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Actually want to have a serious discussion about them outside of TGP.
Does anyone here use them? What uses do you have for them?

I remember when I first started playing, I hung out with a dude (who introduced me to the wonderful world of DELAY, specifically ANALOG DELAY) who was in a psych band and used a Tube Screamer that was modded. When he turned it on, it was almost like 'clean gain'- thats the best way I can describe it. The guitar sounded pretty much clean, but he could make it feedback. Ever since I saw him use one like that, I've wondered about them, but never played one, and it seems like they are hit and miss for folks.

Also, there seem to be about 1927213912873129378123987 different versions of them. Honestly, if I do get one, I just plan on building it so I can screw around with the guts.

So, TLDR, anyone use one regularly? How?

i really like that kind of clean gain. it stacks w/ other more gnarly stuff very well.

I'm glad that discription made sense haha, I felt like that was the only way I could describe it haha

That's basically the reason they're so popular among the TGP-crew, and players at large. It's the 'transparent overdrive' that we make fun of.

As for the different types -- they're a lot like Muffs in the way that the circuits all sound "the same." Wattson makes one, maybe Echo D can come and share some insight?

GONNA GO LOOK AT SCHEMATICS NOW

I've always used some sort of TS type pedal in my rig. First a standard TS9, then a TS9DX, then a FDII (is it a SD-1 variation) and now a EQD Palisades (the most flexible and best sounding imo).

TS9 dirt into a clean amp sounds pretty lame when you're in the bedroom jamming. Sounds a little better with a band, but is still a bit stiff and lifeless (and fairly low gain).

I use them in three ways:
- Cut the low end flub of my Mesa Heartbreaker or Fender style amp. More or less set to unity with minimal gain. Also adds a bit of mid range stiffness/cut.
- Similar clean setting, but level set high to push a driven amp into higher gain tones. reduces flub caused by overloading the front end and/or cranking a lower watt amp up high. (metal boost/tightener)
- Lead Boost. Adds mids and gain for solos.......doesn't add much to the overall volume..........but allows you to cut through a bit more.

I like mids. alot.

I don't know that they work for everyone in every situation. I've used them with all of the rigs I've had with good results......

i used to use a maxon od-9 to "tighten up" the Rectoverb 50 i was using at the time.
i thought it made palm muting better?

as a lite OD .. the mid hump was kinda lame. and i replaced it with a kalamazoo for similar uses. but more tone options, and less mid bump.

D.o.S. wrote:... Wattson makes one, maybe Echo D can come and share some insight?

Tubescreamers, stock ones...aren't transparent at all, IMO. They're warm...even compressed and rolloff both extremes, and have a mid hump around 800Hz. Their clipping, however is transparent in the sense that it doesn't overwhelm and dominate...even alter your base tone in the way, say a Muff does...but with certain pickups and amp combinations a TS will sound muffled. Where they really shine is in spiking other pedals with scooped mids, specifically Russian Muffs. Also goosing both Fender & Marshall amps, which are, respectively mid-scooped and mid-humped...and both can sound GREAT. It's really no wonder why people hold them in such high esteem. Aside from the whole SRV & John Mayer fanboydom...

It's a very useful circuit, AFAIK the mods soften the rolloff at the extremes...as well as the mid hump, for a more dynamic and....tr....transparent clipping.

I've never played a TS but the only reason I want to try one is for the mid bump. It's usually talked about like it's a bad thing but it sounds like something I could totally use. But... I just... can't. I can't go there. too hipster atm


Also, I know what you mean about clean gain. I always relate that to bands that play telecasters too for whatever reason. meWithoutYou is a good example, I think

I use a White Light. Not a TS - but I LOVE IT. Never turn it off. I change the gain setting all the time. I love it. Can't even think about not having it on my board. Pair it with fuzz. At my jam space I have an old pre Dunlop Dist+ in case I don't bring my board with the WL on it. It rules.

Never used a Tubescreamer, but having an overdrive is really something that's worked for me.

Fucking LOL at all the "handwired reissues" I see selling for $400+ on CL. Who does this?

First strat, now Tubescreamers! What about one of these?


No, but I actually kind of liked playing the one Tubescreamer I've tried.

hahahahah I assure you it'll be a Rad-o-caster after I'm through with it.

Also, as most of you can tell, with the baby coming I'm rapidly approaching bluez lawyer grandpa status

Strats get a lot of grief around here but from the few I have played you can get a crazy amount of different tones out of them.
Never played around with a TS tho so I'm not much help there.