Original Tube Screamer?

[plexi50]

I have someone that is selling a supposed Original 1982 tube screamer for cheap. Problem is im not sure of the label on the back plate. The original as far as i know was all black with the silver script

The one i am looking to buy has a 1982 serial number but the label is all silver with black script

It does say Maxon on the underside of the battery cover

Any info on this before i shell out the greenbacks?

First pic is a know original:

Second pic is the one im looking to buy:

[rafe]

666 ;D

[plexi50]

Yeah thats another thing/ Dont think i want any 666 in my living space

[Dynaflow]

 Tubescreamer from Hell... :D

Regards,

Dyna

[ampgeek]

How cheap is "cheap"?

I am by no stretch of the imagination a TS afficianado.  But...I had been using an original TS10 since my wayward youth up until a year or so ago when I built the General Guitar Gadget TS8 offering.

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=22&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=45

The improvement over the TS10 totally blew me away!  I have never played an original TS8 so I can't make a direct comparison unfortunately.  But....all of the critiques, study, clip listening, etc.. I did before the build appear to have been spot on as they predicted, quite accurately, the differences between those two circuits.

So...If you have any doubts about subject procurement, consider building a GGG ITS8 if you want, what I believe to be, a good TS experience.  I have built about a half dozen of them for friends and fellow musicians and have heard zero complaints to date.

I will mention that I have done numerous chip switch experiments and always come back to the venerable JRC 4558.  I do like their "Very Expensive Boutique Mods" though.  Of course, YMMV.

Cheers,
Dave O.

[Geezer]

Everything you'd ever want to know about TubeScreamers>>>>

http://www.analogman.com/tshist.htm

Look especially ~ 1/2 way down the page @ "TS9 originals VS reissues"

[plexi50]

Thanks you ampaholics you! Man very good detailed info on building one. I think i am more interested in buying the TS808 kit and building one myself from scratch / Awesome!!!

$140.00 was the asking price of the 1982 TS9 i found locally

[ampgeek]

I can't say enough good things about building these stompbox kits.  It totally satisfies that big ole "build monkey" that is always perched on my shoulder when I can't justify building another full up amp (read:"negotiating" the entertainment budget with my lovely wife!  ;))

I have built a couple dozen pedals from GGG but haven't yet sampled those from other vendors (e.g., BYOC).  But....that will be coming soon.

If you still have the ~$140 in your budget, consider buying a couple of kits to save on shipping costs.  I suspect that one of these builds just won't be enough once you get into it!

If that is the case and you use and like delay, consider the PT80 from GGG.  It is a great sounding and flexible effect!

I have also built a couple of the BSIAB II with excellent results.  There are a lot of way cool mods that can be done to that one.

And...speaking of mods...I have found that liberal use of sockets is key if you intend on doing post build mods.  The VERY LAST thing that you will want to do is disassemble a build to tweak a component.  I use a very sharp box cutter to liberate the individual metal sockets from a MillMax multi pin assembly and simply solder them onto the board.  They work great for transistors, resistors and caps and...even wires!

The only less than stellar effect so far has been the P45 phase shifter.  Mind you...it is very clean and full sounding.  Just doesn't go as "deep" as I would have liked.  Probably should have gone with the P100.

Cheers,
Dave O.

[plexi50]

Thanks much for the new knowledge ampgeek. I spect that in the end building effect pedals from scratch is going to be as full filling as all the amplifiers i have built over the years. I feel it is time for a new direction and challenge for me.

[ampgeek]

It is totally my pleasure to share what little I know with those that have so freely shared with me!!
You will definitely enjoy a new outlet for your knowledge and skills.

Consider building a power supply if you think that your going to build a bunch of pedals.  Dealing with 9V batteries can be a total PITA.  The 4 position isolated/regulated power supply from GGG is a really nice circuit.  Very robust and as quiet as a mouse.  Using sockets, you can quickly swap out individual voltage regulators and run your pedals at various voltages.  I stuck two of them in an enclosure to make a sweet little package with 8 positions.

The biggest challenge for me is the painting and finishing.  I have been doing the laser print/water slide decal over a solid color thang and they just never seem to come out the way I think they should.

Fortunately, I have three teenage daughters who put it all into perspective for me.  "Jeesh Dad...whats the big deal...your just going to put it on the floor and step on it!"

Good luck!
Dave O.

[plexi50]

Thanks AMPGEEK for all the great info. I couldnt resist the chance to own an original 1982 TS9

I will surely be getting some of the kits from the link you have provided as well as the great info link from da Geezer....

[ampgeek]

NICE!!  It sure is hard to resist owning a little piece of history.

Thanks for sharing those gut shots.  You can easily tell a hard core builder...the first thing that they do with a "new" piece of equipment is rip it open to check out the fabrication details!!   ;)

How does it sound?

Enjoy,
Dave O.

[plexi50]

It sounds great. Been playing with it for a day and im pleased. Sure can rip your head off and the pots all manage to dial in what ever you want from clean to dirty in a good way. It's a keeper. Just say NO! to Ebay....

[plexi50]

I made the 808 mod to the TS9 and my god man what a difference. It was a little to harsh and bright before. Now this has the most awesome smooth creamy ball busting dialable distortion on the planet. All the tone controls respond much better. Just a two resistor change. 100k changed to 10k and 470 ohm changed to 100 ohm. WOWZA!

[ampgeek]

Looks like you got a real winner there Plexi!

Can I ask what your signal chain typically consists of (guitar---> any other effects ---> amp)?

Rock on!
Dave O.