Which of these Screamers is best for my first one?

[Dioxic]

What's up guys? I've finally decided to buy a Tube Screamer and as a student in college it's a sizeable chunk of my check, so I'd like to make sure i get the right one. I've decided to purchase one off of TGP from a fellow member, but now the question is which one...These are the one's I'm looking at

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...ighlight=ts808

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...ighlight=ts808

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...ighlight=ts808

Would any one of these be a better choice over the other?

Thanks!

[realtyviking]

You may want to seriously consider the MXR Classic Overdrive from Guitar Center for $39 or less new. Great TS clone with the ability to switch over to a MXR ZW overdrive.

[Dioxic]

Hmm...Thanks for the tip! Thankfully I don't live too far from a GC, so I'll drop by and check it out. One of the reasons I've been gravitating toward these is because of the true bypass. I'm kind of a "tone hound," but at the same time if it'll help me save some cash it's definitely worth considering.

[guitarslinger21]

You can get a new Gearmanndude LutherDrive for $100.

It's my favorite TS-type pedal.

[realtyviking]

Originally Posted by Dioxic

Hmm...Thanks for the tip! Thankfully I don't live too far from a GC, so I'll drop by and check it out. One of the reasons I've been gravitating toward these is because of the true bypass. I'm kind of a "tone hound," but at the same time if it'll help me save some cash it's definitely worth considering.

The MXR Classic Overdrive is true bypass according to MXR. Basically, a MXR GT-OD as it comes new which is MXR's version of the TS.

[Triangle]

I'd probably get the TS9DX out of those 3.
But I agree with realtyviking about checking out the MXR ODs. Super cheap and many people around here have given them the seal of approval.

[ringemaster]

Honestly, my first tubescreamer was a TS9. That was about 9 years ago. It has never left my board. Why look around for different 'tubescreamers' when you can just get the real thing? At least try it to understand why everybody likes it, then go find a clone with the differences that make sense to what you want.

[lazer111]

A nice option is the wh green rhino. Nicest ts pedal I've tried...
It has controls to dial out the mid hump and add lows which are usually the to biggest ts complaints. True bypass via relay.

Just a suggestion tho. It's more cash than the mxr and ts9. But for the feature set, it's really a good deal. I like it more than my dx, but do have a different spin on the tone

[68bandmaster]

I'd go with a Sparkle Drive personally. It was my first (about 6 years ago) and it's been on the board ever since. I've had a few others through as well, including MXR COD, MJM Phantom, Signa Drive, etc. It's been the most tweakable TS for the tones I want.

EDIT: to add, I got mine used for $50 off CL...you should be able to find them on the Emporium around $80...and well worth that IMO.

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by Dioxic

I'm kind of a "tone hound," .

And you want a Tube Screamer??

[phishintrip007]

Originally Posted by ringemaster

Honestly, my first tubescreamer was a TS9. That was about 9 years ago. It has never left my board. Why look around for different 'tubescreamers' when you can just get the real thing? At least try it to understand why everybody likes it, then go find a clone with the differences that make sense to what you want.

This, although I will prob ship mine off to get the silver mod done by analogman. Still, the TS9 or original TS808 would be the only two I would consider. I have played several others and watched demos on even more and those are the only ones I like. Of course, this whole response is personal preference but that's my .02 anyway.

[tonejunky]

What is the main difference between the TS9 and the TS808?

[H.P. Lovecraft]

Originally Posted by tonejunky

What is the main difference between the TS9 and the TS808?

About 3 transistors and "the" chip.

[ZeroChan]

Originally Posted by H.P. Lovecraft

About 3 transistors and "the" chip.

New TS9s have 'the' chip. And I don't think they have transistors. But anyway, for a starter TS, just get the GC exclusive MXR Classic Overdrive for cheap. It's so cheap, that you wouldn't regret buying one even brand new.

[helio]

I was going to say the Analogman turbo one, cause of versatility, but it's sold.

Check out the Bad Monkey if you head to GC. I haven't used one, but lots of folks here swear by it, and it's a very cheap alternative in the Tubescreamer area.

If you really want true bypass, look around for a used Maxon OD9. I think you could find one for under $100, if memory serves.