Ibanez TS 808 vs TS9: Which Overdrive Should I Choose?

Overview

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!

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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?

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I think the TS9 has a bit more mid-range boost, making it great for rock and some funk styles. It all depends on the guitar and amp combination too!

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?

As a metal player, the TS9 has become my go-to for those screaming leads. But I can see why people prefer the TS808 for smoother tones!

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Everyone seems to have their preference! I find both pedals can act as great stacking options too! Any opinions on using them together?

That’s a great idea, James! Stacking the TS808 with the TS9 can give a rich, dynamic sound. It’s like having the best of both worlds!

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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?

I’ve gone through both! The TS9 is more aggressive, but I miss the smoothness of the TS808 sometimes. Chasing tones is never easy!

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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!

Definitely! A good amp makes any pedal shine. Just make sure your guitar’s setups match well! Anyone tried pairing them with something unusual?

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.

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That’s a great point! I also like the tilt on the knobs of the TS808, which makes it easier to adjust mid-performance. Anyone else experience this?

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.

I can relate! My TS9 needed a switch replacement after just a year. Definitely something to consider for durability!

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.

I often wonder about the price difference. Is the construction quality of the TS808 really worth the extra cash, or are there other factors at play?

That’s a valid question. In my experience, the sound quality improvement in the TS808 justifies the cost for serious players.