Boston after seeing Phish at The Paradise. To this day, it is the only distortion pedal I use. I am amazed to see vintage TS10s going for $500 on ebay. To me, the only real difference between the 3 is that the TS10 is the easiest to change the battery.
Nice playing! For Years I never wanted the " Ibanez Tube Screamer" just because everybody else had one It was always the Boss SD-1 for me. Years later I had to have one to see what I was missing, out of the Re Issue TS-808 I prefer my Hand Wired TS-808 the best, just a warmer tone . I have the Maxon OD-9 on my radar now.
Just happened to me ts808. I'm in love. I wish i had done it earlier. I don't listen to a lot of classic music. It's 50s' 60s rock to r/b then classic punk from the 70s. Other than the radio john mayer and srv and those types guy's passed me by! I had no reference point. So i tried the boss sd1 one. I've hated my guitar for two years! I thought i was doing something wrong! I couldn't figure out why I could get close but not where i wanted? It's because it's not the ts808. I don't even need to try another pedal! I swear! I always need / want/ obsess over "better" the gross amount of money I've spent on home audio. But love i love it. You actually captured the sound well!
Fuck great playing man, I never got on to that hendrix vibe but can play almost every go to slash solo/song. It's funny how different guitarists have such a different comprehension of playing
Your guitar looks exactly the same as my main guitar. Mines a 2021 Pro 2. Ive always loved the T.S. I've recently gotten the Ibanez T.S. Turbo which allows you to toggle between TS9, 808, or Hot which to me seems like a stacked T.S. sound.
First off full disclosure I am not a tube screamer guy. But I have tubes creamers and I respect the love for them. I actually think it'd be good for you to try the JHS Bonsai. It's a pretty true representation of several iterations of tube screamer. All analog. It is impressive.
I'm excited to watch this because I'm the opposite of you: I've had an TS808 on my board forever but never experimented with the TS9. I HATE the tiny button on the TS808. But I love your channel, Man. Keep on shredding!
I have Maxon Apex 808. This comes really close to the original. Placing a boost (Walrus Emissary Parallel Bost) in front can yield some awesome touch sensitive drive. Unfortunately, the Apex is seemingly no longer in production, and now they are becoming more expensive.
i have both. rocked the ts9 for a long time. got the 808 and the 9 got curbed..you want some magically delicious tones? put the 808 in front of an eq pedal its wonderfull i use the eq on for solo boost or if i just wanna get some nasty jake e lee high gain rythm
Love your videos. I first had a TS9 because I loved Trey Anastasio’s tone and he always used to use two TS9s on his board, one with light overdrive, one with heavy overdrive, and occasionally stacking them for a really saturated lead. I didn’t know at the time he was using pedals modded by Analogman, which would have made them closer to the 808. In my current board I got a really great deal on a Keeley Red Dirt which is based on his old TS mods and it sounds fantastic. I tend to like it with low to medium gain and then stack it with some other gain stage for a higher saturation (Klone or a blues driver).
What I picked up from this video is any TS will be fine. Buying a more expensive TS will not fix your tone, but it’s definitely cool to have a vintage one.
Stacking overdrives is nice. Maybe try blowing a Boss ST-2 (low drive setting) with a SD-1 or a DS-1. I get amazing results and these pedals are very affordable, especially on the used market.
I use an 808.I plug into a Fender tweed tube amp and leave the 808 on always to get my overdrive at a reasonable gigging volume(I have no use for a clean tone!).It's my only pedal (along with a Vox wah and Boss tuner)and it stays on all the time.I play Blues and old school Rock n Roll so I only use that one tone.I find both your Tubescreamers sound great and quite similar except the 808 has a bit more low mids and a smoother treble giving a slightly more organic tone.
Holy shit I just noticed, your bridge is angled forward almost all the way... Are you still using the 13's you put on your guitar? Because I think you forgot to adjust the spring tension in the back I already thought I heard your intonation being off slightly, but now I get why, the added tension of the strings basically forced your bridge out of alignment
Most commonly I use a Gen. 3 Fulltone Fulldrive 2. You can choose symmetric or asymmetric clipping via a mini toggle (meaning 808 or ts9 flavor) and the boost is built in. I have mine modded so that the boost works independently as a 9db max clean boost.
My go to has been an 808, but I’ve modded it with an Allums kit. That being said, I have a boss Sd-1 modded with an Allums kit and they are both a must have for me..
The worst thing about Ibanez pedals are the boxes. I hate those boxes! But yeah man, I love my Ibanez tube screamers. I have a few now of TS9 TS808 and a couple to versions of it. Whats really cool is stacking them from going to a clean to a high gain tone. Mix the TS9 and TS808. Or two TS9's. It's a subtle difference but still very cool if you put both of them just past edge of breakup.
Mike, you redeemed yourself from the 13 guage string video 😅. Seriously this sounds great, I think I’m liking the 808 the best, but the duel pedal sound at the end was the best!!!! Creamy!!!!
I proffered the 808, but liked both. I found the 808 had more presence, and would probably cut through a mix better. The two stacked sounded great. I may be tube screamer shopping soon, and I haven't used one since the 90's.
I prefer the SD-1, personally. But they both do basically the same thing. They’re great for mid focused boosts, but that’s about it. You can get great tones running a SD-1 or a TS into a breaking up amp or even another overdrive like an OD-3. I use a Klone for a similar purpose.
Ok, I’m gonna be honest, half the time, I don’t know what the heck he’s talking about, but something about him and the way he talks about stuff is so lovable and entertaining I could sit her for hours
I went the Tube Screamer route. I didn't like it. So I tried the Boss SD-1. I liked that even less. Then the Boss OD-3, which was better, but still something was missing. So then I tried the Klone Clones, both the Silver & Gold. For a long time I had those stacked, which was good, but still something was missing. Then I tried just a Boss Feedbacker/Booster. Now I was getting somewhere. Because I use a Fender Mustang V Head direct into the computer interface there was infinite amp and effect choices at my fingertips. But something was always in the way, even when I took off the Gates, I still had to crank the monitors to get any kind of natural feedback to hold a note, and I got lots of noise and hum with it. But the Feedbacker let me hold a note almost infinitely like you can with a real tube amp without the neighbors making noise complaints. Unfortunately Boss quit making them, but you can still find them now and then in the used market. If you're where you are unable to crank you tube amp it's worth the investment. Digitech makes something similar called the FreqOut, and it costs about the same. Sometimes I put an Echoplex Pre-Amp in front to boost the low end, which is good for guitars with trems that can be a real Tone Suck.
Boss OD-1/SD-1, Ibanez TS-9/TS-808, love all of them. Wouldn’t recommend any of them for chord work. They’re really made for making your leads jump out. Ibanez may have the edge in a stand-alone environment, but if you’re in a 2 guitar band and need to punch your solos through a dense mix, the Boss OD-1 is the one imo.
I've been using the same TS-10 that I bought brand new 25 years ago. If I was to buy a new Tubescreamer I'd most likely get the JHS Bonsai. Then you have all the Tubesceamers in one pedal.
