TubeScreamer (TS9/808) Question

[crawler486]

Is it true that you can get the best out it only when it used with a TubeAmp?
Does it mean its a lousy distortion without the tubeAmp?

I'm planning to build one but I dont have a Tubeamp.
Ive been reading lots of good reviews about it.

[Ge_Whiz]

It entirely depends on whether you like the sound or not. Personally, I prefer the sound of the various JFET overdrive circuits (Blue Magic, Odie, Peppermill etc. etc.). And I play through all-transistor amps. But my Fender Frontman 25R has a TS-style OD circuit and it sounds... okay.

Before you jump in, have a good listen to the sound clips at  http://www.runoffgroove.com

[bwanasonic]

It is a very useful box to have with many setups. I originally bought my *silver label* TS9 in the early-mid 80's, to use with the (tube) Fender Super Six I employed at the time, but  I also used it to good effect  direct to 4tk for ages ( usually in the company of a Dyna-Comp). It is essentially a different effect in these two scenarios, but equally useful in both. No guarantees it's the be-all-end-all for all your OD/ Distortion needs, but no excuse not to be familiar with this pedal in the first hand.

Kerry M

[danelectro]

not to say that it wont sound good w/ a SS amp, but it works especially great w/ a tube amp. This is because you can tweak the TS level to drive your tubes the right amount. Then you can add drive to mix in some of the TS's own distortion. This adds some saturation. So basically w/ a tube amp you have the flexability of mixing the TS and tube distortion. W/ the SS amp youre relying pretty much all on the TS for distortion because you cant really overdrive a SS amp like a tube amp

[Lonestarjohnny]

Most of the fender amps that have a boost circuit has a jrc 4558 chip in the distotion circuit just like the tubescreamer, a lot of other amps use this same chip, and the SuperSix fender amp is a good amp Bwanasonic,
I have 3 of them, Eat your Heart out Dick Dale,LOL !
JD :twisted:

[bwanasonic]

and the SuperSix fender amp is a good amp Bwanasonic,
I have 3 of them, Eat your Heart out Dick Dale

"Look! Up in the sky! It's Big! It's Clean! It's, It's Super Six!"

Kerry M