November 2011 \ Features \ Green Giant: History of the Tube Screamer

Green Giant: History of the Tube Screamer

Lindsay Tucker

A historical account of guitardom’s most iconic overdrive pedal—the Ibanez Tube Screamer. Photos courtesy of Ibanez
Premier Guitar November 2011
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A Legacy of Mids
In the past decade, the Tube Screamer has continued to evolve with new editions such as the TS7 Tone-Lok, the TS808 reissue, the TS9B—the first Tube Screamer for bass—and the 2010 introduction of the Tube Screamer amp—an ultra-portable, low-wattage amp (available in head and combo versions) that incorporates a selectable Tube Screamer circuit in its preamp. So far, 15-watt head and combo models are available, although models with varying wattages are rumored to be in the works.

Despite the Tube Screamer’s many variations, Ibanez electronics merchandiser Frank Facciolo says its legendary sound is rooted in its characteristic midrange presence. Lomas agrees. “It’s still one of the best things to overdrive any tube amplifier with,” he says. “It just does magical things to tubes.”
2000-2010
Model: TS7
Series: ToneLok
Knob Configuration: Overdrive, Tone, Level
Notes: Knobs can be recessed into the pedal to avoid setting changes or knob breakage. Hot switch adds extra distortion.
Country of Origin: China		 2004-Present
Model: TS808 Reissue
Series: N/A
Knob Configuration: Overdrive, Tone, Level
Notes: Faithful reproduction of the original Ts808.
Country of Origin: Japan		 2008-Present
Model: TS808HW
Series: N/A
Knob Configuration: Overdrive, Tone, Level
Notes: Handwired version of the TS808. First TS to feature true-bypass switching. Very limited production.
Country of Origin: Japan 		2011
Model: TS9B
Series: 9 Series
Knob Configuration: Drive, Level, Bass, Treble, Mix
Notes: First Tube Screamer designed for bassists. Features
a 2-band EQ and a mix control.
Country of Origin: Japan

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Comments

 (7 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Breusera
on 04/17/2013 		Few things in life compare to this pedal on a marshall at maximum volume.
Davo
on 02/29/2012 		I have most of the pedals mentioned in this piece, and several not mentioned. The TS is one of the most useful all around pedals. I mainly use it as a boost into tube amps, but with the gain up for low volume jamming at night, or into other drive pedals to put them into "lead" mode its great. Even in an effects loop its cool.
FrankGuitarM an
on 01/09/2012 		Been playing for over 25 years and during that time if I didn't have a Tube Screamer I never could grasp the tone I needed to hear from my amp. Rather I owned a tube amp or solid state this pedal is part of playing. But things did change for Tube Screamer and if you can't spend the money for one like in the photo above then buy a TS808 reissue or TS9 reissue and have one of the top mod dogs have a go with it. Mine has the Keeley mod this time had the Analog Man once before both are just as good at it as the other.
javier
on 10/24/2011 		I have the TS7,,, and a guitar SZ320,,, with a valve amp creates a magical atmosphere for all types of music from rap to metal
Stratoblogst er
on 10/24/2011 		From my observation, the Tube Screamer's explosive success parallels the release of Eric Johnson's TONES album. His mentioning of the TS in those initial interviews put that pedal on top. Up until '86, a new TS could be purchased for $30 - $35. By '87 they were doubling in price. EJ positioned the TS pedal. Ibanez owes him an enormous sales commission!
Bordeaux9196
on 10/20/2011 		Here, here, this thing makes my MXR '78 sing like a bird. Best pedal ever!
Ibashred
on 10/18/2011 		If I had to get rid of every pedal except one, the Tube Screamer would stay put. It's the "go to pedal" for me. I've owned numerous variants through the years. Every new guitarist should be issued one with the first guitar & amp. Classic.



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