RatingsPros:Nirvana for Tube Screamer fanatics. Great sounds and variations in gain structure. Cons: Noticeable volume jump between some modes. Street: $229
jhspedals.com
| Tones:  Ease of Use: Build/Design:  Value: |
JHS made waves in 2015 with its Muffuletta, which offered five analog recreations of various Big Muff circuits in a single stomp. Their latest pedal, the Bonsai, applies this circuit consolidation strategy to the many variations of the Tube Screamer—and even some of the pedals that inspired the little green machine. JHS owner Josh Scott used favorites from his personal collection as reference for the Bonsai’s circuits and used software analysis to hone the subtle differences between versions. The sonic results—and the versatility—are impressive.
Many Fingers of the Tree
The Bonsai has nine modes—OD-1, TS808, TS9, MSL “Metal Screamer,” TS10, Exar OD-1, TS7 (+), Keeley Mod Plus, and JHS Strong Mod. For my test, I used an Ernie Ball/Music Man Axis Sport and a Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special’s clean channel. My first test was a comparison of the Bonsai’s TS9 mode to my own TS9. I set both pedals with gain at 1 o’clock, tone at noon, and volume around 10 o’clock. And here, the Bonsai was more or less spot-on. With the gain at zero it seemed like the Bonsai was slightly cleaner and a touch more transparent than my TS9—particularly when I plucked double-stop passages using my fingers to control the dynamics.
The interesting thing about the Bonsai is that it doesn’t just strictly replicate Ibanez Tube Screamers. OD-1 mode is based on Boss’ 1977 OD-1, the overdrive that inspired the Tube Screamer. Like the original OD-1, the Bonsai OD-1 mode takes the tone control out of the signal path. It’s predictably more open and brash.
While Tube Screamers are typically low-to-mid-gain affairs, the Bonsai also has some higher-gain modes. The TS7 (+) mode is the most aggressive sounding among them, which was immediately apparent as I scrolled through the modes with the gain all the way off. When I hit the TS7 (+) mode, I heard a huge spike in volume.
Even with the gain off, there’s a lot of dirt and sustain on tap. With the gain bumped to around 3 o’clock, the pedal delivered assertive classic rock tones that were more distortion than overdrive. I compared this mode to MSL, the other higher gain mode, and found the MSL to be darker, slightly lower in volume, and a tad spongier. With its softer attack, the MSL mode is a nice fit for ’80s studio leads or even fusion playing. (While they were on the high-gain train, I wish they had also created a mode based on Ibanez’s excellent SD-9).
The last mode, JHS, is based on JHS’ “strong mod,” which has more focus in the high end. With gain and tone knobs both at noon, the JHS mode seemed like the loudest of the nine. It was also among the most open sounding. Yet it retained a nice balance of creaminess for single-note lines. When I rolled down my guitar’s volume knob, the JHS mode cleaned up very nicely, allowing me to get a clean-ish sound for chords that I could readily dial up to an aggressive, vibrant lead tone.
Given all the available tones and modes, it’s tempting to think of the Bonsai as a multi-effects unit that can switch between different shades of TS tone mid-performance. That’s not really the point of the pedal, however. The streamlined analog design means there’s no foot switching between modes. The mode selector itself makes an audible “click” when you switch between voices. So it’s most practical to pick a mode that suits a given guitar, amp, or mood and run with it.
The Verdict
You could argue that every guitarist should have a Tube Screamer. But if you’ve ever wondered which variation is right for you, dread that voyage to the snarky pedal forums no more. JHS has put nine very solid-sounding versions right at your fingertips.
Watch the Review Demo:
D'Addario Guitar Strings - XL Nickel Electric Guitar Strings - 10-46 Regular Light, 5-Pack
- BESTSELLING SET – XL Nickel are our best-selling electric guitar strings, revered by players since 1974.
- VERSATILE, BRIGHT TONE – Nickel-plated steel wrap wire provides a bright, versatile electric guitar tone, great for a variety of musical genres.
- FOR THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE – Like all D’Addario electric guitar strings, XL Nickel are made with our proprietary Hex-Core, ensuring perfect intonation, consistent feel, and reliable durability.
Fender Squier 3/4-Size Kids Mini Strat Electric Guitar - Surf Green Bundle
- 3/4-size body; 22.75" scale length
- Ideal size for children ages 6 to 12 years
- Three single-coil Stratocaster pickups with five-way switching, and vintage-style hardtail Stratocaster bridge
- Bundle includes Guitar, Amplifier, Instrument Cable, Tuner, Strap, Picks, Fender Play Online Lessons, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD
Dunlop MXR Micro Chorus
- All analog circuitry with bucket brigade technology
- Rich chorus textures
- True bypass
Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst Bundle
- This guitar also features scalloped "X"-bracing, mahogany neck.
- It features a durable dark-stained maple fingerboard to give you an instrument that looks as good as it sounds.
- With its slim, easy-to-play neck and full-bodied dreadnought tone, the SA-150 is an ideal choice for all rookie strummers.
STRICH TSUNAMI Overdrive
- WARM & HOT OVERDRIVE MODES: Easily switch between warm and hot overdrive tones. Warm mode delivers rich, bluesy overdrive, while Hot mode offers more aggressive drive.
- PRECISE CONTROL: Dial in your perfect sound with VOL, GAIN, and TONE knobs for volume, distortion level, and tone
- COMPACT & PRACTICAL: Utilizes an aluminum alloy sturdy, tough, and stable casing. The compact cigar-box design saves pedalboard space and facilitates portability for performances.
Fender Professional Series Tweed Instrument Cable, Daphne Blue, 18.6ft
- 8mm outer diameter wire jacket
- 22 AWG
- 95% OFC spiral shielding
- Nickel-plated connectors
Sennheiser Professional e 609 Silver Super-Cardioid Instrument Microphone
MOOER GE100 Multi-Effects Guitar Pedal
72PCS Guitar Tool Kit
- 【Multifunctional Use】Available for changing strings, setting intonation, adjusting action or checking string height, perfect for stringed instrument cleaning, maintenance and repair.Dedicated to the most common guitar repairs and adjustments.
- 【Widely Application Area】72 Pcs tool set is a superb choice for most guitar repairs.Ideal for electric guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, Hawaiian ukuleles, and other stringed instruments for necessary measurements and adjustments.
- 【Tool Bag Included】 Assortment of necessary tools are in one bag. We not only provide a large package, we also provide each accessory with a small individual package. You can protect and store these tools well to prevent loss and mess.
LAVA ME AIR Portable Carbon Fiber Electric-Acoustic Guitar, Travel Guitar for Beginners
- htweight at 4.3 lb, thin and portable
- Capable magnetic pickup, clear sound & low feedback
- Customizable digital knobs and presets
Name: Edward Sarkis Balian
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Guitars: The Van Gogh Brothers, Vinnie and Theo
The Van Gogh Strat, aka “Vinnie,” built with a Canadian alder body and featuring a replica of the painter’s famous work.
Okay, I plead guilty to having owned over 150 electric guitars in the past 60 years. So, for kicks, with my experience by way of Fender, Gibson, Ricky, Gretsch, PRS, Guild, Teisco, and others, I decided to attempt to make my own axes from scratch. I found that this endeavor was synergistic—much like envisioning, composing, performing, and recording a song. With my long-time San Diego techie, Val Fabela, doing the assembly, I started carefully designing, engineering, and procuring all of the components.
Our winning guitar builder, Edward Sarkis Balian.
The Vincent van Gogh Stratocaster, aka “Vinnie,” was the initial project. Starting with a Canadian alder body, an artist in Italy (who wishes to remain anonymous) applied the Starry Night painting to the front, sides, and back. The heavily flamed, roasted maple neck has the typical 21 frets with a 25.5" scale, and sports yellow pearl-dot inlays. After careful consideration of my playing styles, I went with a configuration using Fender ’57/’62 Stratocaster pickups. I used an upgraded, noiseless, 5-position Switchcraft assembly for the switching circuit. Fender locking tuners, a custom-fitted bone nut, and a Kluson K2PTG 2-point whammy system and brass bridge complete the low-action setup. Overall gold hardware completes the look. Vinnie’s fighting weight is 7.1 pounds.
This is what stars look like from further in space, at least as far as this special build is concerned.
I was so happy with this Strat that I decided it needed a brother, so I started on a Tele. Logically, I named the Tele “Theo,” after Vincent van Gogh’s younger brother. Again, with a Starry Night body painted by the same artist, I coupled a Canadian alder body with a lightly roasted, flamed-maple Stratocaster neck. (Hey, if it was good enough for Jimi to experiment with a Strat neck on a Tele body, why not try it?) And, as expected, my techie Val did a brilliantjob of joining the neck to the body.
The Van Gogh Tele, aka “Theo,” built to similar specs as the Strat and also featuring a lightly roasted, flamed-maple Strat neck.
For pickups, I went with Fender’s vintage-correct ’64 Tele set. As for a harness, the super-quality Hoagland Custom 4-position switching is unique, in that it gives a 15 percent boost and a very killer tone in position 4! Fender locking tuners, a custom-cut bone nut, and a Gotoh GTC201 brass bridge completes its setup. Gold hardware complements the overall look. Strangely enough (or perhaps hereditary?), the Tele matches his Strat brother’s weight exactly, at 7.1 pounds.
It's not in a museum, the the Theo guitar is certainly a work of art.
But how do they sound? Magnificent!Throw in my trusty Keeley compressor, Fulltone OCD, and Fender or Mesa/Boogie tube amps, and the van Gogh boys both easily equal or surpass my White Penguin, White Falcon, PRS Custom 22, Lucille 345 stereo, 335, SG TV, Les Paul Standard, Esquire, or Joan Jett.
I’m hoping the real van Gogh brothers would have been proud of these two magical, musical namesakes.
For over five decades, audiences worldwide have marveled at Baxter’s inimitable and instantly recognizable guitar playing and generational songcraft. His output spans classic records as a founding member of Steely Dan and member of the Doobie Brothers in addition to hundreds of recordings with the likes of Donna Summer, Cher, Joni Mitchell, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, and many more. During 2022, he initially unveiled Speed of Heat, showcasing yet another side of his creative identity and introducing himself as a solo artist.
On the Storytellers Edition, his fascinating commentary pulls the curtain back on both the process and the message of the music. This version traces the journey to Speed of Heat and its core inspirations as shared directly by Baxter in the form of detailed anecdotes, candid stories, and insightful commentary on every track.
The 12-songalbum, co-produced by Baxter and CJ Vanston, is a riveting and rewarding musical experience that features a host of brilliantly crafted originals co-written by the guitarist and Vanston, as well as inspired versions of some of the great classics. Along the way, Baxter is joined by guest vocalists and songwriters Michael McDonald, Clint Black, Jonny Lang and Rick Livingstone. Baxter notably handled lead vocals on his rendition of Steely Dan’s “My Old School.” Other standouts include "Bad Move" co-written by Baxter, Clint Black, and CJ Vanston, and “My Place In The Sun”, sung by Michael McDonald and co-authored by McDonald, Baxter and Vanston.
As one of the most recorded guitarists of his generation, Baxter’s creative and versatile playing has been heard on some of the most iconic songs in music history, including “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton and “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer.
The stunningly diverse collection of material on Speed of Heat presents a 360-degree view of the uniquely gifted musician.
STREAM / SHARE / PURCHASE HERE.