TS-808, wise investment?

[TornadoOfSouls]

Howdy folks.

I hit up the local guitar store today and decided I want to get a tube screamer to boost my rhythm channel for solos. (CAE +3 SE/I use the lead channel for my rhythms & now a boosted rhythm for my leads)

Did I make a wise choice on the TS-808 over the TS-9?

I was able to try both on a rather bad combo tube amp and the TS-9 generally sounded a little bit darker while the TS-808 had more presence and brightness which I love in my tone.

Just wondering what the general public has to say about it.

ETA: I haven't tried it yet, I've gotta go out to where I practice so I haven't been able to give it a run with my gear yet.

[VintageToneGuy]

While I don't have a TS808 currently; I have owned about 4 and I've also owned about 4 of the TS9's. Some were modded and some were stock. I personally prefer the 808 over the 9 because it's a little warmer and woodier sounding to me and I'm thinking about picking up another stock 808 that hasn't had all the midrange modded out. Sometimes I like a nice midrangy tone.

vtg

[paraedolia]

Originally Posted by VintageToneGuy

While I don't have a TS808 currently; I have owned about 4 and I've also owned about 4 of the TS9's. Some were modded and some were stock. I personally prefer the 808 over the 9 because it's a little warmer and woodier sounding to me and I'm thinking about picking up another stock 808 that hasn't had all the midrange modded out. Sometimes I like a nice midrangy tone.

vtg

Isn't the new TS808 RI was just the same guts as a 90s TS9 but in a different box? (Genuine question, not trying to start a holy war--anyone know the scoop?)

[TornadoOfSouls]

Originally Posted by VintageToneGuy

While I don't have a TS808 currently; I have owned about 4 and I've also owned about 4 of the TS9's. Some were modded and some were stock. I personally prefer the 808 over the 9 because it's a little warmer and woodier sounding to me and I'm thinking about picking up another stock 808 that hasn't had all the midrange modded out. Sometimes I like a nice midrangy tone.

vtg

Awesome, I'm not sure if I want to modify mine especially since you say it takes out the mids. I'm overly obsessed with mids.

I might try it on my clean channel to hear that warmer woodier sound, but I was playing it over gain and I generally just noticed the brightness.

[TornadoOfSouls]

I went and popped my rig on anyway, I was too excited to hear what it sounded like.

I LOVE IT!

It adds some awesome overdrive, mids and presence to my overall tone, and will work perfectly in cutting through rhythms.

Very happy I got the TS-808.

[vintage66]

Originally Posted by paraedolia

Isn't the new TS808 RI was just the same guts as a 90s TS9 but in a different box? (Genuine question, not trying to start a holy war--anyone know the scoop?)

I don't know all the specifics, but the 808 has the correct 808 chip while the 9 doesn't, plus a couple other differences, but from what I've read, the 808 still isn't quite like the old ones-still has to be modded for that. What do I know though, I use a Maxon.

[fishlog]

Its funny but I am having the same dielema. I bought a TS-808 Then a TS-9 I am keeping the TS-9 even though the TS-808 had the sound I am looking for kind of. Reason I am keeping the TS-9 is I am having it modded by Keeley and then it will sound like the TS-808 but clear with better bass response. But the big plus is I figure to save Cash! Originally I was going to just have the TS-808 Mod done by Keeley but when I found out the Keeley Mod made them literally the same (Both Modded I am talking) The TS-9 for cheaper! it was a no brainer. Hope that made sense

[fizbin]

The TS9/808 modds are well-documented. If you can wield a soldering iron and are not afraid, go for it on a stock TS9.

Adding true bypass to a TS9 is a bit more of a hassle though than just the PCB mods.

[VintageToneGuy]

Originally Posted by TornadoOfSouls

Awesome, I'm not sure if I want to modify mine especially since you say it takes out the mids. I'm overly obsessed with mids.

I might try it on my clean channel to hear that warmer woodier sound, but I was playing it over gain and I generally just noticed the brightness.

I don't think it totally removes the mids but kinda refocuses them in some kind of unique way that sounds better. Either way, they are good pedals!
vtg

[El Jefe]

I'd bet 10 to 1 that a TS-808 and TS-9 are indistinguishable in a blind test.

[205]

Originally Posted by El Jefe

I'd bet 10 to 1 that a TS-808 and TS-9 are indistinguishable in a blind test.

gotta agree with you there.

[TornadoOfSouls]

Originally Posted by El Jefe

I'd bet 10 to 1 that a TS-808 and TS-9 are indistinguishable in a blind test.

I don't know, I have a really bad ear but I A/B tested them side by side and there is a difference between both pedals.