Tube Screamer shootout: Maxon OD808 & OD-9 versus a vintage Ibanez TS9

Here we put new Maxon OD808 and OD-9 overdrive pedals up against an original early 1980s Maxon-built Ibanez TS9. We're using a Fender Custom Shop 1956 Heavy Relic Stratocaster and a Swart Atomic Space Tone combo, with no other effects apart from a little amp reverb to sweeten things.

[KevinDarty]

For those that haven't done their research Maxon made the original Ibanez 808 and Ibanez TS9 but have since broken ties with Ibanez so the Ibanez reissues do sound different than their Maxon counterparts even if only slightly in some cases while more significant in others. One reason for that is Maxon uses higher quality parts and sticks to the original formula (OP Amp/Chips) where's Ibanez has been known to switch it to comparative components at various iterations (hence they're earlier models sounds different and are now sought after).

[mikemarks]

I have reissue ts9, a maxon od808 and an od9 pro+, when you play them in front of you there is a very clear difference, not massive but you can hear it. Like vanilla ice cream made by different companies, same flavour but just enough difference to have a favourite.

[gunjabeans]

First of all Fantastic Video Production. To me the Old TS-9 had a worn in, lightly sloppier yet appealing overdrive and the OD9 and OD808 had a tighter sound more perfect sound but very close in tone and indiscernible in a mix most likely. It's worth noting that the new ones have the benefit of being true bypass if you are looking for tonal purity. Also, technically these are all Maxon Pedals!

[tootiegrigio]

Really the best demos on YouTube.. Thank you!

[lulumanus]

The difference doesn't amount to much. Guess I'll be satisfied with my old OD-9 which I am rediscovering.

[jessemijnnaam]

Great review! Bought the maxon od9 because of this

[BrokenKeys]

TS9 and the OD9 very similar, the TS9 is a tad darker. The OD808 sounds hairier and a smidge brighter. Regarding the brightness and darkness surely that can be adjusted by the tone control. The decisive difference would be the texture smooth vs smooth with hair on top. This means TS9 and OD9 are practically identical. If I could not have them all, and had a gritty drive on my amp, I'd prefer the the smoother 9s. For an amp with smooth overdrive I'd take the hairier 808.
By the way, the tune is very addictive to listen to. thanks for the vid.

[leftymadrid]

Hard to see much difference, I did hear a slight change in the three pedals, but I believe the 09 sounded better to me, had the 808 few months ago, but gave o a needy friend, I got the Maxon 09, sounds really nice!!!!

[bobilly]

There's a more direct, less soft sound to the OD9 which I prefer.

[jonathanvdb]

maxon made the original 808 pedal for ibanez.so pedals are the same

[staccami]

OD808 is clear winner for me. Lively sound with a character. Close to the TS10. Sorry vintage geegs 😂

[DotyString]

I guess ill get the od808 because the case is smaller and these don't sound different at all.

[THEQueeferSutherland]

Lesson learned: They all sound the same.

[daspacechoechechoz]

Ben and Gerry's TS9 and Hood OD808 generally cover it for me when I simply have to sound like SRV/bluesy rock/the straight tone of my guitar into the amp is sweet...otherwise...MONSTER WALL OF STUPID PUNCHY FUZZ and SLUDGE. PERISH IN WITH an OD9 in front of it