Rat 2 Distortion, Ibanez TS-808: 2011-12

[joshbaezmusic]

Hello my peeps,
So.. I've been reading a lot about these pedals, and I'm wondering how the current models of them (2011-2012) sound?

Do the vintage ones really sound THAT much better, or are you fine with getting the ones that are out now for hundreds cheaper?

Thoughts please!

-j.

 

[alivegy]

Better is subjective. I actually prefer my Rat 2 to my whiteface reissue a lot of times. The whiteface has better build quality, more lowend, and an all around more balanced tone, but I bought my rat to be rude.

 

[john l]

If you cant try before you buy then your rolling the dice IMO, your just as likely to end up with one that leaves you flat as you are finding something special with vintage pedals. A friend of mine just shelled out for a 80s TS9 so hed have a back up and it sounds lifeless next to the one he already has. Im in the component drift camp as far as where I think the mojo is with these old pedals and thats something that cant be narrowed down to a certain year or seen in a picture. Having said that Ill add that the best 808 (and 9 for that matter) that Ive ever heard were originals.

 

[Polynitro]

the ts808RI is pretty sweet BUT Id get this instead:

 

[Veritas]

I dig the TS808 reissue for what it is...a TS808. Good pedal. I personally prefer the Keely mod over stock with this pedal. Used ones can be had for good prices.

I also agree with the above post regarding the OD808...just a fantastic pedal for less than $100 on the used market.

I haven't played a current Rat2, but my '86 rat is fabulous fabulous fabulous.

 

[john l]

Ill never miss an oportunity to plug the OD808. Closest thing Ive found to "that one" 808 I mentioned previously. I put a boat load of boutique goodies next to it including the hand wired 808.... the Maxon sent them packing.

 

[joshbaezmusic]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'll try out all these pedals sometime soon.

 

[rootbeersoup]

Yeah the OD808 is the way to go... I had one until I realized I didn't like tubescreamers. But if I liked tubescreamers, I would totally like the OD808

 

[joshbaezmusic]

So on Craigslist there's an American made '96 Big Box Rat for $80.. good deal or should I wait?

 

[john l]

To my knowledge all but one model of Rat are made here so dont let American Made fool you. Rats could be one of the most versital dirt pedals on the planet when used right. I would say that price is on the high end of fair.

 

[vintage66]

So on Craigslist there's an American made '96 Big Box Rat for $80.. good deal or should I wait?

Wait for what? It's about what they go for now. It sounds a lot different from my Rat 2 which has the same chip (90's model). I prefered the Rat 2 with my Jcm800 combo, but I don't like it with my Dsl 50. The big box is smoother, less distortion. I think I sold my big box for $75 a year ago. Bought it for $50 a few years before that. I'll probably regret selling it when they hit $200. That's the way my luck runs with pedals.

 

[amp48]

What is the current rat 2 like?

 

[alivegy]

Comparing the Rat2 to a whiteface reissue. The rat 2 has more treble and less bass and is just a bit nastier. I find the whiteface to be a more controlled distortion and has more of a low-mid woof to its tone compared to the 2.