Board Talk | Is the Original Ibanez TS-808 still the King of Overdrive?

Check out the range here:
Ibanez Limited Edition 40th Anniversary TS808 Tube Screamer: bit.ly/3jAV5Dz
Maxon OD-808: bit.ly/2Egm2wm
RYRA "The 808" Overdrive Pedal: bit.ly/2D8aAlF
JHS The Bonsai: bit.ly/39BwXMR
King Tone Soloist: bit.ly/2CL9891
It's the age old question... Is the original Ibanez Tube Screamer 808 still the best overdrive pedal around?
Whether you like it or not Jack is going to take you through 6 amazing Tube Screamer variants, you can easily find Tube Screamer discussions on the internet - which ones better than this and that - but this video isn’t really about that.
We pulled out an original late 70s TS808 of John’s and 5 alternatives that are available in the Tube Screamer/ Overdrive camp, show you that they’re not all alike despite the obvious common thread that runs through all of these pedals. Jack also shows you that you can go ANYWHERE from an inexpensive option all the way to a boutique option and everything in between all with a huge variety of tone shaping capabilities. Whatever your budget there is TS/ Overdrive pedal that is perfect for you.
We decided to stick to a very recognisable Tube Screamer tone, using a Fender Custom Shop Strat into a quite clear Dr Z Maz 38 and find out how these modern variations stack up against the original.
Let us know in the comments below which one was your favourite!
Sadly for you the original TS808 isn't for sale, however the rest are so you better hurry to get your favourite!!
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Jack’s Instagram: @jackgriffithsmusic
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[@johnbuell8035]

03:20 TS808 05:51 40th anniversary TS808 08:28 Macon OD 808 11:50 JHS Bonsai 14:30 Ryra 808 17:28 KingTone Soloist

[@pCeLobster]

This guy is quietly the most talented and well-spoken demo man on KZbin.

[@basheideman]

Classic 'came for the drives, stayed for the playing' here. Stellar. Liked the Bonsai and Soloist best, but that's also got a lot to do with the playing, I suppose...

[@frankenstein4106]

I love my JHS Bonsai! So many variants of the TS circuit, and those choices allow for dialing in a great sound with different guitars/pickups.

[@Bognerman14]

I hear the Bonsai can sort of have a blanket over the tone type affect. Have you found that? Thanks.

[@cowieson]

@@Bognerman14 I think that's something you could say of tube screamers in general (not to be glib about it) because they have a significant mid push, but also cut lows and highs by design. It's definitely not a "purity" of sound in any way, it's very much a character overdrive. For that reason I personally really like variants which allow you to sculpt that a bit (e.g. the Soloist featured here allows you to re-add lows and highs individually) but every guitarist has their own preferences I guess!

[@cathalwhelehan]

the stand-out message I took from this video was that I have a loooong way to go before my playing is anywhere near to Jack's level - that was just a pleasure to listen to! I already have the Bonsai and couldn't be happier with it as it delivers every nuance I could hope to have in a tubescreamer just fine.

[@braydenjones603]

I have a King Tone Duelist and it's killer. I actually like the Heavy Hand Side B (Bluesbreaker derivative) slightly more the String Singer Side A, which is The Soloist. And both sides stacked omg. Best tone I've ever got with my 87 Strat and LR (Celestion Redback) DRRI. Jesse Davey is a genius for SRV Strat tones. And fantastic playing!

[@RPSartre01]

I prefer the left side too.

[@rickdixontn]

"Perfect tone" is something guitar players lust for and the average listener barely distinguishes. With that said, I'm always on the lookout for ways to improve my pedal board.

[@staccami]

This video made me swap vintage ts9 for od808 in the pedal board and yes od808 sounds bit more like ts10, but it is no brainer, the best ts style pedal I have ever heard (with my rig and guitars)

[@psofoss]

I have the duellist and I can say that is the best pedal I ever owned and played

[@colindow5947]

Bonsai and RYRA are close seconds, but the Soloist is my favourite, just so rich sounding and so much flexibility.

[@gbaren]

All sound great but original just has something special. IMO

[@teruki302293]

Original TS808 sounds great. Ruby Red TS808 also sounds awesome! Nice playing by the way.

[@1LouderSound]

I have OD’s from Maxon, Ibanez, Friedman, Fortin, Earthquaker...and my go-to for most applications is the tried and true Ibanez TS-808. If I need something a tad more aggressive, I use the Maxon OD-808. (Yes, the TS-808 and OD-808 sound/feel noticeably different.)

[@toddbest8347]

I bought a Maxom 808 original Tube screamer in 1979! The Ibanez came out in 1982...

[@zavyalov-den]

JHS Bonsai is all analog it doesn't "model" those circuits. Great video and playing!

[@michaelbreach5862]

Maxon is the original TS. The ST9 pro+ by far the best green pedal of them all- Most ended up making my Marshall lose a lot of low end, the ST9 has a bass boost that completely fills out all of the frequencies.

[@D1TemplarKnight]

I bought an Ibanez TS808HW recently. It does it all.

[@nickolasecker9596]

The soloist is the best boutique screamer; followed by the Analogman silver mod but when it comes to the non modded original style ts pedals the od808 is my favorite.

[@kungpuk5186]

I use a maxon od808. Bought it cause it cost half what an ibanez cost. Love it!

[@darrenc8776]

I like the maxon. So much i may get one.

[@_RLP]

Great upload, as always. Wouldn't mind seeing a part 2 with other options, such as the plumes and the warhorn... Cheers

[@vladzubac5360]

pair a TS808 with a compressor pedal for more juice..and you'll be amazed!!

[@erichufschmid5730]

Soloist is absolutely amazing! Love mine.

[@p6x2]

Most of the guitar virtuosi I know, own and use an original TS808, or a Maxon Tube Driver. Especially those that are very peculiar for their tone, such as Eric Johnson. I own one TS808, and that is my main "dirt" pedal as strictly blues player. But there are so many great pedals out there, that I can't really say the TS808 is the best....

[@organjoe]

Excellent demo, great playing, pleasant all around!

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

I have the soloist and have owned a lot of TS style pedals including a TS808HW. What makes me love the soloist is that not only is it a really good tube screamer, but it also sounds great as a stand alone overdrive. Most tube screamer style pedals sound strange when used as a primary overdrive and usually need to be used in front of an amp thats already cooking.

[@justinguitarcia]

for that thing, the soloist is the best imo - that said, a VERY worthy competitor is the original J rockett blue note, with fat switch. That is my personal favorite TS derivative and compares favorably to the kingtone, it also has a low mid fat control that works wonderfully. For now I have been using the soloist, purely for ergonomics on a tiny board and it also sounds very sweet

[@steveburroughs7343]

Vemuram TSV is excellent, but I have to say the JHS Bonsai really nails the different flavours.

[@steveburroughs7343]

Gosh that RYRA sounds good, I shouldn’t be surprised about that

[@bernardfoshage9901]

I just got a new Ibanez TS808 earlier this week. I previously had the Behringer TO800 (TS808 clone). It's a night and day difference. Especially when heard in person. The Behringer is great by all means, especially at it's price point. But the real deal Ibanez is in a different league. The TS808 is smoother, not as "tinny" sounding. A better overdrive curve and is built like a f*cking tank. A rival to the boss (which I love) tried and true enclosures. A bit expensive, but happy with the purchase.

[@tomthumb4325]

Excellent demo and playing you could tweak any of these boxes and find a tone you'd like this guy proves it's all in the fingers

[@heavyrelic8506]

The bridge PU with a tad more gain like on the Ryra sounds really good. Most TS sound way to „flat“ on the Bridge for a rock rhythm tone Big like 👍🏼

[@JBASH2011]

AGGHHHHHhhhhhh . Another TS shootout. I have Screamer-itis after 40 years of hearing these things nonstop (and using one myself for about 20). Great demo as always, JacK. Original sounds best in this demo., Maxon and Soloist, not bad. BITD, I always preferred my TS-10 of the original Ibanez versions. But I was rocking Les Pauls and Marshalls, not Strats and Super Reverbs.

[@JBASH2011]

@ΛCHINTYΛ Got rid of that 30 years ago, sorry.

[@topografer]

All are great. I think i prefer the maxon slightly. However, I would probably go for the kingtone because of the options and because I want a pedal from this guy he makes great work Update: I don't which I prefer actually they all sound great. Sound-wise I would be happy with everything From what I've played ts-wise, I mostly like the JAM Tubedreamer and the Mad Professor interpretation of TS (don't remember the name). Those seemed to have a more open character retaining some of the bass frequencies. As I said I would love to own the KingTone at some point, maybe the duellist version. I think that most others are the same and if you are happy with your TS then that's it. The kingTone gives that extra something

[@andredegiant3876]

I have flip-flopped on Tubescreamers. At first I bought a 2004(?) reissue after all the hype and... was pretty underwhelmed. I have come to appreciate them more as my ears have changed and I prefer prominent mids. That said, they still aren't my go-to

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Love to hear the Maxon Apex 808 vs. The Kingtone Soloist. I don't think it's been done yet?

[@JesusOtinChannel]

Great comparison and playing!

[@RPSartre01]

I have four different tube screamers, don’t really like them much. But recently bought the bonsai - much better!

[@jeshely]

This guy is a Strat riff machine.

[@holmesy321]

Jeez. The playing in the Bonsai clip is sensational! The only pedal I was less fond of here (meaning they all rocked, but this one a little less than the others) was the 40th Anniversary Ibanez... I had a TS9 a while ago and sold it in favour of more "transparent" sounds. Maybe it's time to get another. I'd lean towards the bonsai for the flexibility and because I really rate the other JHS pedals I've got/had. and I like the JHS KZbin channel... 2nd place Ryra.

[@DaDamuse]

its funny coming here after the wampler video on tube screamers. I use an EQD Plumes as my screamy scream and honestly im surprised more ppl dont use them, esp. for the price

[@davepocock3055]

can i borrow johns pedal when your finished with it? promise i will give it back lol …. Great demo Jack

[@MrGunwitch]

Great playing!

[@marmadukewinterbotham2599]

I've been playing for decades and never owned one. I'm a Strat lover and never found a boost pedal to bring out the best in them. Maybe it's time...

[@KevinDarty]

A pedal shootout like this really needs a looper pedal. Playing different riffs on different but similar pedals is no way to compare anything. All great pedals here but a looper would have made for a better comparison.

[@gregsandifer2398]

Great demo

[@GazMoz78]

Good demo. They're all great in their own way. Think I liked the Soloist the best. However it was by far the loudest demo and the ear does perceive louder as "better" ;-)

[@luckylicks3497]

Dude your playing is fantastic

[@alejandroavelinoanayarodri8583]

Ryra ❤

[@DevilsAvocado69]

There's an Ibanez ts9dx, that is a great pedal.

[@Tortugadelamuerta]

Maxon is the original but all these have their place

[@CenzoL]

I have an original TS808 .. should use it more.

[@haymez]

Soloist all day, every day, twice on Sunday.

[@heavyrelic8506]

Best playing: Bonsai Best tone: Ryra

[@user-eu3mn6ss5l]

You can get really, really down in the weeds with the TS variations. I like the Klon-type pedal better, but my fave solo patch on HX Stomp uses a TS clone into a Klon clone.

[@michaelschuerman8826]

When your doing a comparison you need to loop them with notes at bottom please thanks

[@alexisrosalesruiz7334]

Bonsai is the King.

[@jackjohn3035]

first off, this guy can play some mean guitar.. soloist then ryra then original then jhs.. that dr z amp is on point as well..

[@moustachio334]

Maxon OD808 is not equivalent to the Ibanez TS808. The Maxon OD9 is. It’s also quieter than the Ibanez. Ibanez makes their TS808 exactly as Maxon did back in the day but Maxon tweaked their OD to have a lower noise floor and better bypass sound. The Maxon OD808 was my favorite for awhile as in always on pedal but when I stopped using it like that I noticed the tone suck it has on signal when bypassed of which is fixed in the OD9.

[@moustachio334]

Autocorrect is horrifically bad

[@koonsickgreen6272]

original and reissue actually sound like different pedals. Interesting....

[@mch3621]

Ryra for me

[@znmcg]

No tsv808? That’s the best one

[@cynthiawong5638]

Ryra!

[@STRATMAN1969]

I love my ts808 . Stacked with dyna comp ,and JHS modded soulfood , is my Strats main tone .I cant believe how much I disliked the maxon ! Thought it would be my second fav, instead was my least fav.

[@steveturner6770]

I do like the Hudson Sidecar. It's like a tubescreamer on steroids.

[@RonnyBGoode]

Fulltone Fulldrive is missing.... Killer in CC mode...

[@il-koojameskim6708]

808, and RYRA. Nice

[@grimmmstudios2367]

what is the display thing you are using called? it looks like a nice thing to have on top of an amp.

[@PhaiBamboo]

King tone Soloist

[@emreemre369]

I believe Maxon is not true bypass. The one I had was not, and hence got sold.

[@MintStiles]

If you have an OD pedal, it would reside in a place that typically not requiring a buffer. So if you don't have it on, doesn't it make more sense to have a buffered bypass in that location to keep the signal strong to anything after it? TBP is good only on some cases. I think that with OD pedals (unless you are going between 5 different drives), buffered bypass or better yet, hardwire bypass is a better solution in all but a few cases.

[@emreemre369]

@@MintStiles Sorry I must have missed this. OD808 just plain effected my tone even when it is off, in a way I did not like.

[@MintStiles]

@@emreemre369 then you definitely want to dump it. I suppose you can put it in a TBP loop, but it makes no sense for a single pedal that has so many clones and alternatives.

[@jw112mail]

Maxon OD-808 is not true bypass. The OD9 is

[@darwinsaye]

No TS overdrives have ever been king for me. TC Electronics Mojomojo blows them all away at a fraction of the price. Any pedal that cuts bass and treble and doesn’t offer a bass and treble control to give you the option of returning those frequencies is a rip off.

[@MrClassicmetal]

You think the reason for the popularity of the TS is mostly the hype?

[@darwinsaye]

@@MrClassicmetal Not necessarily, but i do believe the popularity of something is not a good indicator of whether something is great or not. Look at modern pop music. By it's definition it is the most popular, but it is not the best music. TS type pedals have a their place but they are a one trick pony -- kick one on and it doesn't matter what else your playing through, your stuck with * the TS tone". That may be fine for some musicians, maybe if all you do is classic rock covers or something, but I don't want all my stuff to have one sound. Give a TS full EQ controls and you'll have a great OD pedal. I currently use a Way Huge Green Rhino, which is actually based on a TS circuit, but with the EQ controls I'm not stuck with that one mid-hump signature sound. I dial back in the bass and treble frequencies that a TS lops off, and with my Fender amps, they still have the Fender sound when I kick it on, just with more drive. Very natural sounding.