Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808: Metal?

by Alex Braham 35 views

So, you're wondering if the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808, that creamy, vintage-sounding overdrive pedal, can actually handle the brutal demands of metal? It's a valid question! The TS808 is typically associated with blues, rock, and maybe some lighter forms of hard rock. But metal? Let's dive deep and see if this little green machine can deliver the goods for all you metalheads out there.

The Tube Screamer Legacy: More Than Just Blues

First off, let's acknowledge the iconic status of the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808. Released in the late 1970s, it quickly became a staple on countless guitarists' pedalboards. Its magic lies in its mid-hump – a subtle boost in the midrange frequencies that helps guitars cut through the mix. This characteristic is what makes it so beloved for adding warmth and sustain to blues solos and classic rock riffs. Think Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and countless others. These guitar legends have all utilized the TS808 to achieve their signature tones. The pedal's simple three-knob layout (Drive, Tone, and Level) makes it incredibly easy to dial in a usable sound, which contributes to its widespread appeal. But can this celebrated history translate into the realm of high-gain metal?

Many guitarists believe the Tube Screamer is best left to the blues dads, however, the core tonal quality of the pedal is very versatile. The slight mid-boost is great for pushing your tone to the front of the mix, while retaining the clarity needed for complex arrangements and song structures. The Drive knob allows you to dial in the perfect amount of distortion, while the Tone knob is a great tool to finely sculpt the overall tonal color.

TS808 and Metal: A Love-Hate Relationship

Okay, let's be real. The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808, on its own, probably won't get you all the way to modern metal tones. It doesn't have the sheer gain or the extreme EQ shaping that's often required for genres like death metal, djent, or even modern thrash. If you're looking for that scooped-mids, ultra-compressed sound, the TS808 by itself isn't going to cut it. However, that doesn't mean it's completely useless for metal.

The key to using a TS808 effectively in a metal context lies in understanding its strengths and how it can complement other gear. The Tube Screamer excels at: Tightening up a high-gain amp, adding sustain and clarity, boosting the midrange for better definition, and cutting through the mix. These qualities, when used strategically, can be incredibly valuable for metal guitarists.

The Secret Weapon: Stacking with High-Gain Amps

Here's where the magic happens. The real power of the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 in a metal setting is revealed when it's used in conjunction with a high-gain amplifier. Think of it as a secret weapon to enhance and refine your already distorted tone. The most common technique is to use the TS808 as a boost – meaning you set the Drive knob relatively low (often below noon), the Tone knob to taste (usually around noon as a starting point), and the Level knob significantly higher than unity gain.

What this does is tighten up the low end of your amp, making your riffs sound more focused and less muddy. It also adds sustain, making those pinch harmonics scream and your lead lines sing. The mid-boost helps your guitar cut through the mix, ensuring that your solos don't get lost in the sonic chaos. Many metal guitarists swear by this technique, using a Tube Screamer (or a similar overdrive pedal) as a crucial part of their rig. When used in this way, the TS808 can transform a good metal amp into a great metal amp.

Dialing It In: Finding the Sweet Spot

So, how do you actually dial in the TS808 for metal? Here's a breakdown:

  • Drive: Start with the Drive knob low, usually between 0 and 3 on the dial. The goal isn't to add a ton of extra distortion, but rather to tighten and focus the existing distortion from your amp.
  • Tone: The Tone knob is crucial for shaping the overall character of your sound. Experiment with different settings to find what works best with your amp and guitar. A good starting point is around noon, and then adjust to taste. If your tone is too dark, brighten it up with the Tone knob. If it's too harsh, roll it back a bit.
  • Level: The Level knob is your volume control. Set it significantly higher than unity gain (the point where the volume is the same whether the pedal is on or off). This will boost the signal going into your amp, driving it harder and adding more sustain and punch.
  • Amp Settings: Your amp settings are just as important as your pedal settings. Make sure your amp is already dialed in for a good metal tone before you engage the TS808. The pedal is meant to enhance, not replace, your amp's sound.

Beyond the TS808: Alternatives and Considerations

While the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 is a classic choice, there are other overdrive pedals that can achieve similar results in a metal context. Some popular alternatives include: Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive, Maxon OD808, and Fortin Grind. These pedals offer slightly different flavors of overdrive, so it's worth experimenting to see which one works best for you.

Another factor to consider is the type of pickups in your guitar. High-output humbuckers will generally work better with a TS808 than low-output single-coils, as they provide more signal to drive the pedal and amp. If you're using single-coils, you may need to compensate with higher gain settings on your amp or pedal.

Examples of Metal Guitarists Using Tube Screamers

Still not convinced? Many famous metal guitarists have used Tube Screamers (or similar overdrive pedals) to shape their signature sounds. Here are a few examples:

  • Kirk Hammett (Metallica): Kirk has been known to use Tube Screamers to boost his Mesa/Boogie amps, particularly during the Load/Reload era.
  • Adam Jones (Tool): Adam is famous for using a vintage Tube Screamer to achieve his complex and textured guitar tones.
  • John Petrucci (Dream Theater): John has used various overdrive pedals, including Tube Screamers, to enhance his lead playing and add sustain to his solos.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other metal guitarists who have incorporated Tube Screamers into their rigs. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your own unique sound.

The Verdict: TS808 - A Metalhead's Secret Weapon?!

So, can the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 handle metal? The answer is a resounding yes… with a caveat. On its own, it's not going to deliver the brutal, ultra-high-gain tones that are common in many metal subgenres. However, when used as a boost in front of a high-gain amp, it can be an incredibly powerful tool for tightening up your sound, adding sustain, and helping you cut through the mix. If you're a metal guitarist looking to refine your tone and take it to the next level, the TS808 is definitely worth a try. Don't let its bluesy reputation fool you – this little green machine can be a metalhead's secret weapon. Just dial it in right, and get ready to shred!