If you’ve spent time exploring the world of guitar pedals, you’ve probably heard of the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer, or maybe even taken part in an Ibanez TS9 vs TS808 debate.

Since its debut in 1979, this little green monster has shaped the sound of so many guitarists, from Stevie Ray Vaughan’s searing blues to modern metal’s tight, focused distortion.
There are a lot of Tube Screamers out there, but the two most popular versions of this pedal are the original TS808 and its successor, the TS9.
Both of these Tube Screamers have earned their place on pedalboards worldwide, but they each bring something slightly different to your tone. While they might look similar on the outside (except for that slightly larger footswitch on the TS9), the subtle differences between the two have been the cause of many debates among guitar players.
First things first, don’t worry. You don’t need an engineering degree to understand what makes these pedals different.
If you’re looking for your first Tube Screamer or just wondering if you should add another one to your collection, I’ll try to break down exactly what you need to know about these two pedals.
But the best thing about Tube Screamers is that you can’t really go wrong.
Both pedals have helped create some of the most iconic guitar tones in music. It’s just about finding which one matches your playing style, gear, and goals.
Table of Contents
The Quick Answer
Sometimes, you just need someone to cut through all the noise and tell you which pedal to get. I get it. After years of playing both, here’s my straight-to-the-point take on things:
Buy the TS808 if you’re chasing that warm, vintage overdrive sound that’ll sweeten your tone without dominating it. It’s perfect for blues and classic rock players, especially if you’re running bright amps or single coils. Just know you’ll pay a bit more for this smoothness.
Buy the TS9 if you need to make your guitar stand out. It’s brighter, more aggressive, and perfect for cutting through a dense mix. Plus, it’s easier on the wallet. I’ve found the TS9 most useful with darker amps or when I need my solos to really jump out.
Both pedals will give you that classic Tube Screamer sound. The differences are subtle but important.
Price and Availability
Let’s talk about what these pedals will cost you and how easy they are to find. Here are the most recent prices of the Ibanez TS9 vs TS808.
The TS9 is significantly more affordable and easier to find than the TS808. Ibanez keeps a constant supply of both pedals in production, but the TS9 has been manufactured in much larger numbers.
You can walk into almost any guitar store and find a TS9, or quickly order one online from many online retailers. At the time of writing this article, I could find many listings for both pedals.
Here are the prices at the time of writing:
New Prices
- TS9: Roughly $100
- TS808: Roughly $180
Used Market
- TS9: Typically $75-90
- TS808: Usually $140-160
The TS808’s higher price tag comes from its “original version” status and slightly more limited production numbers. This is by no means a “rare” pedal, but they’re not quite as common as the TS9.
But what about vintage models?
Original TS808s from the late ’70s and early ’80s can sell for prices well over $1,000, and vintage TS9s from the early ’80s often sell for $300-500.
However, since Ibanez still makes both pedals with very similar specs to the originals. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth hunting down vintage Tube Screamers unless you’re a collector.
The good news is that both modern versions are built to the same quality standards as the originals. The difference in price is mostly due to the TS808’s premium status rather than any significant difference in build quality or components.
As always, I would recommend you try before you buy. The TS808 can be a bit harder to track down for an in-person demo, but most major music stores will stock both.
What’s the Difference in Sound?
Do you know what I love about comparing the Ibanez TS9 vs TS808?
They’re both FANTASTIC.
But the subtle differences start to become obvious when you spend quality time playing with them.
After countless late-night jamming sessions and way too many A/B comparisons (yep, I’m that guy), I’ve noticed how each pedal brings its own flavor to your tone.
TS808 Tone
Let’s start with the TS808. This thing is smooth like butter. To me, it feels like throwing a warm blanket over my amp. The midrange has this organic quality that just feels… right. It’s a great “always on” pedal that makes you sound better without anyone really knowing why.
Here are my playing notes about the TS808:
- Smoother, more natural-sounding overdrive
- Fuller midrange with a rounder top-end
- More subtle presence in your overall tone
- Excellent at preserving your guitar’s natural voice
- Feels more compressed and forgiving when playing
TS9 Tone
The TS9, though? Well, that’s a different beast. It’s got this exciting edge to it that sings. The first time I used it, I couldn’t help but smile. Finally, I didn’t have to fight to get my solos to cut through the mix.
And here are my notes and observations about the TS9:
- Brighter and more pronounced overtones
- More aggressive midrange punch
- Slightly more gain available
- It cuts through a mix more easily
- More “in your face” character
Famous Tube Screamer Players
I always find that one of the best ways to understand the differences between pedals is to look at how some famous guitar players have used them and then relate that to my experience with their music.
Famous Players of the Ibanez TS808
The TS808 has been used in blues and rock music for decades. Take Stevie Ray Vaughan’s legendary Texas blues sound. He’d run his 808 with the drive low and level high, pushing his amps into that sweet spot where clean meets mean.
John Mayer picked up where SRV left off, using the 808’s natural voice to play his smooth and vocal guitar tones we all know and love.
Then we have Gary Moore, who managed to squeeze every last drop of sustain from his TS808. Creating some of the most passionate blues tones I’ve ever heard.
And here’s something that really excites me…
Joe Bonamassa’s pedalboard has a TS808 for his 2024/2025 tour. It just goes to show that even with all the boutique options out there today, there’s still something magical about that original green box that keeps drawing players back.
Famous Players of the Ibanez TS9
On the TS9 side of things, we’ve got some equally impressive players.
The Edge from U2 has built entire sonic landscapes around his TS9’s distinctive bright character. Just listen to any U2 record from the ’80s, and you’ll hear what I mean.
Then there’s Trey Anastasio of Phish, who took things a step further. Not happy with just one TS9, he runs two of them in series to get his soaring, sustained lead tones.
And if you need any more proof that the TS9 can really rock, look no further than Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, who uses the TS9 for its aggressive punch to drive Green Day’s high-energy rhythm work.
When to Use the TS808
The TS808 shines in situations that can allow you to make the most of its smooth, warm character. Here’s when it’s likely your best choice:
Perfect For These Styles
- Blues and classic rock where organic, tube-like warmth is essential.
- Jazz fusion, where you need a subtle breakup that responds to your touch.
- Any genre where you want your overdrive to sound “vintage” and natural.
- When you need an “always-on” pedal that enhances rather than dominates your tone.
Ideal Gear Pairings
- Bright amplifiers (like Marshalls) that could use some smoothing out.
- Single-coil pickups, especially when you want to tame their brightness.
- Pedalboards where you’re stacking multiple drives (the 808 plays well with others).
- High-headroom amps that need some help breaking up.
Playing Situations
- Studio recording where you want the most natural-sounding overdrive.
- Small venues where you can hear all the subtle nuances in your tone.
- When you’re the only guitarist and need a fuller sound.
- Practice sessions where you want an inspiring, touch-sensitive response.
You’ll Love the TS808 If…
- You’re a blues player who lives for smooth, singing sustain.
- You like to control your overdrive amount with your guitar’s volume knob.
- You’re after that elusive “vintage” vibe.
- You prefer your overdrive to be heard but not necessarily noticed.
The TS808 is all about enhancing what’s already there rather than dramatically changing your sound. It’s the choice for pedal players who want their tone to sound better but still fundamentally like “them.”
When to Use the TS9
The TS9 is your go-to when you need your guitar to make a statement. Here’s where it really shines:
Perfect For These Styles
- Rock and alternative where you need to cut through the mix.
- Modern country music where articulation is key.
- Metal as a boost for high-gain amps.
- Any style where you switch between rhythm and lead frequently.
Ideal Gear Pairings
- Darker-voiced amplifiers (like some Fenders or Blackstars).
- Humbucking pickups, especially when you want to add clarity.
- Modern high-gain amps where you need a tighter, more focused sound.
- Effects chains where you want your drive to stand out distinctly.
Playing Situations
- Shows where you need to cut through the band mix.
- Live performances with multiple guitarists.
- When you need a reliable solo boost.
- High-volume situations where clarity is crucial.
You’ll Love the TS9 If…
- You want your solos to jump out of the mix.
- You’re after a more modern, aggressive sound.
- You need a pedal that can do both subtle drive and pronounced grit.
- You like your overdrive to have a bit more bite and presence.
The TS9 is a great choice when you need to be heard. It’s for players who want their overdrive to make a clear statement and help their playing cut through, whether that’s in a dense mix or on stage with a full band.
Ibanez TS9 and TS808 Settings
Let’s look at how guitar players set up these pedals. These techniques will work with both the TS9 and the TS808, but obviously, with the subtle tonal differences we’ve already discussed.
Clean Boost/Edge of Breakup
This works best when using smaller amps with a little natural overdrive:
- Set the drive low
- Push the level up high
- Use this to push the amp for more natural distortion
Fuller Overdrive Sound
When played through larger, clean amps you can get a full overdrive sound out of a Tube Screamer. To do this:
- Set the drive to about halfway
- Tone around 9 o’clock.
- Level at about 2 o’clock
Stacking Tube Screamers
Let’s talk about one of my favorite parts of the Tube Screamer family.
Their stackability.
While one Tube Screamer can certainly get the job done, some players have discovered that magic happens when you start experimenting with multiple.
Trey Anastasio, for example. He’s famous for running two TS9s in series, creating this beautifully layered gain structure that somehow manages to stay crystal clear even when he’s pushing it to the edge. It’s like each pedal brings out the best in the other.
But there are way more examples. Here’s a great video from Wampler Pedals about stacking Tube Screamers, they don’t cover the TS9 and TS808 exactly, but the results would be very similar.
TS9 vs TS808 for Metal Guitar
Either of these pedals would work great for metal music. Spend any time around modern metal players, and you’ll notice many nowadays place a Tube Screamer (TS9 or TS808) before their high-gain amps to create this incredibly tight, focused distortion.
This has become so popular that, in some ways, it has become part of the modern metal sound.
If you’re into metal, this pedal will cover the Tube Screamer before an overdriven amp better than I can explain it.
The Final Verdict
In my eyes (or ears), here’s what it comes down to:
When you line up the TS9 vs TS808, you can quickly see they both deserve their legendary status. They’re both amazing pedals that have appeared on numerous recordings and live performances.
But the choice between them isn’t about better or worse. It’s about which flavor of AWESOME suits your needs.
You can make great music with either pedal. While the differences between them are real, they’re subtle enough that your playing style, amp choice, and pedal settings will have a bigger impact on your overall tone.
The best way to choose?
If possible, try them both through your amp and with your own guitar.
If you can’t, think about your current gear and what you want from them musically. Watch some YouTube video demos, read this article again, and choose based on the characteristics you need.
Either way, you’ll be joining a long line of guitarists who’ve found their sound with one of these green giants.
FAQs
Is the TS9 worth it?
Yes, the Ibanez TS9 is worth its $100 price tag. It’s an industry-standard overdrive pedal that is great at boosting solos, tightening high-gain amps, and adding mid-range presence to your tone. Its reliability, versatility, and widespread availability make it a great investment for any guitarist.
What guitarists use a Tube Screamer?
Many famous guitarists use a Tube Screamer. These include Stevie Ray Vaughan (TS808), The Edge from U2 (TS9), John Mayer (TS808), Trey Anastasio from Phish (dual TS9s), Gary Moore (TS808), Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day (TS9), and Joe Bonamassa (TS808). The pedal remains popular across blues, rock, and metal genres.
When did the Ibanez TS808 come out?
The Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer was first released in 1979. It was designed by Susumu Tamura for Maxon/Nisshin and sold internationally under the Ibanez brand name. The original production run lasted until 1981, when it was replaced by the TS9.
Is TS9 overdrive or distortion?
The TS9 is an overdrive pedal, not a distortion pedal. It produces a smoother, more natural type of gain that mimics an overdriven tube amp. While it can achieve higher gain sounds, its primary function is to push your amp’s natural overdrive or provide mild to moderate breakup.