Ibanez TSV808 Vemuram Tube Screamer

What? Ibanez and Vemuram making a pedal together? yes! And it is a great one. The Ibanez TS808 needs no introduction; it is perhaps the most iconic overdrive pedal out there, next to the Ibanez TS9. The collaboration between Ibanez and Vemuram set the goal of creating a better, or should we say the best TS808 ever.

Based on the TS808, with some modifications

Vintage original TS808 circuit consists of 4 stages: buffer -> overdrive -> tone -> buffer. The Ibanez TSV808 on the other hand consists of only 3 stages: overdrive -> tone -> +7dB gain boost. The result is a pedal that delivers both the unmistaken mid range tone of the original Ibanez TS808, with the clarity and openness of the Vemuram Jen Ray.

Looks like an Ibanez TS808, but with a different act

The Ibanez TSV808 Vemuram Tube Screamer has 2 trim pots on its back, allowing you to shape the behaviour of your bass and saturation. When set to 50% (noon) you’re in the classic TS808 territory, from there it is a journey worth taking. Inside the pedal you will find dip switches for switching between asymmetrical and symmetrical clipping. Lots of tone options on that pedal.

Better than the original?

Some swear by the original Ibanez TS808, some won’t rest until they get an Ibanez TSV808. Both trade for more or less the same sum of money. Which one is better? Only your ears can tell.