Bad Monkey vs TS7

[Mincer]

I am currently using a TS7 (with the hot switch on), but was considering a Bad Monkey. The TS7 has a great sound (with that hot switch), and I heard the Monkey can pretty much clone a classic TS sound.

I'd love for the Monkey to be able to clone the hotter TS7 sound, but with those EQ knobs, get some more versatility. Even better if I could boost the gain a touch more sometimes.

Anyone have both and compare them? I see lots of comparisons with other TS pedals, but I really love that TS7 with the hot switch- it boosts the gain quite a bit, but doesn't add compression like a regular distortion pedal.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

Currently I own a Bad Monkey, a TS-9 Reissue and a TS9DX modded by Spina.

I wouldn't say the Bad Monkey is a total clone of the Tube Screamers....it's more of a modern interpretation of it while still being very faithful of the original.

The Bad Monkey can get pretty hot....since I tend not to get too over-gainy I can't vouch for how usable it is. I rarely put it past 11 o'clock.

But for thirty bucks...it's hard to go wrong!

 

[Bob Zombie]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

But for thirty bucks...it's hard to go wrong!

+1 I bought one used for twenty bucks and even for the full price its a great deal. Even if its not exactly what your after its still a good thing to have. As far as comparing it to another TS I'd have to agree with SkareKrough in that its not exactly the same. Its similar but a clone.

 

[Dirt123]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

Submit to The Monkey.

They are good, for the price.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

tried the comparison today. the bad monkey sounds better, and is more dynamic than the stock TS. It doesn't have as much gain as the TS7 with 'hot' on, though. So, I am keeping the TS7. The next Digitech pedal, the screamin blues, is more buzzy, and compresses the signal too much.
So, my tests proved to me: the Bad Monkey sounds better than a TS9, but not as good as the TS7. Funny, the TS9 and 808 are a lot more expensive.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

I love my bad monkey. I also love my modded TS7. The hot head distortion is also a very good distortion.

 

[twoheadedboy]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

The bad monkey is really weird. I find that on the output end, it's extremely sensitive towards certain amps. Anything solidstate in the signal path after it and it sounds like junk to me. However, on the input end I find it to be very forgiving and musical. It seems to bring out the best in any guitar I plug into it. If you have an all tube, low voltage type amp (classic fender type designs) it should work very well for you. It fits into my setup perfectly and gives great early zz top type sounds.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Bad Monkey vs TS7

the monkey did sound great- it was warm and dynamic, just didn't have as much gain as the TS7, so there was no reason to switch. my unmodded TS7 is just wonderful.