Ibanez TS808HW Tube Screamer Reviews

Brian
from United States
December 30, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Lush!

This pedal is so much better than I expected. I'm using it in front of my Roadster to tighten up the high gain channels and enhance the cleans. This pedal is so responsive and organic sounding. No regrets here. I'm glad I took the plunge. I did find it odd, however, that it did not come with a power source. Luckily I picked up an Eventide Powerfactor in the same order, but still the pedal required that I use the adaptor that came enclosed with the Tube Screamer.

from
November 19, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

SWEET WARM OVERDRIVE

Sweet, warm, overdrive, nothing is better then that in my book and if that's what your looking for then you should pick up this pedal while you still can. I already had the Maxon OD9 in my pedal board, which is in essence 'the original tube screamer' since Maxon was the OEM manufacturer for Ibanez from 1974 to 2002. Anyway, IMHO this pedal sounds very similar, but is still even warmer... Maybe it being hand wired has something to do with that. Also this pedal is very transparent, so if your just looking for a clean boost this would serve you well in that area too. Bottom line; this is a very versatile pedal with silky smooth, tube-like distortion that should please any player.

Jason
from South, East USA
May 6, 2012Music Background:
Professional

Don't be skeptical--THIS one is worth it...

I was skeptical about the expense of this pedal, but seeing that the circuitry and the components followed EXACTLY the original, I purchased one...and then....WOW---it blew me away! I've been trying to find the tone this thing brought me for years....finally---it's here. Pure sweetness and creamy distortion that is "just right"..

I liked it so well that I bought a second to run in line. THAT is the perfect combo---Just nothing else is needed!

If it sounds like I'm gushing, well, I am! THIS is THE overdrive pedal. The only one that comes close is the MXR O.D. Badass pedal, and it's OK...but this one is even better by a few shades!

Daniel Ali
from Bronx, New York
April 26, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Lives up to the legend and better.

I've never played through a Tube Screamer I didn't like and you could add this one to that list. Though I don't have an old Tube Screamer to A/B it against this hand wired version sounds incredible; so buttery. It works well on all 3 channels of my Mesa Mark 5 and makes my Marshall JCM 900 do back flips. I thought my DOD YJM308 was good; but my new Tube Screamer sounds much better for my ears and it's a little more versatile. If I can remember the sounds of the old Tube Screamers I've played through in the past I think this new hand wired one sounds a little warmer. You don't see too many things being made in Japan anymore but if you do see anything it's usually expensive and of the highest quality. The pedal comes in this military like grenade display case so carefully constructed. Open the battery compartment and you can see some of the beautiful hand wiring. I'd say it is worth the money. Metal shafted POTS would be an improvement though.

Jim Lombard IL.
from Lombard, IL
April 2, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Screamer is a Screamin

This thing boarders on being unbelievable. It is extremely smooth and just breaks up your sound either Clean or with Gain. Probably the best phrase to use is "enhancement". It doesn't really color yet it gives you that something extra that just sounds really great. I could tell it more with my Strat and the single coil pickups but, it added to the humbuckers on my Paul. Very quiet inbetween songs also. No hum or at least very little than without this pedal....I believe it is worth every penny, and as usual, Sweetwater standard ships and I get it next day from Fort Wayne.....WOW

rodman
from msp, mn. usa
December 22, 2010Music Background:
Hobbyist

Great Investment!

Only distortion box I need! I run a Fender JA-90 "Seymour Duncan Vintage P-90s" Thru the One And Only Ibanez TS808HW Tube Screamer into a Blues Jr. The amp now sounds like a Deluxe {Super warm} bonus- This baby is only going up in value!
Jam On Bros!

Lance Pentland
from Deer Lodge, Montana
December 23, 2009

Search no more

Being a tube screamer player, this pedal will absolutely bring the best out in your playing. No boxey, lack of bottom end or shrill top end here!

I run a 20th annv. PRS i to (ts808hw---TRex Replica---DrZ Maz-18 20th Annv. amp.) I'll put this setup against anything! I've owned and have various amps and setups and this simple compact setup will crush the best in a small combo package PERIOD!

My Dr.Z amp swallows this pedal with delight and leaves me wanting to play more than ever. This pedal is for serious experienced players who crave natural tube bliss with dynamics galor. Thank You sweetwater and well done Ibanez.....

Skull tower
from NYC
May 12, 2012Music Background:
30 plus years playing heavy rock, punk, blues

Ibanez TS808HW review

I play punk, metal, rock, blues and I have owned this hmm, about (2) years. It's the best overdrive I have ever had. Across the board.
I use it with the Boss noise compressor and it gets nastier the longer it's on. I play a Gibson Les Paul trad. Pro through either a Marshall JMP or the AFD100. Everything usually is at 12:00 except I like my presence a little high. The beat thing is is price, BUT you could prob. Get away with an Epi or / with a Tube driven amp, I haven't tried my other stuff as, I really enjoy my equipment that took me so long to attain and enjoy.

Scott
from Rhode Island
July 30, 2009Music Background:
Owner of the Armory Music Studio

Vintage sound plastic parts

I put the pedal through several amps mostly fender and Rivera cause thats what I use in my studio.Bypass is extremely clean and the pedal gave that vintage SRV Hendrix Tone.Only beef is it looks built like a tank the pot pins are plastic.The level knob broke off when my 5 year old dropped it from less than two feet to the floor.Safe to say not road worthy.

jim salt
from atlanta, ga
July 29, 2011Music Background:
pro musician, engineer, sound man. i live music.

nothing special except high price

plastic shaft potentiometors, the foot switch is not so heavy duty, and quite frankly there is no real punch to this pedal. i have been playing for forty four years. it's not like i'm new to this. now, my white face rat - that's a killer pedal. maybe it's just my taste, but the rat blows the tube screamer away. grant you, one is a distortion pedal, the other an overdrive. i consider the tube screamer overdrive, the rat distortion. by the way, a rat 2 will do you fine. both new reissues are way too much $.

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