The sound of an original Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer

[Blue Eyed Tone]

I stumbled across an old recording I did back in 2004 using my original Tube Screamer that I bought 32 years ago.

This was my Strat played through the clean channel of a pre-SLX Fuchs ODS 100 into a 210 cab with Peavey Scorpion speakers. The pre-SLX Fuchs didn't have the best overdrive (thus the SLX update) but the clean channel was to die for.

I used my vintage, original TS-808 that I bought back in 1979 I believe (around then anyway). That was the only source of distortion into that super clean Fuchs ODS so it was a very pure representation of the pedal.

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_12839940


The one I have (I still have it) looks just like this picture of a reissue I pulled up but with a few more scuffs. I've put mine away for studio use now and take out a Keeley modified Tube Screamer for live abuse.

[Buddy Boy]

Sometimes I really miss my old one. With the OD control off, it was as if it was removed from the circuit. The sound became slightly thinner, but bloomed nicely with the Level up.
Someone referred to a "pinch off point" on/in the gain. I wonder if this can be addressed with a pot/taper change?
That pedal had a nice "chirp" on top as well.

[Dog Boy]

Yep...thats an 808.

[odd]

Sounds great.

[Blue Eyed Tone]

Thanks for the replies guys. The main reason I posted this is that there had been some folks who were bashing the Tube Screamer as a highly over-rated pedal.

I've played many clones, some of them good and some of them that weren't and it seems to me that, while there are many imitations of this pedal, there are few that can truly match whatever magic this thing has. I don't have any idea why that is, after all, they've worked hard to reissue the original but they just don't seem to sound quite the same??

So this clip was meant to vindicate the original and show that it truly is a great sounding pedal. Thanks for listening!

[Telefunky]

Count me in as well. Between me and my buddies, we've tried every single clone and derivative imaginable. One of us broke down and bought an 808 that was only four serial numbers away from SRV's, but it was NOT cheap. We've all been completely blown away with it. As crazy as it sounds, they're worth the money.

[Blue Eyed Tone]

Originally Posted by Telefunky

We've all been completely blown away with it. As crazy as it sounds, they're worth the money.

Sounds crazy to me. I'm baffled by it all -- there are some amazing Tube Screamer style pedals out there but not like the original. Thanks for commenting.