Any Substitute For A TS-808, TS-9?

[Hollandcaster]

A VOP runs 9 Volt, but has an internal voltage doubler.
It has more balls, but the OD9 stacks better into my SD9 instead of the VOP.
As stand alone, the VOP is realy realy great!

 

[moosie]

Maxon OD-9 (from the Original Ibanez TS makers)

Yup. I bought mine (new) from AnalogMan, and had them do their Silver mod. By far the best TS I've ever heard. The annoying nasal quality is gone.

 

[mitchfinck]

Sparkle Drive.

 

[pete-strych]

Any other pedals using the JRC4558 chip worth considering, or just go with a used re-issue?

After years of searching, I tried a CMAT MODS Signa Drive. It's the BEST TS-808 style pedal I've ever heard. Period! Built like a tank. Glorious Tone. Only about $135 clams. Built with quality components in the USA. It's been my always on pedal for over a year now.

 

[jvin248]

Overdrive vs Distortion but they could sound a little closer with some nudges on the knobs.

 

[Zenyatta]

Any other pedals using the JRC4558 chip worth considering, or just go with a used re-issue?

I've tried a bunch from this style. My favorite remains the Boss SD-1. It sounds leaner and more focused/natural than typical TS type pedals, and it's cheap and reliable

 

[nontiveros86]

I have a TS9, it was my first pedal. I never really liked it, and didn't look for any other TS style pedals. About a year ago, I got my hands on a Mesa Boogie Grid Slammer, and totally changed my mind on the matter. I guess it has Mesa character, whatever that means... I've never played through a Mesa, so I couldn't tell you [emoji6] . I could give a list of subjective adjectives describing the tone, but what I think the real selling point for me was a better low/low mid response, like a resonance control on an amplifier can give you. It stacks really well with my amp's distortion and the few other effects I'm using, and is responsive to volume and picking dynamics. I use it for low-medium gain on classic rock and blues numbers. I think it's kind of pricey, though; I was able to get mine in a trade. I like this video that compares a Grid Slammer, TS Mini, and Walrus Audio Voyager.



I'm still experimenting with various settings on my guitar, amp, and pedals, so take my opinion with a grain of salt [emoji2]

 

[rwhite219]

Not a TS but what I wish those little buggers would do is the Z Vex Distortron.
Similar range of dirt, nice full mids, two gain settings and a three way bass switch.
The gain range is nice and sounds better to my ear than most dirt pedals, plus when it cleans up it's actually a clean sound I like, not just an OK less distorted sound.

It took me a while to like it though because it was supposed to be a JTM45 sound, and I could not get that sound out of it. Later when I tried it to see what else it might do it surprised me with great sounds.

The Zvex super duper has the ability to be a great overdrive as well.

 

[Freethenoise]

I'm currently using a Caroline Haymaker.

It has three modes, a TS inspired, a Klon inspired and a third that's modelled on their Wave Cannon.

Right now I'm running it in TS-mode the most and it's a damn fine interpretation of the classic screamer sound.

 

[schenkadere]

The Ibanez Jet Driver because...
it's True Bypass
has the 4558 chip
Adjustable mid control
and
much more gain than a stock TS-9 is capable of delivering.

This is a real sleeper. A great OD! My only complaint was the range of gain...it seemed to hit its peak early on the dial and there was much difference after that.

 

[Thin69]

Any other pedals using the JRC4558 chip worth considering, or just go with a used re-issue?

I used 808's, TS9's, TS7 and several different clones of various TS. Truthfully they are all very close and I can be happy with just about all of them.

 

[fulcifan]

These:
MOEN AM-OD Phoenix Song
e-Wave Double Press

The e-Wave Double Press has a bit more gain and low-end.

 

[Fiesta Red]

MXR M-66 Classic Overdrive



Neat little variation on the Tube Screamer...a bit more sparkle and spank than the average TS9 or TS808...not rare, but not common, either...this was a Guitar Center exclusive pedal, and there have been two different paintjobs--one green, one white. Nice size, good sound, reasonable price.

 

[Danjabellza]

If you want to stay in the tubescreamer vein the 805 from Seymour Duncan is pretty sweet. 3 band eq instead of the standard tone knob.

 

[stephenyi]

The Way Huge Green Rhino is the best TS-style pedal I've heard. Sold my Keeley-modded TS-9 because of it.

 

[Gabriel_volny]

I'm in love with my T-Rex tonebug Overdrive. It's something in the middle of 808 and 9.

 

[Mark*123]

MXR M-66 Classic Overdrive



Neat little variation on the Tube Screamer...a bit more sparkle and spank than the average TS9 or TS808...not rare, but not common, either...this was a Guitar Center exclusive pedal, and there have been two different paintjobs--one green, one white. Nice size, good sound, reasonable price.

+1 I'm happy with the MXR GT-OD. Same pedal, different paint job. MXR Zack Wilde overdrive is another variation on the same pedal, but "of course" a bit more expensive.
Great TS

 

[screamin eagle]

A tweed amp.

 

[artdecade]

A tweed amp.

Its is offensive to Tweed amps to associate them with clipping diodes.

 

[steam-powered]

Maxon OD-9 (from the Original Ibanez TS makers)

I agree, out of all the traditional tube-screamers, the Maxon OD9 can't be beat.