Real Tube Screamer

[TIMBO]

Hi guys, Looking to build the TS-808 and was wondering if there is a copy of the original that is actually tube driven. Thanks

[HotBluePlates]

There's really no such thing as a "tube-driven tubescreamer".

The original has a pair of anti-phase diodes and a cap in a feedback loop around an IC. Plus a tubescreamer sounds like a tubescreamer (although it's not terribly different than the sound of a tweed Champ full-up, except for the heavy compression).

My personal opinion: The TS-808 is not really any better than any good-sounding tubescreamer.

I say that having owned a TS-808, and I was disappointed that it didn't live up to the hype. Essentially, it has the same compressed overdrive sound that all these types of distortion pedals have, eq differences aside.

The Fuultone Full-Drive 2 is a great pedal that can get both the compressed tubescreamer sound, as well as an uncompressed distortion sound (so you pick attack can cut through a band). There are also good modifications out there for run-of-the-mill tubescreamers. Tubenit did one (an changed IC, maybe some other changes) to a TS-10, which sounds every bit as good as the TS-808.

Most "tube based" pedals either starve the tube (use maybe 9-18v on the triode plate), or achieve their distortion sound with a standard clipped opamp or transistor, then run the resulting sound through a tube as a sort of eq. In my opinion, those don't live up to the hype, either. I had an Ibanez TubeKing way back when they first debuted; I returned it the following day because it sounded the same as the cheap sound-tank series Tubescreamer I had at the time.

In a whole other category are pedals like the Matchless Hotbox, which are really an preamp for a Marshall, but in a pedal. Those have their own challenges, but at least they claim "tube sound" honestly.

[dpm309]

I have just completed 2 modified tubescreamers using information over at General Guitar Gadgets.  Just got done comparing it with my other stock tubescreamer and I am very pleased.  On the first one I used the Keely Mod with the fat switch and diode clipper/lifter.  These 2 switches give you 6 settings.  One of the diode settings lifts the diodes and if you turn down the gain, it acts as a great treble/mid boost.  The second one I used the "Expensive Boutique Mods" with the same switching.  Again, it has 6 settings.  The fat switch allows you to dial in a thick, creamy type overdrive/distortion, even with single coils.  These pedals were fairly easily to build with parts available at Mouser and Antique Electronics.

Dan

[TIMBO]

Thanks dpm, any chance of a schem as it would be easier for me to understand how to add the mods.Thanks

[dpm309]

TIMBO,

Here is the link to GGG Tube Screamer page with the schematics, BOM, instructions, and mods:

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/projects/17-distortion/82-its8-tube-screamer-808-replica-project

Good luck.

Dan