Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer: The Original Reissue With JRC4558 Chip
The Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer is a reissue of the original 1979 Tube Screamer, featuring the legendary JRC4558 op-amp chip that defined the most coveted vintage Tube Screamer tone. At around $130-150, it delivers warmer, smoother overdrive than the TS9, capturing the exact character that Stevie Ray Vaughan and countless blues legends built their tones around. If you want the original Tube Screamer character, the TS808 is the authentic choice.
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Warm Original-Design Overdrive |
| Op-Amp | JRC4558 (original chip) |
| Controls | Drive, Tone, Level |
| Bypass | True bypass |
| Power | 9V battery or PSU |
| Footswitch | Single |
| Enclosure | Aluminum |
Tone and Sound Character
The TS808’s tone is slightly warmer and smoother than the TS9, with a creamier character that feels less compressed and more transparent. The original JRC4558 op-amp imparts subtle harmonic richness and warmth that the later TS9 chip doesn’t quite capture. High notes sing with sweetness, overdriven tones feel fat and musical, and the overall character is warm without being muddy.
The TS808 remains the Tube Screamer of choice for players seeking maximum warmth and vintage character. The tone is responsive to your playing dynamics, compressing naturally without sounding squishy. The midrange emphasis is present but slightly less aggressive than the TS9, creating a more balanced tone that works beautifully in blues, rock, and jazz contexts.
The TS808’s warmth and smoothness make it ideal for creative stacking. Two TS808s create massive, warm sustain perfect for blues leads. A TS808 into a driven amp sounds like pure magic—warm, singing, and undeniably legendary. This is the Tube Screamer tone that defined an era.
Features and Versatility
The TS808’s control layout is identical to the TS9—three knobs for Drive, Tone, and Level. The JRC4558 op-amp is the primary difference, imparting warmth and vintage character. True bypass ensures your tone remains pristine when off. The compact enclosure fits easily on any pedalboard.
The TS808 works beautifully in vintage-focused rigs, blues setups, and any context where warmth and smoothness matter. The pedal pairs wonderfully with vintage-style amps and complements fuzz and distortion pedals perfectly. The TS808 remains a favorite among serious players seeking maximum tone authenticity.
Who Should Buy the TS808
If you want the warmest, smoothest Tube Screamer tone and value original 1979 character, the TS808 is your pedal. It’s perfect for blues players, vintage-tone enthusiasts, and anyone seeking maximum warmth from a Tube Screamer. Players building vintage-focused rigs should absolutely own one. The TS808 is the original reissue—authentic, warm, and legendary.
Related Pedals & Gear
If you found this review helpful, check out these related articles:
- Ibanez TS Mini Tube Screamer: Classic Tube Screamer Tone in Mini Format
- Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer: The Overdrive That Changed Everything
- Source Audio Collider: Dual-Engine Delay and Reverb in a Single Pedal
- Boss Katana Artist Gen 3: Flagship 100W Combo With Waza Speaker and Bloom Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TS808 worth the extra cost over TS9?
If you value original character and warmth, absolutely. The TS808 is warmer and smoother. For general use, the TS9 is excellent. Choose TS808 for maximum vintage warmth.
Can I modify a TS9 to sound like TS808?
Experienced players can swap the op-amp to a JRC4558 for warmer tone. However, the TS808 reissue already has the correct chip, making it the easier choice.
Are TS808s reliable?
Yes, the TS808 is based on legendary 1979 design with proven reliability. Many original TS808s from the 1970s still gig daily, and modern reissues maintain that same quality.