Ibanez Tube Screamer

[piebaldpython]

NOOB here wanting the Cliff Notes version of what a TubeScreamer does and why that's a good effect to have. I GOOGLED the Ibanez TS line, found 5 different models and would like to know how do I figure which if any would be right for me in the future. Could one of you explain the differences to me? I play blues and slide if that helps. I saw a YouTube clip of a guy playing an acoustic w/pickup that he ran through a TS and I was blown away by the sound.

[LowEndWonder]

If you must go with a Tube Screamer get the Turbo Model.
As far as other pedals for the sound you're searching for try the Boss Blues Driver and the Boss OD-3. :beer: :AOK:

[Robert]

Try a Digitech Bad Monkey. 40 bucks, great tone.

These types of pedals give you overdrive, just a bit of grit and dirt without going all metal on you. Graceful breakup of the tone, if you will. :)

[Spudman]

The TS Turbo is a great way to go. You'll still get the regular sound but then you can go other places the regular pedal can't go. You'll cover more bases with one purchase.

It's basically an overdrive pedal which can push your amp's front end into a better gain stage response and make the amph sound like a good warmed up and cranked tube amph even when playing quietly. The TS has a midrange frequency hump that helps the tone to stand out. It's always going to be there when you turn the pedal on.

[tunghaichuan]

Here is a technical explanation by an EE:

http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/TStech/tsxtech.htm

HTH,

tung

[piebaldpython]

Hey all, thanks for the advice. Does it matter what type or size amp I am using. This will just be for my own enjoyment or with friends. My intent was to get a Behringer GMX-110 amp. Would a TS work OK with that or should I get a Behringer GMX-210 combo amp? Thanks guys and gals!!

[pytolk]

I have the turbo and love it! i also got it modded by the analog man and it is thirty times better now!!! it also plays very nice with other pedals and almost any amp i throw at it.

http://www.analogman.com/

[markb]

Tube Screamers (of whatever make) give that instantly gratifying mid pushed overdrive with a little low end cut to push your sound through the mix.
I've used a lot of TS type pedals over the years. My favourites are the Visual Sound Rt 66's overdrive side and the Bad Monkey. The Rt 66 has a bass boost switch which restores the low end. The advantage of the BM is that that bass control is variable so can be dialled in to taste. The Rt 66 bass boost was a little over the top in some applications.
The Boss OD-3 is like a TS without the bass cut, the BD-2 is similar but without such a pronounced mid-range hump and much more gain at extreme settings. Personally I find the OD-3 a little too "tubby" for my tastes. I use a BD-2 for light rhythm OD and to push my Bad Monkey into singing lead tones.

[stingx]

I have a TS9 and a Bad Monkey. The latter gets far more use.

[duhvoodooman]

The Ibanez pedals, IMO, are overpriced for what you get. The DigiTech Bad Monkey is very tough to beat among TS-type overdrive pedals, and the separate treble and bass controls give you more tonal flexibility than most. Nice warm overdrive with a pretty good gain range. Won't do outright distortion, but that's really not the point with TS-type pedals. Built like the proverbial freakin' tank. Routinely available new-in-box on eBay for $40 + shipping.

[Adrian30]

How about this one, DVM? Did you build one of these and if so how does it compare to Bad Monkey?

http://buildyourownclone.com/screamer.html

[duhvoodooman]

How about this one, DVM? Did you build one of these and if so how does it compare to Bad Monkey?

http://buildyourownclone.com/screamer.html
Oh, yeah! I did indeed. The BYOC is a direct circuit clone of the original TS-808 Tube Screamer, but with the addition of true bypass switch wiring and incorporation of an IC socket so that different operational amplifiers (opamps) can be switched in and out to subtly change the distortion character. The kit also includes some different diodes, capacitors and resistors that let you fool around with the pedal's distortion, gain and bass response characteristics. Built to stock TS-808 specs, the pedal absolutely nails that vintage Tube Screamer pushed-mids overdriven tone. It's tonal range is not quite as broad as the Bad Monkey, but it has a transparency/clarity the Monkey doesn't quite match. But you don't have to keep it stock (evil laugh heard in background)....

I started out building the kit pretty much stock, but quickly got into modifications. My Zonkin' Yellow Screamer pedal is what the BYOC Screamer eventually evolved into for me.

Relevant threads, if you're interested:


http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=2153

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=2230

[Adrian30]

I am very interested and thanks much for the response.