Tube screamer mod - TS10 - complete newbie

[Fret Wire]

HYPE HYPE and more HYPE !!!! I've run a modified TS-5 next to other TS models and run a DIY 808 next to a TS5 and TS9 (can't comment on an original 808 $$$$  :shock: ) and there really isn't that much difference.
Don't get me wrong I love my Tube Screamers - they're great overdrives - but the hype is just getting a little out of hand.
AL

Maybe I missed a post on this thread, but I didn't see anyone hyping anything. Someone asked for the 808 mods for a TS-10 and were given them, without  hype. Others said not to touch a TS-10, without hype.

The whole TS series 808, 5,7,9,10 aren't that much different sounding, sometimes more or less depending on your guitar/amp setup. Many mods do make a difference you can hear, although the original character of the pedal may be changed. Many times, a set of mods are a starting reference point, then what sounds good to your ears with your setup, is the best mod for you.

And Gus is right, many posts are recycled from older sources. As long as  they come from real experience (veteran or newcomer), they're still valid, helpful advice.

Other than the JRC4558 mojo hype, the biggest hype concerning the TS series is the pedals themselves. An overdrive with a strong midrange that achieved urban myth status because of the SRV connection. It's just a pedal that you may or may not find useful for your sound. Of course, many have profited from the mojo and hype.

[AL]

Fretwire,

You are correct - no one was hyping anything. Perhaps I jumped the gun a bit and didn't explain myself very well.   :oops: So, I'll try and clear things up.  

First, I think doing the TS mod is a good idea just for the learning experience. It's a simple mod that gets you inside a common pedal and it's easy enough to experiment with the it.

My "hype" comment was more geared towards - well, all the hype surrounding these pedals and the mods. I was attempting (obviously poorly) to point out that the mods don't make a whole lot of differences in most cases. The difference IS there it's just not substantial with most mods so someone shouldn't expect miracles. Especially considering most first time experimenters are going to do the basic chip and resistor swap.

And last, with the price of these pedals skyrocketing and I'm really not sure if you should crack into a "vintage" pedal (TS10 vintage?? :? ). There are much cheaper models out there to tear open and start performing surgery on.

I hope that clears up a few things. I certainly am not trying to discourage anyone from learning from the mods.

AL

[Fret Wire]

Al, I misunderstood your meaning. I got it now. You're right. We get exited when mods work, and make a nice improvement. When we talk about them, we know that it's not a huge change, it's understood. It's too much work to type a disclaimer after every mod. But you're right, a newcomer could take it as the holy grail of changes.

The TS is a good place to learn. As with the DS-1 or SD-1. The boards are just tight enough to give a newcomer a good challenge. I did an extensive test on a narrow range of mods on the TS-9 just to find a set of mods that make a definate useable improvement on the stock pedal. And still keep it's original character. I never understood the point of making a TS into an SD-1 or DS-1. I guess it's all part of the fun and learning, though.

I hope the TS-10 doesnt get too vintage. Then more mojo crap will start and Ibanez will have to make another overpriced reissue. lol