Overdrive vs tube screamer?

[Maidenheadsteve]

Is there much of a difference between overdrives amd tube screamers (and their clones) in terms of how they affect sound (more gain/drive on tap, tone, etc.)? Or are they basically the same thing?

Just trying to figure out which one I want (got a bit of a list going).

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

Go to guitar center and try a bunch through your amp. I find them all different

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

They are essentially the same thing. All tube screamers are overdrives, but not all overdrives are tube screamers. Tube Screamer is a brand which is also a generic name for a specific type of boost circuit. There are a myriad of variations on this circuit and a myriad of clones with the serial numbers filed off.

[Soulcrusher_X]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

The Tubescreamer and Boss SD1 are probably the most iconic OD pedals out there. The TS uses a "symmetrical" clipping circuit and tends to be the warmer of the two, but it has really nice harmonics when you turn up the drive. The SD1 has an "asymmetrical" clipping circuit and tends to be a bit brighter and have more bite/raunch. While this may not have a ton of significance, it's a general rule of thumb when hunting down OD pedals, just for reference. Also, the MXR Classic OD has a switch inside to toggle between the two types TS or SD1.

[Aceman]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

Well said Soulcrusher.

Overdrive is overdrive, and Tube Screamer is an iconic style of overdrive. And it's a continuum - there is no hard / fast line between boost, OD, and Distortion. Names can be deceiving. Some units can just gradually shift from one to the other, some have switches. My Catalinbread Super Charged Over Drive - definitely does Distortion, but can drop down to OD land.

They will all give you:
warmer or brighter sound
More/Less mid boost
More less volume
More less dirt
The EQ options will vary in number and range.

I personally dig a Tube Screamer with my Fender Pro Jr. But the Junior is a bright fender style amp. That's probably why I dig the screamer. I also like the mid push. Many don't.

The BAd Monkey and Green Rhino are great examples of "more" and more flexible Screamer styles. Also, the DX-9 Turbo Screamer gives multiple setting for more, more and even more gain, and varying amounts of bottom.

Don't forget - interaction with the amp can be very important. MAny/Most OD's are intended to drive the preamp hard, as opposed to a distortion, which often provides the main dirt sound. But you can use the box as the sole source of the dirt.

[Chickenwings]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

There are literally thousands of overdrives out there. Best thing you can do is try a few out.

[Aceman]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

By the way - Don't know your budget, but...

You can snag an Ibanez ToneLok TS-&, which IS a Tube Screamer, plus a switch for "Hot" for like 30 bucks off ebay. SD-1's aren't much either...

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

Why does this boat seem so crowded?

Will be watching (where's the popcorn?)

[astrozombie]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

By the way - Don't know your budget, but...

You can snag an Ibanez ToneLok TS-&, which IS a Tube Screamer, plus a switch for "Hot" for like 30 bucks off ebay. SD-1's aren't much either...

I had that tonelok pedal, I thought the sound was decent but the contraction of the pedal was questionable.

[VanDerchuck]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

The Joyo Vintage Overdrive and Sweet Baby Overdrive are my two favorite budget conscious pedals right now. The first is a TubeScreamer clone and the second is a Mad Professor clone. Both sound good and are cheap. If you want to save some cash and experiment.

[DeadandBuried]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

Depends what you want to use it for, I have a Tubescreamer, a Wampler Triple Wreck and a Boss Super Overdrive. I have different uses for each.

The tubescreamer is used in front of my 6505+ head to tighten up the low end, boost mids and give me more oomph esp when doing squealies.
The SD-1 I hardly use anymore but I did use it for solo boosts.
The Triple Wreck I use in rehearsal rooms when I can't take my half stack, and plug it in using a clean channel. Also take it to all shows as a backup should anything in the main rig go down on the night.

FullTone's OCD is also a popular one, and the Maxon Od808.

[DreX]

Re: Overdrive vs tube screamer?

FYI this thread is 11 mos old, OP is long gone.