Tried a tube screamer for the first time last night.

[Rex Rocker]

Even though I prefer the Ibanez TS808 to the Maxon OD808 with my amps, I do agree the Maxon is the "default" Tube Screamer to go for when boosting high-gain amps because it sounds better with most amps because it is slightly more transparent while still being unmistakably TS-ish.

 

[skullfxr]

Even though I prefer the Ibanez TS808 to the Maxon OD808 with my amps, I do agree the Maxon is the "default" Tube Screamer to go for when boosting high-gain amps because it sounds better with most amps because it is slightly more transparent while still being unmistakably TS-ish.

My thoughts exactly. I keep one around. Sometimes it is just the 'right' tool. The farther the deviation is not always better.

 

[hammered]

There's a Cusack Screamer V2 on Reverb right now for $60 . Someone should snag that , killer TS type pedal

 

[Fiesta Red]

https://youtu.be/qh94KWxqrYs

Great short history of the screamer.....

I just watched that two days ago it's awesome they did a great job

Here's a really good read about tube screamers and what is actually inside the different models. Analog Mike says the circuit of the OD808 is actually a TS10. I have one of his modded TS-9s and a Mini Tube Screamer. I can get the Mini to sound exactly like the modded version. I've tried most of the models listed and the Mini is hands down my favorite.

You bought the right one the first time. Congratulations!

 

[fearhk213]

Start off with an OD808. To me that is the pure example. The more features you get the farther away from the original. Then see what you want different. Simple enough. As much as I like me an OD, There is just something right with an OD808.

Having said that my OD of choice goes between the BB preamp, the MI Audio Blues Pro, a Timmy, and the fulltone fd-2

When you say the 808 is that the maxon?

Yeah Maxon OD808. You can get a good baseline there and then you can see what you want different. There is magic in that circuit somehow. Buy used and smart and you won't lose a buck.

To the OP, the TS rabbit hole has no bottom. Consider yourself warned lol. Joking aside, the Maxon OD808 is a great place to start. It's super flexible with amps and will almost always work when you want something TS flavored. I also wave the Maxon OD820 flag. It dials in slightly differently because the gain knob functions as a blend and sounds a little fatter. Both are TS staples in my opinion.

 

[BrentSSL]

Start off with an OD808. To me that is the pure example. The more features you get the farther away from the original. Then see what you want different. Simple enough. As much as I like me an OD, There is just something right with an OD808.

Having said that my OD of choice goes between the BB preamp, the MI Audio Blues Pro, a Timmy, and the fulltone fd-2

When you say the 808 is that the maxon?

Yeah Maxon OD808. You can get a good baseline there and then you can see what you want different. There is magic in that circuit somehow. Buy used and smart and you won't lose a buck.

To the OP, the TS rabbit hole has no bottom. Consider yourself warned lol. Joking aside, the Maxon OD808 is a great place to start. It's super flexible with amps and will almost always work when you want something TS flavored. I also wave the Maxon OD820 flag. It dials in slightly differently because the gain knob functions as a blend and sounds a little fatter. Both are TS staples in my opinion.

Yes I figured that but I needed a new rabbit hole lol I really want to try a Mesa grid slammer too

 

[BrentSSL]

Start off with an OD808. To me that is the pure example. The more features you get the farther away from the original. Then see what you want different. Simple enough. As much as I like me an OD, There is just something right with an OD808.

Having said that my OD of choice goes between the BB preamp, the MI Audio Blues Pro, a Timmy, and the fulltone fd-2

When you say the 808 is that the maxon?

Yeah Maxon OD808. You can get a good baseline there and then you can see what you want different. There is magic in that circuit somehow. Buy used and smart and you won't lose a buck.

To the OP, the TS rabbit hole has no bottom. Consider yourself warned lol. Joking aside, the Maxon OD808 is a great place to start. It's super flexible with amps and will almost always work when you want something TS flavored. I also wave the Maxon OD820 flag. It dials in slightly differently because the gain knob functions as a blend and sounds a little fatter. Both are TS staples in my opinion.

Yes I figured that but I needed a new rabbit hole lol I really want to try a Mesa grid slammer too

 

[BrentSSL]

By the way has anyone compared the maxon od808 to the grid slammer yet on here I'm curious how those sound in contrast to each other

 

[BrentSSL]

Lol my current situation I do like the mini tube screamer the most and second is the maxon however the od808 is a bit more aggressive than I thought it would be

 

[fearhk213]

Lol my current situation I do like the mini tube screamer the most and second is the maxon however the od808 is a bit more aggressive than I thought it would be

What do you think of the Spark Booster? I dig mine. Even in mid boost mod it can sound more transparent than a TS with its controls. I wish it had a little more push as it has less output than a TS, but it’s great nonetheless.

 

[BrentSSL]

Lol my current situation I do like the mini tube screamer the most and second is the maxon however the od808 is a bit more aggressive than I thought it would be

What do you think of the Spark Booster? I dig mine. Even in mid boost mod it can sound more transparent than a TS with its controls. I wish it had a little more push as it has less output than a TS, but it’s great nonetheless.

I really like the spaek but it doesn't love my Rectoverb