I’m diving into the world of overdrive pedals and can’t decide between the Ibanez TS-808 and the TS9. Both of these have been staples in the gear of musicians for years, and I’m curious to hear from those who have tried them out. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, I’d love your input.
Sound Quality
One of the main things I’m interested in is the sound. I’ve heard the TS-808 has a warmer tone, while the TS9 is said to be brighter. How do they compare in a live setting? Do they respond differently to various guitars and amps?
Build and Features
From what I can tell, both pedals are pretty solid in terms of build quality, but are there specific features that stand out? For example:
Tone Control: Is one significantly better than the other?
Gain Levels: How do they stack up?
Pedal Size: Does the size or layout make a difference in usability?
Pricing
I’ve noticed some price differences as well, with the TS-808 generally being more expensive. Is that extra cost justified in terms of sound quality or features? For those who have owned both, would you say the TS-808 is worth the investment?
Recommendations
Finally, if anyone has some audio samples or videos comparing the two, that would be super helpful! Also, I’d love to hear which pedal suits your musical style better. Are there particular genres where one shines over the other?
Thanks in advance for your insights! Looking forward to reading your thoughts and experiences!
The main difference lies in the tonal quality. The TS808 has a smoother, warmer overdrive, while the TS9 offers a bit more grit and clarity. For genres like blues, I prefer the TS808, but for rock, the TS9 really shines!
I’ve noticed that the TS9 can cut through a mix a bit better than the TS808 due to its sharper attack. This might be something to consider depending on your band setup!
Totally agree with you, Michele! The TS808 feels more organic, perfect for warm solos. I’ve been using it for jazz and it fits beautifully. Anyone else tried it for different genres?
While the differences are subtle, they’re worth noting! For country, I love the TS808 for its warmth, but the TS9 really complements more aggressive playing styles. What’s everyone’s favorites?
I have to admit, I started with the TS9, but now I’m really digging the tone from the TS808. It’s amazing how much a pedal can change your sound. Anyone else made a switch?
Is it just me, or do both pedals sound even better when you’re playing through a cranked-up tube amp? My favorite is still the TS9 for that bright bite!
I’ve had both the TS808 and TS9, and I noticed that the TS808 feels a bit sturdier. It has a metal chassis that seems more durable long-term compared to the TS9’s plastic parts.
The footswitch on the TS9 can feel a bit flimsy compared to the TS808. I had issues with my TS9 after a few gigging sessions, but my TS808 has held up solid after years.
The unique circuit design of the TS808 gives it a warmer tone, but the outer build feels more premium too. I think that speaks to the overall quality of the product.