10 best tube screamers

Tube Screamers are popular guitar effects pedals known for their distinctive overdrive and distortion tones. They have played a significant role in shaping the sound of many iconic guitarists and have become a staple in the world of electric guitar effects. Here's what you need to know about Tube Screamers:

  1. Overdrive and Distortion: Tube Screamers fall into the category of overdrive pedals, although they can produce a range of overdriven and distorted sounds.They are often used to push tube amplifiers into natural overdrive or to add a warm and saturated character to a clean amp.

  2. Origin: The Tube Screamer was originally developed by the Japanese company Ibanez in the late 1970s. The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 is one of the most famous and sought-after models, known for its warm and creamy overdrive.

  3. Circuit Design: Tube Screamers use a specific type of clipping circuit, typically involving diodes, to shape the guitar signal. This circuit design is responsible for the pedal's characteristic midrange boost and smooth, singing sustain.

  4. Tone Control: Tube Screamers typically feature a simple control layout, including knobs for Drive (to control the amount of overdrive/distortion), Tone (to adjust the EQ), and Level (to set the pedal's output volume). The Tone control is especially important for shaping the pedal's sound.

  5. Notable Models: Besides the TS808, there are other popular Tube Screamer models like the TS9, TS10, and more. Each model may have subtle differences in circuitry and components, leading to variations in sound.

  6. Versatility: Tube Screamers are versatile pedals that can be used with various styles of music. They are commonly used in blues, rock, and even metal genres, depending on how they are dialed in and used in conjunction with other pedals.

  7. Stacking: Many guitarists use Tube Screamers in combination with other pedals to create complex and unique tones. For example, stacking a Tube Screamer before or after a distortion pedal can yield different textures and levels of gain.

  8. Boost Function: In addition to their overdrive capabilities, Tube Screamers are often used as a clean boost by setting the Drive and Level controls low and the Tone control to taste. This can be especially useful for pushing the front end of an amplifier for a solo or a louder part of a song.

  9. Collectability: Vintage Tube Screamers, especially the original TS808, have become collector's items and can command high prices in the used market due to their reputation for excellent tone.

In summary, Tube Screamers are iconic overdrive and distortion pedals known for their unique midrange character and versatility. They have been used by countless guitarists to shape their signature sound and are an essential part of the pedalboard for many players across different music genres.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best tube screamers on the market
  

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer - Classic

Ibanez

Based on 539 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Classic! This reissue of the Tube Screamer is made in the same factory as the original with the same circuitry that made the first one so famous and coveted by guitarists. Tone, drive, and level controls give you access to warm, amp-like overdrive that's touch sensitive and ready to rip. The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is a reissue that's just like the original in so many ways. Same factory, same components, same housing, same famous seasick-green paint, and the same crankin' overdrive that made the original one of the all-time classic pedals. Guitar Player called it the best. Plug it in. Crank it up. You'll hear what all the fuss is about. Tone, drive, and level controls.

  • Classic tone Tone, drive, and level controls
  • Tone, drive, and level controls give you access to warm, amp-like overdrive that's touch sensitive and ready to rip
  • The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is a reissue that's just like the original in so many ways
  • Same factory, same components, same housing, same famous seasick-green paint, and the same crankin' overdrive that made the original one of the all-time classic pedals
  • Guitar Player called it the best

User questions & answers

Question: How is it powered? i'm looking to buying this as my first pedal and i know nothing
Answer: Yes it allows easy to connect, I use it at the shower when the water makes a lot of back noise and I can talk perfect, but during calls if you want to keep a fluid conversation, I have noticed that the mic works perfect no farther than 1m (around 3ft) farther than that the other side on the call will start to experience breaks at your voice, but if you keep close everything works nice and smooth.
Question: I have an orange 35rt and wondered how this pedal would shape the tone? is the tube screamer mainly for tube amps
Answer: Yes it does.
Question: What chip is used in these new re-issues
Answer: There saved
Question: Would i sound like metallica with this
Answer: 90 watts

Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini

Ibanez

Based on 392 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Even if you have a serious guitar pedal addiction, there's a good chance you still have room on your pedalboard for the iconic Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini overdrive pedal. And with its legendary midrange growl and expressive touch sensitivity, the Tube Screamer Mini appeals to a wide range of guitarists of all styles. Complete with the classic green paint job, and three simple knobs to dial in a wide range of tones, you'll be primed for tonal excellence with the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini overdrive pedal in your guitar rig.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the case metal or plastic
Answer: Hi there, Thank for your question, the speed & cadence sensort can be connected to all kinds of APPs and devices which support Bluetooth or ANT+.
Question: Is it battery operated
Answer: No you can change it to mph in the settings
Question: can pedal be Switched on/off remotely
Answer: Unfortunately no
Question: does this have true bypass
Answer: No, the computer would be too far away from the sensor and magnet

MOSKY TUBE SCREAMER Overdrive pro Ts808 and Ts9 Tube Screamer 2 in 1 true bypass

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Specifications:

Dimensions (W/D/H): 112mm X 65mm X 38mm

Weight: 0.6 lbs. (280g)

Battery Type: I pc 9VDC battery (not included)

AC Adapter (Optional): 9VDC, Negative Tips (not included)

Color: Green (As Pictures Show)



Descriptions:

Hand-made upgraded TS9 TS808 Overdrive/Distortion Tube Screamer 2 in 1 true bypass

The TS9 TS808 Tube Screamer is made on the basis of the classic original TS9 and TS808, the most popular vintage overdrives.

We take these two models together in one shell, 2 effects in 1, perfect upgraded, using the best quality components, the original IC and the same circuit as the original one, and it's made with plug-in components only, not SMD technology (miniature surface mount components), so it is close to the original sound as they come.

Using a two-Position switch to change the effects: TS9 effect and TS808 effect, so if you want to find a Vintage overdrive effect, then this Tube Screamer is just what you want



Features:

One two-position switch: TS9 overdrive and TS808 overdrive

Drive controls

LEVEL controls

Tone controls

True bypass switch

100% analog signal path

On/Off LED indicator



Package list:

1*MOSKY TUBE SCEAMER Overdrive

  • Hand-made upgraded TS9 TS808 Overdrive/Distortion Tube Screamer 2 in 1 true bypass
  • For Musical Instrument
  • One two-position switch: TS9 overdrive and TS808 overdrive;100% analog signal path
  • High quality, Professional and Convenient to use
  • Original from Mosky

User questions & answers

Question: Ingredients list
Answer: Ingredients: Water, Aloe, Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Cannabidiol, Ethoxydigycol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Benzyl Alchohol, Polyglyceryl-10, Polyglyceryl-10 Dipalmitate, Allantoin, Benzolc Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydrate
Question: What is the shelf life of the product i don't see a expiration date
Answer: This stuff is amazing. Im in Food Service and this helps on burns. Shelf life seems fine. Doesnt dry out.
Question: Does this product contain phthalates
Answer: sorry...I do not have the tube any more. try Google.... good product..made sunburn feel much better.

Stax Guitar Tube Screamer Pedal Tube Screaming Overdrive Pedal Classic Tube Amp Odrive Pedals For Electric Guitar With Hot & Warm Modes Mini Size True Bypass …

Based on 98 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stax  Tube Screaming Overdrive Pedal 

Features:

2 models: reproduce the classical electronic overdrive with plump, warm and sweet effect. 

Enlarging the output to get the tightened electro-magnetically sound. 

Whole aluminium-alloy classic, stable and strong.

True bypass provide transparent tone.

LED indicator shows the working state.

Specifications:

Input impedance: 520 ohms.

Output impedance: 12 k ohms.

Working current: 8 mA

Power supply: 9v AC adapter.

Dimensions: 95mm (D) x 44mm (W) X 48mm (H).

Weight: 240g (with box).

Package included: 

1 x Overdrive Pedal 

1 x User's Manual

  • 【Warm Mode】: Reproduces the dynamic dynamic warm overload sound of classic tube speakers, natural, smooth and sweet sound.
  • 【Hot Mode】: has a more powerful output than the Warm Mode, a powerful Crunch sound.
  • The outstanding medium frequency makes it suitable to play the traditional blues.
  • 【Solid Quality】: Made of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • 【Easy Carry】: This overdrive pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs,powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package).

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with the power supply
Answer: It works fine on any normal power brick. I have mine connected to a Pedaltrain 1250. Also used it with a Voodoo Labs.

Besay Vintage Tube Screamer Guitar Effect Pedal Handmade Effects Portable Accessories

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

Guitar effect pedal and true bypass

Two operating modes: ts808 / TS9.

Made of durable material,anti-corrosion and wear resistance.

Full metal shell. True bypass. Excellent sounds.

A classic vintage tube screamer sound.  Rebuilding a beautiful dynamic response to classic tube amp, provides a soft, creamy overdrive sound.

Specification:

Type:Tube Screamer

Material:Metal











Included:

1x Tube Screamer



  • Guitar effect pedal and true bypass
  • Two operating modes: ts808 / TS9.
  • Made of durable material,anti-corrosion and wear resistance.
  • Full metal shell. True bypass. Excellent sounds.
  • A classic vintage tube screamer sound. Rebuilding a beautiful dynamic response to classic tube amp, provides a soft, creamy overdrive sound.

O'Brien Ultra Screamer 3 Person Towable Tube, Blue

O'Brien

Check latest price

Product description

The O’Brien Ultra Screamer provides plenty of screams and laughter while up to three riders get whipped out and bounced around to their heart’s content. The flat deck makes it comfortable to lay or kneel on, especially with the two EVA pads underneath their arms and body. The 6 handles with EVA knuckle guards allow the riders to modify their position on the tube to handle any upcoming challenges that the driver musters up. This three-rider deck tube generates tons of fun for everyone!

  • Maximum capacity – Up to 3 riders
  • Quick Connect Tow System – Effortlessly connect the tube to the rope
  • Lightning Valve – Allows for rapid inflation and deflation
  • 28 Gauge PVC constructed bladder fully covered with 840-denier nylon for maximum durability
  • 2 Soft, oversized EVA deck pads and 6 handles with EVA knuckle guards for comfort
  • Sport type: Boating

Product features

O'Brien Ultra Screamer Tube - 80" Diameter

The O’Brien Ultra Screamer provides plenty of screams and laughter while up to three riders get whipped out and bounced around to their heart’s content. The flat deck makes it comfortable to lay or kneel on, especially with the two EVA pads underneath their arms and body. The 6 handles with EVA knuckle guards allow the riders to modify their position on the tube to handle any upcoming challenges that the driver musters up. This three-rider deck tube generates tons of fun for everyone!

Lightning Valve

Our Lightning Valve is attached to the towable, so there are no parts to keep up with or lose. The wider opening inflates and deflates 57% faster than our previous valves. An interior flap prevents air from escaping, even if the cap is not in place. Inside diameter of the valve measures 30mm and there are air pump nozzle adapters available for seamless integration with most existing pumps.

Quick Connect Tow System

Hooking a towrope to a tube has never been so easy. No need for tying knots that you'll never get out. Just slide the loop at the end of the towrope up through the hole on the Quick Connect Tow System and then bring the loop over the two prongs at the end of the connector. Pull tight to cinch the towrope down on the Quick Connect Tow System and you are all set to go. It's that easy!

Pull Up Straps

Whether they choose to jump off or happen to fall in, someone always ends up swimming while tubing. It's part of the fun. Unfortunately it's not always easy to get back on the tube from the water, which is why we've implemented Pull Up Straps. These straps give you something to hold onto as you pull and kick yourself out of the water and back onto the tube. Positioned to minimize the chance of the tube flipping over on top of you as you climb back on, use the Pull Up Straps to avoid frustration and quickly get back to having fun on the tube.

Ibanez TS9DX Turbo Tube Screamer

Ibanez

Based on 100 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It's like four pedals in one! The Turbo Tube Screamer faithfully recreates the sound of the original TS 9 and comes with 3 additional mind- blowing overdrives that you can choose through the Mode control: +, Hot, and Turbo. Separate Tone, Level, and Drive controls provide full control over your tone.

  • Controls: Drive, Tone, and Level
  • Modes: Turbo, Hot, and TS9
  • Power Supply: One 9 Volt Battery or external AC adapter AC509 (sold separately)

User questions & answers

Question: Ibanez ts9dx turbo tube screamer, is it a true by pass
Answer: Before or after really doesn't matter because both are distortion and I never run two at the same time time just sounds muddy to me .. My humble opinion
Question: can it be used on a non-tube amp
Answer: It will work with bass too. I know some bass players use older models. I'm not sure if they are modified or not.
Question: Did they make this pedal true bypass
Answer: This is not a problem with your unit. By design almost all TS line have this very dim LED light, even the newest TS NuTube is like this. Annoying indeed, but we can live with it.
Question: Can someone confirms if It is made it in japan? Thanks! You can see it on backward of the pedal, on the down right corner
Answer: You basically answered your own question. The pedal is more adjustable. As for the 8 or 9 it is just a preference issue. Which pedal offers the options you want. Hope this helps.

Tube Screamer Handmade Ts9 Ts808 2 In 1 Overdrive Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Check latest price

Product description

Specification

Item name: Guitar Delay effect pedal

Input: DC 9V (Center negative)

Bypass: True bypass

Size: 92 x 42 x 52 mm

Net weight: 130g

Package includes:

1 x Delay pedal (Power adapter is not included)

Effect Pedal

  • Hand-made upgraded TS9 TS808 Overdrive/Distortion Tube Screamer 2 in 1 true bypass
  • The TS9 TS808 Tube Screamer is made on the basis of the classic original TS9 and TS808, the most popular vintage overdrives
  • We take these two models together in one shell, 2 effects in 1, perfect upgraded, using the best quality components
  • The original IC and the same circuit as the original one,and it's made with plug-in components only, not SMD technology (miniature surface mount components), so it is close to the original sound as they come
  • Using a two-Position switch to change the effects: TS9 effect and TS808 effect

Caline Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal - inspired by the classic Tube screamer pedal with the power of an added boost switch. It has a transparent and smooth tone

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

The CP-79 overdrive pedal - inspired by the classic Tube screamer pedal with the power of an added boost switch. It has a transparent and smooth tone.

It goes from a mild boost when the Gain is set lower, to a stronger, but still transparent overdrive when setting higher.

The Tone and Volume controls can further adjust your sound. The boost will produce a varied level of extra volume when required.

True Bypass design, With durable and stable aluminum alloy shell and mini size, space-saving and portable .The perfect gift for guitarists.



Power requirement:9V DC center negative

Current consumption:50mA

Product Dimensions:11.2x6.4 x3.4CM

weight:0.23KG

Package List: 1 * Effect Pedal

  • The CP-79 The classic overdrive now with an extra bonus-a boost switch,save space on your pedalboard
  • Overdrive effect pedal is inspired the tube screamer and added a clear boost making the "wolfpack" the ideal overdrive for tone shaping.
  • It goes from a mild boost when the Gain is set lower, to a stronger, but still transparent overdrive when setting higher.
  • True Bypass design, With durable and stable aluminum alloy shell and mini size, space-saving and portable .The perfect gift for guitarists.
  • DC 9V Adapter power supply.(not included)，effect pedal 6 months free replacement, any question you can contact us with Amazon message.

Ibanez Nu Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal

Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ibanez NU Tubescreamer Overdrive Pedal for Electric Guitar with Nutube Vacuum Tube and Controls for Mix, Drive, Tone and Level Equipped with a Nutube vacuum tube, the Ibanez Nu Tubescreamer is a worthy successor to one of the most-played overdrive pedals of all time. And it's even more versatile than the original, with a mix control for blending your dry tone with the overdriven sound. Thanks to its Nutube circuitry, the Nu Tubescreamer delivers impressive dynamics, excellent sensitivity, and tube-like compression when you hit it hard. And just like the original, the Ibanez Nu Tubescreamer is also an awesome clean boost for overdriving a tube amplifier that is already at the edge of breakup. Nutube technology delivers genuine tube tone Guitarists should be excited about Nutube technology — it offers the harmonic richness of tube distortion in a smaller, more power efficient package. It's a genuine vacuum tube, and that's why the Nu Tubescreamer has such an amp-like response. Explore its gain range with your picking dynamics, and enjoy the natural tube compression that takes hold when you dig into it. Mix control for sonic versatility More and more guitarists at Sweetwater are seeking out overdrive options with a mix control like the Nu Tubescreamer offers. You can balance the grind of the overdrive with the clear attack of your clean tone, which is especially useful for cutting through when playing lead. With the mix control fully counter-clockwise, you can use the Nu Tubescreamer as a pristine clean boost for pushing your amp's front end harder. Even more headroom and gain While the Ibanez Nu Tubescreamer can be powered by a 9V battery or power supply (sold separately), you can also use an 18V power supply for added headroom and gain.

  • 200-250, distortion-overdrive, financing-available, FlashFriday, free-swift-ship, guitar-pedals-effects, new-updated, PROMO1, reverbsync-offers:off, reverbsync-shipping-profile:Standard Ground Shipping Over 39.99, special-order

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