Why Are We All Screaming?
It’s been a long time coming—a glorious shipment of Ibanez effects pedals has finally touched down at Musicmaker, and we’re revelling in the return like tone-starved desert pilgrims discovering an oasis of creamy midrange.
There are legends in the pedal world. Then there’s the Ibanez Tube Screamer—a dirt box so iconic it practically glows green in the dark. Whether you’re a blues freak, a rock machine, a metal artisan, or a pedalboard tinkerer, chances are you’ve either owned one, played one, or pined for one.
And now, like a long-lost friend who’s just walked back through the door with your favourite bottle of bourbon, the TS9, the TS808, and the bite-sized Tube Screamer Mini are all here. Let’s take a wild ride through their twisted, tone-rich history.
A Brief & Beautiful History of Ibanez Effects
Ibanez began as a Japanese brand quietly building steam in the ‘60s and ‘70s, cranking out guitars that were cheaper and often better than the American big names. But it was in the late '70s when the first Tube Screamer landed—and it was like bottled amp saturation had been uncorked for the masses.
Designed to add just the right amount of overdrive to a clean amp—or push an already-cooking tube amp into a harmonically rich, searing lead tone—the Tube Screamer became a phenomenon. And not just for tone—for feel. It didn’t squash your dynamics. It responded to your playing. Whisper or scream, it followed.
Why the Tube Screamer Became a Legend
It’s all in the mid-hump. That signature push in the mid frequencies cuts through a mix like a hot knife through butter. But it doesn’t just slice—it sings. The low end tightens up, the top end doesn’t ice-pick your ears, and your notes bloom with just the right amount of sustain and drive.
It’s the pedal that saved clean amps, defined blues-rock, and became the secret weapon of countless metal players running it in front of high-gain stacks to tighten their tone.
Famous Tube Screamer Worshippers
This isn’t marketing fluff—it’s on records.
- Stevie Ray Vaughan? Ran his TS808 like a gas pedal into a wall of snarling tone.
- John Mayer? That smooth, sustaining lead tone? Yeah, that's a Tube Screamer.
- Kirk Hammett? Uses one to tighten up Metallica’s earth-shaking riffs.
- Trey Anastasio? Built entire solo sections around its chewy, vocal drive.
- You, soon enough—once you plug in.
Meet the Pedals: The Holy Trinity of Green
1. Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
This is the green beast most people picture when they hear “Tube Screamer.” Built like a tank, sounds like a dream.
- Bright and edgy, with a slight modern twist
- Still holds that fat midrange honk
- Perfect for crunchy rhythm, fat solos, and pushing valve amps into gritty bliss
It’s reliable, recognisable, and on more pedalboards than coffee mugs in rehearsal rooms.
2. Ibanez TS808 – The OG, The Myth
A love letter to the original 1980 release, this is pure vintage Tube Screamer tone. Smooth, sweet, and soulful with just the right amount of grit.
- Warmer and rounder than the TS9
- Ideal for blues leads, jazz fusion, and worship-level tone hunting
- Creamier drive, like a tube amp crying tears of joy
This is your go-to if you want to step straight into Tone Heaven™, 1981 edition.
3. Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini – Small Box, Big Brawler
All that legendary tone, shrunk to fit your overstuffed pedalboard. The Mini is here for the modern gigging player who refuses to compromise.
- Same mid-boosted growl
- Same sensitivity and response
- Tiny footprint, massive personality
It’s green, it’s mean, and it fits between two boss pedals without starting a fight.
Ibanez Tube Screamer FAQ – Everything You Need to Know (and a Bit You Don’t)
Q: What’s the difference between the TS808 and TS9?
The TS808 is warmer, smoother, and has a slightly softer clipping character—think vintage tube amp in a velvet suit. The TS9 is a touch brighter and more aggressive, with a bit more top-end bite. Both are glorious, just different flavours of green.
Q: What’s the point of a Tube Screamer if my amp already has gain?
Great question. A Tube Screamer isn’t just an overdrive—it’s a tone-sculpting scalpel. Run it in front of a dirty amp to tighten up the bass, push the mids forward, and add harmonic richness. It’s the secret weapon of metal players and blues purists alike.
Q: Who should get the Mini version?
Anyone with a packed pedalboard or a love for compact gear. The Tube Screamer Mini delivers the same iconic tone in a pocket-sized chassis. It’s also great for beginners dipping into drive pedals for the first time.
Q: Can I use a Tube Screamer on a clean amp?
Absolutely. In fact, that’s one of the best ways to hear its voicing clearly. It’ll give your clean tone some edge, grit, and warmth—perfect for blues, funk, and fusion tones.
Q: Is this good for bass guitar?
You can, but it will cut some low-end. Some bassists love that for tight punk and grit, but for full bass preservation, you might want to pair it with a blend loop or look into bass-specific drives.
Q: Will owning a Tube Screamer make me sound like Stevie Ray Vaughan?
No. You’ll still need the fingers, the hands, the heart… and maybe a few deals with tone deities. But it’ll absolutely get you a few fiery steps closer.
Now at Musicmaker Dublin – Get Screaming
The gods of gain have smiled down, and Musicmaker is once again awash in Ibanez Tube Screamers. Whether you're chasing the holy grail of Texas blues tone, a tight metal rhythm boost, or just need that one last thing to complete your signal chain—we've got you.
Come plug in. Turn it up. Let the mids roar.
Need help choosing the right Screamer? We’ll walk you through each flavour, let you hear the difference, and set you up with your next favourite pedal.
Check out all our Ibanez Pedals HERE.
