Maxon Reissue Series OD808 Overdrive

Product Information

We want to give fans one last chance to see a really kickass show before we wind it up”: George Lynch on why he's retiring his long-running band, his unlikely Gibson studio favorite, and that Peavey business. As passionate guitar enthusiasts, we understand the importance of achieving the right sound and tone, so we draw on our knowledge gained from using these products in live performances, studio recordings, and rehearsals to identify the best products for our guides. In comparison, the TS-9 reissue incorporates a chip made by Toshiba that hinders the smoothness of its own tone. I have had mine for 3 years but don't use it as much as my OD820, but I still have kept it around so long because it's such a great pedal. Here’s an interactive gallery with other boutique Tube Screamer clones that remain pretty faithful to the original.

The Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is a great choice for those who're either crafting tones on a budget, or those who have limited space on their pedalboards.As with the Ibanez TS-9 reissue, Maxon needs to be applauded for taking the time to produce a finely-built unit that is obviously made to last. If you're all about the mid-bump and Tube Screamer style of overdrive, but want something that has more gain, a slightly different gain voicing or just more tweakable options, then a clone is probably the way to go. Gives great smooth overdrive on the clean channel, the guitar tone still shines through and it is true bypass when the pedal is off.

The pedal is a fantastic tool for tightening the low end of a driven amplifier and adding top-end presence without excessively coloring the tone. With volume, tone and drive knobs laid out in a fairly standard fashion aboard the heavy duty metal enclosure, this pedal feels like something which should cost a whole lot more. Although all of these pedals are fantastic for their own reasons, our number one best Tube Screamer clone pick has to be the JHS Bonsai. If having a pedal as an investment is pushing it too far, then the regular, off-the-shelf Ibanez TS808 will satiate all your Ibanez Tube Screamer needs.If you're looking for the closest thing to the original, then – ignoring Ibanez themselves – Maxon is your obvious choice. Metal and hard rock guitarists have long used 808-style pedals to tighten up their tones, and the OD808X is designed to deliver extra clarity and definition to boosted high-gain sounds. There are two germanium diodes in the clipping section of the Sidecar which deliver a slightly softer response, keeping your dynamics and feel intact rather than slamming the signal with loads of dirt early on. Maxon play off being the original makers and charge lots of money, and Ibanez are the original brand. in physical terms you're talking a couple of output resistors (forget the chip mojo, the chip has nothing to do with clipping in the circuit).

A Brad Paisley signature pedal that expands the TS808 tone in a more amp-like direction, with added Presence and 3-way EQ Shape toggles that grant more tonal flexibility. This is also the reason that the IC type used in the circuit has such a large impact on the unit’s tone. Yes, in one sense they certainly are, however I wouldn’t say that ANY Tube Screamer is truly and fully transparent – but this is not a bad thing. It should be noted that the Reissue Series OD808 uses different output resistors than the original version. Whether it was amazing value for money, impressive durability, great looks or ridiculous tone, the following pedals stood out as the very best of the bunch.The OD808X features a low-impedance buffered bypass, allowing it to drive long cable lengths or other effect units without loss of signal. Remember though, that all Tube Screamer clones will have a fairly similar tone, layout and gain structure, as they're all variations on the same theme.

Victorinox make the "original" swiss army knife and Wenger make the " Genuine" swiss army knife, but they're both swiss army knives. This version delivers a more nuanced midrange bump that doesn't get as nasal, and a slightly more pronounced low end, without losing the TS's signature punchy and tight quality. Featuring the original JRC4558 IC circuit and intuitive interface of overdrive, balance and tone, the OD-808 reissue brings all the warm overdriven power of the first generation in an updated chassis. When the knob is turned clockwise it delivers more traditional TS tones with the classic high-mid hump.

While there are even cheaper pedals in this guide for those who really want to cut costs, we feel that the Plumes offers the best compromise between tone and budget. I say “virtually”, because there are conditions inherent with comparing any pedal that is many years old with one that is a new production model.