Modifying the Ibanez Tube Screamer: Unlocking New Tones from a Classic Pedal
The Ibanez Tube Screamer is a staple in the world of guitar effects pedals, cherished for its smooth overdrive and characteristic mid-range boost. But for players who want to push its capabilities even further, the Tube Screamer can be modified to unlock a variety of new sounds and tonal options. Whether you're looking for more gain, a different EQ profile, or simply a unique sound, modifying the Tube Screamer offers endless possibilities for tone-shaping. In this blog post, we'll explore some popular Tube Screamer mods and guide you through the process of breathing new life into this iconic pedal.
Why Modify the Tube Screamer?
The Tube Screamer's classic circuit is known for its mid-range hump, smooth clipping, and relatively low gain. While this makes it a versatile pedal for blues, rock, and even metal players, some may find it lacking in certain areas. Common reasons for modifying a Tube Screamer include:
Increased gain for heavier distortion.
Enhanced bass response to make the pedal sound fuller.
Expanded tonal range by adjusting the EQ.
Improved clarity and dynamics through upgraded components.
These mods can be simple or complex, and some only require changing a few components. If you're comfortable with a soldering iron, you can tackle many of these modifications at home. Let’s look at some of the most popular mods and how they affect the pedal's sound.
1. The "808 Mod" for TS9 Users
One of the most popular mods for the TS9 Tube Screamer is converting it to TS-808 specs. The original TS-808 is known for its warm and smooth overdrive, slightly different from the TS9. The primary difference lies in a few component values that affect the pedal's tonal characteristics.
Change the Output Resistor: The TS9 uses a 470-ohm resistor, while the TS-808 uses a 100-ohm resistor. Changing this resistor will result in a more vintage, smoother tone.
Switch the Op-Amp: While both versions can use the JRC4558D op-amp, some TS9s come with a different op-amp. Swapping it out for a JRC4558D can help achieve the classic TS-808 sound.
This mod is relatively simple and can significantly improve the warmth and response of your TS9.
2. The "More Gain" Mod
If you're after a Tube Screamer with extra drive and sustain, increasing the pedal's gain range is a common mod. The Tube Screamer achieves its overdrive via a clipping diode circuit, and altering this circuit can result in a more aggressive tone.
Swap Diodes: Replacing the stock silicon diodes with other types, such as LEDs, germanium diodes, or MOSFETs, can change the clipping characteristics. LEDs will provide a louder, more open distortion, while germanium diodes create a softer, fuzzier tone.
Increase Clipping Gain: Adjust the value of the resistor in the gain circuit (R6 in many versions). Lowering the resistor value increases the overall gain, giving the pedal a more saturated overdrive.
These changes will make the Tube Screamer more suitable for heavier music styles, including hard rock and metal.
3. The Bass Response Mod
A common critique of the Tube Screamer is its lack of bass response, which can make it sound thin, particularly when used with a clean amp. Modifying the bass response can make the pedal sound fuller and more balanced.
Change the Capacitor Values: The Tube Screamer’s EQ is shaped by its capacitors, which filter the frequencies passing through the circuit. Increasing the values of specific capacitors, such as C3 and C4, can enhance the bass frequencies, making the pedal sound thicker.
Bass Boost Switch: Adding a switch to toggle between different capacitor values allows players to engage a "bass boost" mode for a more versatile pedal. This mod is popular among guitarists who want to switch between lead and rhythm tones easily.
4. True Bypass Mod
Most vintage Tube Screamers use a buffered bypass, which means the pedal’s circuit remains engaged even when the effect is turned off. While buffered bypass has its benefits, some players prefer true bypass to ensure their signal remains uncolored when the pedal is off.
Install a True Bypass Switch: This involves replacing the stock footswitch with a 3PDT (three-pole double-throw) switch, allowing for true bypass operation. With this switch, the signal bypasses the entire circuit when the pedal is off, retaining the guitar's natural tone.
5. Component Upgrades for Improved Clarity
Upgrading components such as resistors, capacitors, and the op-amp can improve the Tube Screamer’s clarity, noise floor, and overall tone.
Upgrade to Metal Film Resistors: Replacing the stock carbon film resistors with metal film resistors can reduce noise and provide a cleaner signal.
Use High-Quality Capacitors: Swapping out the stock capacitors for polypropylene or silver mica capacitors can result in better high-frequency response and more transparent sound.
Op-Amp Swaps: While the JRC4558D is often considered the "holy grail" of Tube Screamer op-amps, experimenting with others like the NE5532 or OPA2134 can yield different tonal results.
Before You Start: Tips for Modifying Your Tube Screamer
Get Familiar with the Circuit: Study the Tube Screamer circuit diagram to understand how different components affect the sound. Plenty of resources and schematic diagrams are available online.
Start with Easy Mods: If you’re new to pedal modification, begin with simple component swaps, like changing resistors or capacitors, before moving on to more complex mods.
Use a Soldering Practice Board: If you’re not experienced with soldering, it’s a good idea to practice before working on your pedal.
Test the Pedal After Each Mod: Make sure to test the pedal after each modification to see how the changes affect the sound.
Final Thoughts
Modifying the Ibanez Tube Screamer can transform this classic pedal into something truly unique, tailored to your personal playing style. Whether you're looking for a higher gain overdrive, a beefier bass response, or simply a pedal with more versatility, the Tube Screamer’s mod-friendly design makes it the perfect platform for experimentation. With just a few tweaks, you can take this legendary pedal to new heights and unlock a whole world of tonal possibilities.
So grab your soldering iron and some components, and start exploring what your Tube Screamer can really do!
