Tube screamer mod - TS10 - complete newbie

[pickngrin]

Hi - just found this forum while painstakingly combing the web looking for an explanation (and diagram) of how to modify my Ibanez TS-10 into an 808. I've found a few different instructions --
"The Technology of the TUbe Screamer" page http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/TStech/tsxfram.htm
indicates that only 2 resistors be changed, and a jumper wire added. However, Planet 11 has a clear photo (ttp://home.earthlink.net/~lens/tubescrmr/ts10mods_graphic.jpg
and identifies a bunch more changes to make.
I know nothing about building effects (would love to learn) and would like to be able to swap out a couple of components to change the effect to an 808. Can anyone please give me the lowdown on this?

Thanks!!

pickngrin

[RickL]

I think you're misreading the "Technology of the Tube Screamer" article. The way I read it, it describes in words what the second link shows as a picture. I think you can get a big chunk of the way by replacing the op amp (if necessary), changing R21 and R22 and changing the tantalum tone cap, but it won't be exactly the same as a TS808. If you want exactly the same circuit you'll have to do all the mods.

You might want to try doing each of the mods, one at a time, and listen to the sound. When you get close enough for your ears, stop. The advantage of doing it this way is that when you make a mistake (and you will, we all do) it will be way easier to track down.

Another option would be to pick up a TS-5 cheap and do the mods on it, much less work to get the exact TS-808 circuit and you'll still have your TS-10.

[bwanasonic]

The *808* mod consists of changing a few resistors and possibly the opamp. The resistor change is pretty subtle and depends on what type of amp you use. There is an overwhelming amount of hype surrounding the alleged *mojo* of these differences. It can be fun and educational to find this out yourself, so I wouldn't advise against the mods, just don't expect to be blown away by the difference.

Kerry M

[george]

yeah I'm a bit mystified by the TS-808 hype.  As a recent thread proved, SRV hisself was quite happy to use standard TS-9s and TS-10s ....

Probably better if you keep your TS-10 stock, they seem to be going up in value along with the other Ibanez 10 series pedals ...

[TheBigMan]

Tubescreamers all seem to be going up.  I've even seen the prices of TS-5s creeping up recently.

BTW I have an 808 modded TS-5, and it sounds quite a bit darker than say a TS-9 modded to 808 specs.  Just FYI if you decide to go that route.

[Chris R]

www.tonepad.com has a photoessay on how to mod the ts-9 to ts-808.  This can walk you through replacing the opamp (little black chip).

Chris

[pickngrin]

Thanks for the responses! Fortunately, my TS-10 already has the JRC4558D opamp.  Interesting to hear your comment that the differences may be much more subtle than the hype.  My motivation is partly for the education and accomplishment and a bit more so for tone. It would be great if there was a clear photo step-by-step for the TS10 conversion like there is for the TS9 on tonepad.com (great site BTW..thanks).

Also, would the tantalum tone cap be readily available at Radio Shack?

[Lonestarjohnny]

Here ya go, oops  this one is on the 9 but there is one out there on the 10 series, i'll see if I can find it.
JD   http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kazuhee/ets9mod3.htm

[Fret Wire]

http://home.earthlink.net/~lens/tubescrmr/ts10mods_graphic.jpg

The earthlink mods are correct for a TS-10. The basic 808 mod is the same. The TS has some different buffer circuitry so there are additional changes. Once you change that, you can do all the TS-9/808 mods you want.

[Lonestarjohnny]

Here it is,
JD             http://home.earthlink.net/~lens/p11-amp.htm

[pickngrin]

http://home.earthlink.net/~lens/tubescrmr/ts10mods_graphic.jpg

The earthlink mods are correct for a TS-10. The basic 808 mod is the same. The TS has some different buffer circuitry so there are additional changes. Once you change that, you can do all the TS-9/808 mods you want.

Thanks, that is the same link I had. But just to clarify, the TS10 --> 808 mods are the ones that DON'T start out with "TS-9/808"? It's a bit confusing because they are all listed on a graphic titled "T10 mods"
Thanks again

[Fret Wire]

Right..R21 (100ohm) & R22(10k) are 808 mods unique to the 808. As would be the JRC4558 IC, if your's did not have it already. The other mods labeled TS-9/808 are common circitry shared by those two models. The TS-10 had some different circuitry, and those mods change it to TS-9/808 specs. All models had tantalum caps. So the tantalum cap mod (replaced with .22uf metal film) is just that, a mod. It helps fidelity, as will replacing the two 1uf electrolytic caps marked NP with 1uf metal film.

So you have three types of mods on this page: 808 mods, common shared TS-9/808 mods, and the "high fidelity" mods. If you want an 808, do all mods on the photo, except the tantalum mod, which is optional. A little more work than modding a TS-9, but no big deal if you take your time. There's plenty more mods you can do after these.

[Gus]

You might want to leave the ts10 alone.  The TS10 I have heard with the jrc4558 are very good sounding for a TS.  Before I would mod that I  would buy a ts7 and work on it.

  IMO all the TS 7 needs is cap upgrades.

[ashbass]

Here's a TS7 photo-essay I did. TS7's are cheap on ebay right now and you essentially get two pedals for the price of one: a TS9 and a Hot TS9. This is the only one of my pedals that isn't vintage and I really don't care because it was inexpensive and sounds the same as the oldies, plus.

TS7 mods Photo-essays:
http://www.dominocs.com/ToneWorks/shop.html  (Scroll down to TS7)

Robert Keely on modding the TS7:
http://www.dominocs.com/ToneWorks/snicks/Keeley-TS7.htm

Robert Keely on modding the TS9:
http://www.dominocs.com/ToneWorks/snicks/Keeley-TS9.htm

[pickngrin]

OK thanks for all the advice. One more question about this:
I am looking at Smallbear parts website ... they don't have the
.22 mfd/35V poly film cap that is called for, but they do have
.22 mfd Capacitor, ECQ-B 50V. Would that work just as well, or does the voltage have to be 35V? thanks

[ashbass]

Higher voltage ratings are fine, but going lower than spec can maybe lead to issues.

Just go to radio shack. They have them.

[AL]

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.

From a strictly electronic view there is nothing special about the JRC op amp - it ain't that great. There are much better performing op-amps out there.

A few weeks ago the TS-7 was $40 at Musicians Friend. If I was going to mod one that would be it and I would leave the 10 alone considering the way the prices (and hype) are going up.

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

[ashbass]

I agree Al, with the tubescreamers at least :-)

That's why I'm more than happy with the modded ts7 I have along with my other 60s-80s pedals.

My other pedals have mojo (ha ha) but a mojofied TS808 is an investment anymore and not something I'd play anyway.

JRC? I agree again. My TS7 has Malaysian RC4558P chip now instead. much better in my opinion (and Robert Keeley's too!)

ashley

[Gus]

I have heard three "real" 808s there is something about them.  It is not a great difference.   The tant cap in the LP section seems to be the missing part.  The opamps recovery and the tant caps "grit" is the sound, the cap is the problem IMO.  

Changing the caps and opamp is what a person should do to make themselfs happy.  I know this sounds out there but a "real" 808 is hard to copy.  Two of the three I heard sounded great with single coils the other one was OK.  This might be something like what R.G. found out about the inductor of some whas.  Maybe a run of tants that just worked well in a TS circuit.

[Gus]

For the new people alot of things you read about people modding petals came from this web site or past Aron sites  and ampage from YEARS ago.  There was very good web dialog about design etc.  IIRC there was one builder of RMs before the R.G. PDF.