Wizard
I bought the AmpKit for my iPod / iPad to be able to experiment with simulated pedals to figure out what I liked.
Have decided I really like the Tubescreamer.
Got a quote from a local store and was surprised it wasn't in stock & would be quite expensive if ordered.
Then found there are lots of variants.
What is the forum's opinion?
Original TS or one of the mods?
TS clone? Such as the Voodoo Sparkle which Alan reviewed here:
http://articles.guitarforum.co.za/reviews/voodoo-labs-sparkle-drive-overdrive-pedal
ActionArnie
Don't personally own one currently but I researched and youtube'd a few variants. I don't claim to have heard it live but the Way Huge Green Rhino sounds tubescreamer-like and really good to my ears.
MikeM
Opinion wise, great pedal. Not much cuts like it, keeps tone tight too.
There are hundreds are variants, most do a similar kind of thing. Personally, unless you go outlandishm you're only going to hear the difference if you A/B. Not when recording/live. I think there are some cool features to be had though, bass contour etc (the TS has HUGE bass rolloff) clipping options and clean blend.
Keep an eye out for the BBE Screamer which might be on special (taking a flyer here) through GFSA. It's a really decent, usually cheap, TS clone with true bypass.
I think it'd be best to go for a basic cheap TS until you can decide on what other features are more important to you. After that, MI Audio Blue Boy (Top contender in my opinion) or Way Huge Green Rhino (also might be on special and has bass control too).
greetings
The Hardwire CM-2 overdrive is a great Tubescreamer alternative. True bypass, bass and treble controls, and vintage or modern voicing. Very versatile and suffers none of the bass loss of the original. I bought one for R400 off Gumtree and am really really pleased with it. Normally around R1500 new, I think.
Dingwall
I have an original TS9 and a newer TS9 with a Keeley Mod. To me the two pedals sound quite different so hard to choose a favourite as such. Actually I think I probably prefer the original which has a slightly more organic sound (to me). Having said all the above neither are currently on my pedalboard, I use instead a Danelecctro Transparent Overdrive which I know is not that available in SA but excellent pedal for £30!
But millions of clones and options so best is to try a few and then decide as you will sometimes be surprised by the outcome. Finally, however, there is still something very cool about the ugly little green boxes and maybe every guitarist should own at least one in their lifetime....
greetings
I want a Dano Transparent OD... Wish the distributor was still here.
Jack-Flash-Jr
Go for Ibby TS-9... about R800 to 900 I paid at MM, then had it modded through Matt... lovely sound. And yes, I HAD A BLUE LED INSTALLED, so friggin' sue me... the original red was all but invisible.
Nicholas-L
Frodo why don't you try takealot.com imports side? I bought my Dano FAB OD through them for really cheap.
joealien22
Terrys in Cape Town also stock Joyo Vintage Overdrive pedals which have the same JRC4558D chip as the original TS-808's.
And they come at a very reasonable price.
Here's a comparison with the TS-9
=
greetings
Nicholas L wrote:
Frodo why don't you try takealot.com imports side? I bought my Dano FAB OD through them for really cheap.
That's a good idea, although I can't justify anymore pedals at the moment (just bought an entire board's worth of pedals). Maybe at the end of the year. Could I ask how much the total came to?
Nicholas-L
Frodo. I paid for mine something like R235 I think ? .... and that's all incl... I tend to scroll through their site quite a lot so I keep an eye on the prices... The prices they give on their site is the amount you pay, they handle import and tax + if the pedal is over R350 then they deliver to your door. Just keep an eye on there site sometimes you get those 70% discount days on the import stuff.
Nicholas-L
Oooh yes Luc. I've been planning to go out to there and test those Joyo pedals... but on the other hand I might just try and build an OCD.... oh the choices... ? I'll take one of each please.
greetings
Nicholas L wrote:
Frodo. I paid for mine something like R235 I think ? .... and that's all incl... I tend to scroll through their site quite a lot so I keep an eye on the prices... The prices they give on their site is the amount you pay, they handle import and tax + if the pedal is over R350 then they deliver to your door. Just keep an eye on there site sometimes you get those 70% discount days on the import stuff.
R235. Wow. For a Timmy clone. I'll definitely keep an eye out...
Dingwall
Actually the whole Cool Cat range come highly rated. I am collecting them as they are so cheap, i currently have Fuzz, Vibe, Tremolo and Distortion. Also looking for a v1 Drive which is supposed to be based on an OCD if I remember correctly but it too gets good reviews and I have seen some good youtube vids.
Xotic pedals are also worth checking out, some good players use them and also some good youtube vids. I have an AC booster which I got on ebay for cheapish but quite keen on the RC Booster and BB Preamp.
Nicholas-L
Been browsing the web and quite like the Mad Professor sweet honey ?. Sounds pretty awesome to me.
Pierre-Cronje
Wizard wrote:
I bought the AmpKit for my iPod / iPad to be able to experiment with simulated pedals to figure out what I liked.
Have decided I really like the Tubescreamer.
Got a quote from a local store and was surprised it wasn't in stock & would be quite expensive if ordered.
Then found there are lots of variants.
What is the forum's opinion?
Original TS or one of the mods?
TS clone? Such as the Voodoo Sparkle which Alan reviewed here:
http://articles.guitarforum.co.za/reviews/voodoo-labs-sparkle-drive-overdrive-pedal
Try a whole lot of different pedals until you find one that gives you the sound you are happy with. Don't be fooled by the term "Tube Screamer" as very few solid state pedals (in fact I have not seen one circuit yet) simulate tube response correctly. The TS series does tend to have a pleasant sound which has a lot to do with the tone circuits. The tone circuits can also be cheaply and easily modified to change the tone response. I have seen one patent using zener diodes that simulates a tube. This circuit is used in one of the big guitar manufacturers (Can't remember the manufacturer off hand) solid state amps. I have developed a solid state circuit that gets damn close to tube emulation to address this situation and hopefully can be patented.
I can suggest, however, that if you do not require excessive amounts of overdrive/distortion try a BOSS Blues Driver. Bought one for my daughter and she is very happy with it (Subtle warm sound) as it suits her style of playing.
But if you really want a tube screamer shop around so you don't get caught by excessive pricing due to the captive market syndrome. Check out www.musiciansfriend.com as they can deliver some of their products to RSA.
AlanRatcliffe
Nicholas L wrote:
Been browsing the web and quite like the Mad Professor sweet honey ?. Sounds pretty awesome to me.
They do, don't they? NOT a TS type pedal though (I think they were made to emulate the old Supro amps Page and others liked). The Bearfoot effects Honeybee is closer to the original (very celebrated) BJFE Honeybee and IINM is a bit more affordable too. The MP version is a bit tighter sounding and is EQ'd to suit a wider range of amps.
greetings
Alan Ratcliffe wrote:
Nicholas L wrote:
Been browsing the web and quite like the Mad Professor sweet honey ?. Sounds pretty awesome to me.
They do, don't they? NOT a TS type pedal though (I think they were made to emulate the old Supro amps Page and others liked). The Bearfoot effects Honeybee is closer to the original (very celebrated) BJFE Honeybee and IINM is a bit more affordable too. The MP version is a bit tighter sounding and is EQ'd to suit a wider range of amps.
For a TS-style pedal from Mad Professor, it's the Little Green Wonder. Awesome, awesome pedal.
Also, try out the Vox Ice 9. Satch's signature overdrive. Loads of tonal options from TS sounds and more. Also includes a boost. I currently have both the Ice 9 and CM-2 set to different gain levels. Now all I need is a more transparent drive and I'm good to go.
Nicholas-L
So many awesome options :'(
I'll take one of each please ?
Dingwall
Just returned from new york with a lovepedal eternity. Its a pedal i have wanted for ages. Will give it a good tryout and hope it is as good with my set up as i have hyped up! i was able to try out some great pedals whilst i was there just a shame there are not more decimals in my current bank balance! Did also get a line 6 m5 tho!
