i scream, you scream, we all scream about Tube Screamers

[Rex_Rocker]

I'm not really a pedal guy. But out of all the pedals I've owned, I must have had like 12-15 variatons on Tube Screamers, LOL.

I'm very passionate about TS's. Ever since I started taking tone seriously, I was using a POD XT and boosting my 5150 and Rectifier models with the 808 model.

As soon as I started playing real amps, I needed to have a TS. A friend gifted me an MXR Classic Overdrive, and it all started there. I then got a beat up TS9 that I always suspected was modded because it never sounded right. I guess the apex of my journey was the actual Ibanez TS808 reissue, because that's really what I always thought was *the* one to get.

I've really liked the Duncan 805, the Boss SD-1, and the MXR Classic OD/Wylde OD/GT-OD. However, I keep going back to my TS808. Nothing else quite gives me *that* sound.

I wish my 808 had the EQ capabilities of the 805, but sadly, it doesn't. But at the same time, I'm not sure I'd want it to. I like the set-and-forget nature of the 808. TBH, the only knob I ever tweak is the Tone knob. I'm a gain on 0, level on 10 kinda guy on OD's unless it has very little gain (like the 805) or too much output volume (which I don't normally find to be the case with TS-types).

Just wondering what you recommend I try next. I was thinking Wampler Clarksdale or JHS Bonsai. I tend to prefer the fatter options, and I'd love it if my 808 had a tad more bass (not as much as the Mesa Grid Slammer, though) and a bit less honky midrange. I'm thinking about giving the Maxon OD808 a try again exactly because that's how I remember it being.

So... let's discuss!

 

[GuitarStv]

You already have a TS that you like. Look into something else that would compliment and work well with it. Something like a BD-2, Timmy, or OCD would all do nicely. If your tastes run higher gain you might get some mileage out of a muff.

 

[Mincer]

The TS7 and TS5 are great Tube Screamers. The BYOC Classic Overdrive and Overdrive II are great versions as well. Of course there is the Bad Monkey, which I like a lot, too.

 

[Aceman]

Ok man - you are all over the place. You want fatter, with flatter mids; Besides the Duncan 805, a Green Rhino will that. You might also consider a TS9DX - 4 mode screamer.

I currently own:

TS5
TS7
TS9
TS9DX
OD800
Green Screamer
Bad Monkey

Get the Rhino. This is not a discussion, that is the correct answer.

There are many great Screamers out there, but at the end of the day, they are all TS9's, including the 808.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

You already have a TS that you like. Look into something else that would compliment and work well with it. Something like a BD-2, Timmy, or OCD would all do nicely. If your tastes run higher gain you might get some mileage out of a muff.

I tried experimenting with Klon-types. They're fine, but they're no TS's, LOL.

I would love to try something that mixes the clean and the distorted sound kinda like a TS does. I guess a Bluesbreaker does that as well? Timmy too? BB Preamp?

 

[El Dunco]

I tried experimenting with Klon-types. They're fine, but they're no TS's, LOL.

I would love to try something that mixes the clean and the distorted sound kinda like a TS does. I guess a Bluesbreaker does that as well? Timmy too? BB Preamp?

The Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive lets you blend in the clean, unaffected signal. I’ve never tried a Tubescreamer I liked. They remove too much of the sound of the amp I like and add too much that I don’t. I don’t like how they make guitars sit in the mix.

That’s why I had a pedalmaker start with the circuit closest to what I do like (original ZW-44) and using a breadboard, we changed every component until it sounded exactly how I wanted. Despite having the traditional one tone knob, it’s very powerful. It’s my secret weapon.

It can switch between the flatter ZW inspired circuit to a GT-OD inspired one if I do want a bit of mid push for the more typical pushed sound for my rectifier. It had the options for symmetrical, asymmetrical and bypassed diodes. Back to back to the Zakk, it’s smoother, more transparent with less of the clanky grind (which I do like for some applications, so of course I still keep the Zakk around) with a lot of on-board overdrive which almost blurs the line between an overdrive and a really warm heavy distortion.

As icing on the cake, it had an LPB-1 circuit in series to push any amp to critical mass. Depending on the level, it can make leads sound really chewy, add infinite sustain, or make your power chords sound like the speaker is ripping apart. I set it diode bypassed (if I’m using it as a boost/filter and little to no gain) and Zakk mode in front of my JVM for my core heavy rhythm tone. It adds pick definition, doesn’t take out the important parts of the low end and just adds “more” without drastically messing with the raw amp voicing I like in the first place.

Experimenting with the gain on tap with the different diode configurations is incredibly fun. A great feature in the studio is widening the stereo image of double tracked guitars by having it set differently for each track.

This is a custom one off tailored to my rigs and my needs but pretty much any overdrive with at least a 2 band EQ like a Timmy or Bad Monkey (once the prices drop..) can be dialled in to best compliment your amp. If there ever were demand for the Cornhole to be replicated for other guitarists, I probably would give them a 2/3 band EQ.

The same builder who made my Cornhole overdrive (yes, that’s the name because of what it does to the front of the amp haha) built a unit that lets you plug in any overdrive or effect and give it a wet/dry control pot.

He also made me a companion fuzz which is the absolute nastiest fuzz I’ve ever heard for a contrast to my comparatively polite muff. I’ve posted the video all about my custom overdrive elsewhere but am happy to share again here if there’s any interest.

 

[Mincer]

When I use a TS pedal, it is the only source of gain. I don't use it into an already distorted amp, so it is likely different than most other peoples' use.

 

[Chistopher]

I've heard the JHS bonzai was pretty good, I've only experienced it myself on TS9 and JHS mode though. It was a tubescreamer, that's about all I can say about it. I've never cared for TS's, especially the boutique options. It seems like all of them are more geared towards people who buy pedals just to buy pedals

 

[El Dunco]

When I use a TS pedal, it is the only source of gain. I don't use it into an already distorted amp, so it is likely different than most other peoples' use.

Even for that, I find it quite thin next to the CH. I’ll have to do a shootout someday.

 

[ErikH]

There are so many flavors of Tube Screamers out there. It's like ice cream. Everyone has their favorite flavor.

I like the 808 myself over the TS9. It's a tad bit warmer to my ears against the 9. Amazing what 3 part value changes will do to the sound of a circuit. I had an 808 but sold it when I took some time off from playing out in 2017. Kept my amp and guitars only.

The closest I have to a TS currently is the BYOC Yellow Overdrive (Boss OD-1 clone) but it's not *really* the same. Same concept, similar circuit sans tone control and the signal goes through a different input on the opamp vs the TS and even the Super Overdrive.

Since I love the smell of molten solder, I'd probably get a BYOC Classic Overdrive kit for a true TS circuit. Not something I need right now though.

The Fulltone Mosfet Drive 2 is a nice TS variation (Vintage mode is a TS) with quite a bit of flexibility.

 

[Mincer]

The Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive lets you blend in the clean, unaffected signal. I’ve never tried a Tubescreamer I liked. They remove too much of the sound of the amp I like and add too much that I don’t. I don’t like how they make guitars sit in the mix.

That’s why I had a pedalmaker start with the circuit closest to what I do like (original ZW-44) and using a breadboard, we changed every component until it sounded exactly how I wanted. Despite having the traditional one tone knob, it’s very powerful. It’s my secret weapon.

It can switch between the flatter ZW inspired circuit to a GT-OD inspired one if I do want a bit of mid push for the more typical pushed sound for my rectifier. It had the options for symmetrical, asymmetrical and bypassed diodes. Back to back to the Zakk, it’s smoother, more transparent with less of the clanky grind (which I do like for some applications, so of course I still keep the Zakk around) with a lot of on-board overdrive which almost blurs the line between an overdrive and a really warm heavy distortion.

.

Any plans to market this?

 

[El Dunco]

Any plans to market this?

I have the one and only prototype because it’s mine and I’m a special boy. However, if it gets some interest, I wouldn’t be opposed to having a run of them (with a 2 band so people can dial it in to their own rigs)

Video demo:

Here is a song with the Cornhole in action how I use it in my rig on all the rhythm guitars and with more of the overdrive on the solo. Heavy, smooth, great pick definition, plenty of balls.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/njwoziktiny903fjwbjaf/Fragmenta-Murder-No5-instrumental.wav

 

[trevorus]

I've got an Earthquaker Devices Plumes, and it's been a great TS for my use. The other one I'll often grab is the East River from EHX.

 

[beaubrummels]

I use a TS9DX. Very versatile. I like having options.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I was just comparing my actual TS808 to my HX's 808 model... man, they nailed it. Like... big-time.

Only difference is the Helix 808 is 1.5 dB quieter (I measured). But the gain levels and voicing is the same. The tone knobs acts the same. It just sounds bang-on.

I wish the amp models were as good as that.

It's insane.

 

[Mincer]

I was just comparing my actual TS808 to my HX's 808 model... man, they nailed it. Like... big-time.

Only difference is the Helix 808 is 1.5 dB quieter (I measured). But the gain levels and voicing is the same. The tone knobs acts the same. It just sounds bang-on.

I wish the amp models were as good as that.

It's insane.

I was able to clone my TS pedals in my HX Effects, too.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I was able to clone my TS pedals in my HX Effects, too.

Not sure how the other effects sound in comparison to the real deal.

The TS is dead-on.

The SD-1, I haven't A/B'd an actual one with the one in there, but it seems to have the vibe.

The Klon... not sure. I don't have an actual Klon, but I have two clones, and both of those sound more similar between each other than to the Minotaur.

I also really like the Precision Drive and the Pillars in there. Don't have the actual units to compare, though.

What seems to be a constant with the drive models is they seem to have less output volume than the actual hardware units. I suspect it has to do with the unit's internal headroom. I don't know if the big-boy Helix is like that too, but I have to run some sort of buffer before the HX Stomp for it not to clip with hot pickups. Even with the pad engaged.

 

[Mincer]

I like the King of Tone model. I don't have one to compare it too, but I like the EQ in it a lot. Not as mid heavy as the TS models, but easily as dynamic.

 

[Seashore]

I don't have a problem with clipping going through the HX Effects. I also don't have a problem with the dirt pedal levels; I've been able to raise the output of the models more than enough. I've been using the 808 model as my lead boost for a few years. I prefer the sound of my Maxon OD9, the model is not quite there, but it's more than close enough considering the extra convenience of being able to put a boost in front of the amp and a delay in the loop and turn them on and off with the same switch.

I only really like TS pedals for stacking a lead boost anymore. The distortion on the VHT sounds better by itself than with any pedal or model I've put in front of it, and I prefer the sound of a distortion pedal to an OD when I'm driving either channel of the Traynor for guitar and bass. Dhyana Drive and Vermin seem to work particularly well in front of the Traynor, although there again I find I just slightly prefer the sound of a real pedal... that MXR Distortion III, scoff if you will, sounds great blended in on bass.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

The six knob VFE Pale Horse is TS-based and extremely tweakable. Three different tone controls: standard end-of-the-line Tone knob, plus low cut and high cut in the drive stage itself. It also allows you to sweep between "dynamic mosfet clipping and sweet asymmetrical distortion. In between are various shades of compression and harmonics."

I usually reach for the Pale Horse. I've still got the original Ibanez TS that I bought in 1980 and gigged heavily for the next decade or so. Eventually retired it from active duty though, and got a Maxon OD808 as a replacement. The Pale Horse is far more flexible. but as others have pointed out, sometimes you just want the simple OG version.

Used a Lovepedal Amp808 on my small board for a long time. Not actually derived from the TS circuit but it's voiced to give a similar sound and it's got two band EQ. The really cool extra is that it also contains a Church Of Tone OD on a separate footswitch, all in a small (MXR-sized) footprint.