Ibanez Tube Screamer vs Boss Super Overdrive

[UnderTheFlame83]

These are classic overdrive pedals and are still popular today. Do you have a favorite and why?

I am going to say I like them both the same. I don't have a favorite. Both are on my pedalboard and used daily. But I do prefer the Mini Tube Screamer over the others.

 

[GuitarStv]

I like the boss better personally. They both do a similar thing with the mid hump, but the super overdrive seems to have a little bit more usable gain range.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

I want to try the Waza Super Overdrive eventually.

 

[Securb]

Never liked the Ibanez Tube Screamer until I bought a Marshall. On its own through a clean amp, I can not vibe with it. Pushing and already overdriven Marshall it sounds glorious. I have not had too much interface with the BOSS Super Overdrive but seeing it is one of Page's favorite pedals I would like to spend more time with one. Prince was also a big fan of the BOSS Super Overdrive.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

I like the fact that Boss has kept the Super Overdrive very affordable and not upped them to $100+. Good to see you can still buy a new Boss pedal for $60. And Ibanez has pretty much done the same with the Tube Screamers over the years. Good tones for not a lot of dough.

 

[misterwhizzy]

I prefer the Tube Screamer because the SD-1 cuts too much bass for my liking.

 

[Mincer]

I think they are pretty close, with the TS being more exaggerated EQ. I can use either as my only source of gain, though.

 

[devastone]

The TS-9 had more of a mid hump, the SD-1 has asymmetrical clipping which brings out more even order harmonics. Both are great for pushing already crunchy amps, I'm more in the SD camp.

 

[Bogner]

Both are great! Sometimes one works better with a certain amp than the other. Both are must haves IMO.

 

[ErikH]

The TS808 is my favorite flavor of the TS. The TS9 is good too. A couple part value changes make it an 808. But, I'm more of a SD guy. Have had many over the years, Same circuit as the TS with different part values scattered about and asymmetrical clipping. I'm curious about the Waza SD.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I like the TS with some amps better than the SD and viceversa. The SD does have more gain range (less gain at min, more gain at max), but it has a little bit less output level. Neither have a lot of output level, TBH.

The SD has an edgier upper midrange and cuts more bass, hence, it's tighter. The TS is rounder, smoother, and squishier. Both are pretty mid humped, but the SD has a bit more teeth and the TS is a bit more vocal.

WIth a Recto, I like an SD-1. With a 5150, I like the TS.

 

[Securb]

Is the BOSS ground-to-diode or chip? I am guessing chip.

 

[dave74]

I tend to choose overdrives and boosts in relation to what guitar/pickup/amp/cab I happen to be running that day.

 

[ErikH]

Is the BOSS ground-to-diode or chip? I am guessing chip.

Diodes for the asymmetrical clipping. TS is diodes too, only symmetrical.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Yeah, it's pretty much the same circuit with a couple different values and an extra diode in the clipping stage.

 

[elelpe]

Right. The way I see it, SD-1 is Boss' version of TS. Pick your flavor.

 

[Mincer]

I think there have been some pedal designs that include both variations, too.

 

[Securb]

I think there have been some pedal designs that include both variations, too.

The Decibel 11 Dirt Clod but you can not use both options at the same time. It would be cool if gain staging was an option in the pedal.

 

[LLL]

I'll take a BOSS SD-1 or OD-1 (especially) any day over a Tube Screamer when using a Plexi or 2203, etc...era type amp circuit.

The natural hi-pass in these stomps helps tremendously with cutting out the woofy low end when the amp is cranked; tightening things up.

And don't like the mids of the TS with those amps.

OTOH, with a Fender Blackface (which is naturally slightly scooped in the mids), the TS rules.

 

[devastone]

Is the BOSS ground-to-diode or chip? I am guessing chip.

The clipping diodes are in the feedback loop, same as a TS, I think that's what you are asking. I generally think of ODs as having the diodes in the feedback loop for "soft clipping", and distortions as "hard clipping" to ground. Again, those are generalizations, there are exceptions.