Wimpy Tubes Screamer

[pdf64]

I never use the normal channel with Fender amps and certainly not the #2 input, which loads down the PUs treble response. For me a good clean sound is essential...

Bear in mind that with a 'non true bypass' buffered pedal such as a TS, the lower input impedance of the #2 input won't affect the guitar signal
And that a good clean sound may involve some degree of mild overdrive / compression / clipping, especially on the attack part of the guitar signal envelope, Rather 'a good clean tone' may often just mean that there no obvious overdrive.

I think that the point I made above was worth making, as that may be how the TS in question is being assessed.

[Helmholtz]

Bear in mind that with a 'non true bypass' buffered pedal such as a TS, the lower input impedance of the #2 input won't affect the guitar signal
And that a good clean sound may involve some degree of mild overdrive / compression / clipping, especially on the attack part of the guitar signal envelope, .

Good point.
Nevertheless I see no reason to use the lower gain #2 input. Maybe because I like a little attack compression by grid conduction.
BTW, my PAF type humbuckers are not that much "louder" than my strat SCs, so I can use almost the same TS/amp settings for both. Of course amp volume gets adjusted according to band context.

From what I read, the OP seems to be familiar with a typical TS-9 sound.

[tedmich]

Isn't the solution just to add more TS9's?


I've come to the judgement that if it needs an overdrive/dist. pedal your amp is no good...fuzzes do have a place though.

[Helmholtz]

I've come to the judgement that if it needs an overdrive/dist. pedal your amp is no good...fuzzes do have a place though.

I violently disagree and guess so would (have) E:C., SRV, Gary Moore, Brian May and many more pros.

[glebert]

I have a 90's TS9 that I bought without trying it and never really liked it as a standalone. Stacked with a better distortion pedal it adds a nice boost and some added depth and harmonic content, but on it's own totally meh. I have a Boss SD-1 that I would use any day over the TS-9, alone or stacked. Not quite sure why I even keep the TS-9. The only amp the TS-9 ever sounded good with was actually a Polytone bass amp with the amp gain dimed.

edit: to be clear, I am not saying TS-9s suck. I just wonder if there is some percentage or certain eras that are not so good.

[Helmholtz]

I have a 90's TS9 that I bought without trying it and never really liked it as a standalone. Stacked with a better distortion pedal it adds a nice boost and some added depth and harmonic content, but on it's own totally meh. I have a Boss SD-1 that I would use any day over the TS-9, alone or stacked. Not quite sure why I even keep the TS-9. The only amp the TS-9 ever sounded good with was actually a Polytone bass amp with the amp gain dimed.

In addition to the already mentioned ones I played pedals like the Boss SD-1, BluesDriver, Marshall Gov'nor, Klon Centaur, Box of Rock..., you name it.
For a while I ordered numerous pedals, thoroughly tested them and returned what I didn't like within money back period.(Did the same with guitars.)

Always preferred a TS-9. I often decided for a TS-9 with a BF Fender (Pro, SR, Vibroverb) over a Marshall stack or a Mesa Boogie.
IMO, if you can't dial in a good sound with a TS-9, something is wrong elsewhere.

But of course tastes differ and I'm not into a heavy and bassy or fuzzy guitar sound.

[vintagekiki]

Forget overdrive / dist. pedals and other buzzers, the only real overdrive is natural amp overdrive (amp at 10) + PB100 Power Brake (if the sound is too loud)

[drewl]

So after trying several different FET's I still had the same problem.

Then I noticed clean signal on the 4.5v line, which was mixing with the distorted signal.

I thought I changed the 47uf cap, nope, changed the 100uf, forgot the 47uf.

Replaced it, no clean signal on 4.5v line, nice full fat tone.
DOH!