WHY MOD?
The original tube screamer was the TS-808 made in the late '70s to early '80s. They later came out with the TS-9 in '81 'till '85 when they were discontinued. There has always been general agreement that the TS-808 sounded better than the stock TS-9 and the difference was a couple of key components in the output section. Also Maxon (the manufacturer of original tube screamers for Ibanez) used several different chips in the original TS-9's/808's depending on availability. 1) JRC 4558D gives the most CLASSIC tube screamer sound with the sweet vocal midrange and smoother overall tone. It was used throughout the production life of original 808's/TS9's.  2) A good one - RC 4558P made in Malaysia for Texas Instruments, was used as a  replacement - some players prefer this one to the JRC. 3) Very rare - TL 4558P - another replacement but doesn't sound as good as the JRC4558D or RC4558P. 4) Is OK - TA 75558P  newer versions of this chip are the ones used in modern re-issue TS-9's and come up far short of the original JRC 4558D. 5) Sounds like poop -the dreaded JRC 2043DD (also known as the p-o-s chip). The best chip of them all is the original JRC 4558D in my opinion. Vintage original issue Malaysian made RC 4558P's are available by special request (contact me) or see my other auctions.

MY MOD!
The 808 mod I perform restores the TS-9's circuit back to the original TS-808 (which go for upwards of $500!). I use the same type of parts that were used on the original vintage TS-808's. And - NEWS FLASH!!! I just got in some of the Original Issue-Vintage "New-Old-Stock" JRC 4558D's that are impossible to find anywhere since they were taken out of production in the mid '80s!!! The manufacturing process and materials in the re-issue JRC 4558D's are not the same as the originals and don't sound the same. This is why original issue TS-9's with the original JRC 4558D typically sell for around $250+! The "Brown Option" that I perform on my modded TS-9's was created by a well known and highly respected "pedal guru" (A-Man). This mod further smooths out the effect and makes the sound a little less harsh. I use only the more expensive Carbon Composition resistors that are the choice of high-end tube amp and pro-audio builders today. I do not change the value of any capacitors because this only results in an un-wanted darkening of the tone and gets away from what the sweet Classic Tube Screamer Sound is all about. I have begged, borrowed and bought every modded TS-9 available for evaluation. I even bought several "do it yourself" kits and internet recipes. I found the A-Man TS-808 + "brown option" to be, by far, the best of them all so far. I am continually researching and experimenting with TS-9 mods but have so far been unable to find any that improve on this modded tube screamer.

This pedal sounds fantastic and delivers the classic tone of the original TS 808 for much less money. This pedal can be used as a clean boost or it can be used to add smooth silky overdrive. Used as a clean boost, the TS9/808 will fatten up your clean tone in just the right way, or add the most amazing distortion if your amp is at or near breaking up. This is how Stevie Ray Vaughan typically used it. Used for overdrive, the TS9/808 gives you overdrive that is different than a tube amp driven to saturation. It is much smoother and easier to use and sounds more pleasing to the ear. It also cleans up nicely as you roll off the volume on your guitar. This mod is much more than just 2 resistors and a chip.  It will greatly enhance the sound of a quality tube amp that is cranked up without making it sound dark or muddy.

But WAIT - There's MORE!!! included with this Tube Screamer is the Texas Instruments (reissue) RC 4558P, the (my favorite) STMicroelectronics LM833N, and the original TA 75558P op-amps for you to experiment with in the quick change socket provided. All together you get 4 op-amps with this this pedal!

Contact me for TRUE BYPASS SWITCHING & other options

Now Available -Vintage Original Issue(new old stock) JRC 4558D Dual Op-Amp!!!

I just got these wonderful little buggers in (limited supply). They are guaranteed to be authentic 1985 issue chips for a truely awesome opportunity for you to own the REAL THING!!!Re-Issue chips are NOT made with the same processes or materials that the originals were and do not sound the same!

Get'm while they last! Don't Miss This One!

DON'T buy a pedal with a re-issue chip when you can have the REAL THING!!!BRAND NEW

AUTHORIZED IBANEZ DEALER!

See what these tube screamer fans say:

"...Great TS-9 Mod, Blows TS-808 RI OUT OF THE WATER!!! ... "
"Peddle sounds AMAZING...BETTER than I expected THANKS!"
"Incredible unit....very pleased...great seller"
"Unbelievable sound - the tone I've always wanted. Thanks."
"Tube screamer mod sounds like my vintage..."

These are Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamers in "NEW IN BOX CONDITION". This Tube Screamer has been professionally modified to original TS-808 specs using the real-dealJRC 4558D op-amp and Carbon Composition resistors. In addition to the 808 mod we perform the "Brown Mod" to further smooth out the overdrive sound. This mod is much more than just 2 resistors and a chip. This mod included installation of a socket for easy solderless removal and replacement of the chip. This TS 9 was removed from box, modified, tested, and put back in the box -waiting for you. Also included is 3 additional chips for

Kicks Butt!