Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Most popular pedal of all time.
£159 at guitarguitar.co.uk | £183 at thomann.com
The Ibanez TS808 guitar pedal is an iconic and essential piece of equipment for any serious guitarist. Often referred to as the "holy grail" of overdrive pedals, the TS808 has been used by some of the most famous guitarists of all time, including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher. Its unique and versatile sound has made it the cornerstone of many pedalboards, and its build quality and reliability make it a pedal that will last a lifetime.
One of the standout features of the TS808 is its ability to drive a tube amplifier, boosting the mid frequencies and allowing the guitar to stand out more in a mix. This makes it an excellent boost for guitar solos! It has a rather unique EQ curve that works well with amps that don't have very pronounced mids, such as the AC15 or 30 by Vox, or the Fender Blues and Reverb series. It sounds great with a completely clean amplifier, adding some texture to the sound or boosting a tube amp on the edge of breakup, pushing it into a smooth overdrive.
The TS808 is very similar to the TS9, but with a bit more of a vintage feel. It has less gain and a less compressed sound, which some players may prefer. This makes it a great option for players who want a classic overdrive sound without the added compression and sustain of the TS9. It's worth keeping in mind that all Tube Screamers have a very distinctive and recognizable sound, which some players may find limiting. It is not the most versatile pedal in the world, and it may not be the best choice for players who want to retain the character of the clean guitar. It sounds especially good when used with single-coil pickups, taming the sharpness of a Strat or a Tele.
It can sound a bit muddy when used with a humbucker-equipped guitar. You will likely want to turn up the tone knob quite a bit. You also probably won't want to put it in front of a mid-heavy amp, like a Marshall or a Hiwatt.
There are a few other quirks to the TS808 that may be frustrating for players. The first is that it is an exact replica of the original 70s design, which means that it has a few idiosyncrasies that may be off-putting to some players. For example, the foot switch feels fiddly and can be difficult to engage, especially while playing live. Additionally, the power input is not a standard size, so you will need to use the included converter to power the pedal. The footswitch, at least, is part of the original look, but there was really no reason to keep the old power connector on the reissue.
In terms of build quality, the TS808 is outstanding. The pedal itself is built like a tank, with a sturdy metal casing and high-quality components. This means that it will withstand the rigours of the road and will continue to perform at its best for many years to come. It is hand-wired and made in Japan, justifying its £160 price tag.
Bottom Line
The Ibanez TS808 is an essential pedal for any guitarist looking to add some classic overdrive tones to their sound. Its iconic sound and build quality make it a great investment, despite its few quirks. Its reasonable price and hand-wired construction make it a great value, and its vintage tones and character make it a pedal that will never go out of style. Whether you go for the TS808, the more modern TS9 or any of the Tube Screamer clones, this is a pedal that every serious guitarist should have in their arsenal.