[CULT TS808 1980 # 1 Cloning mod] VS [FOR PLAYERS-Pilot Run]

Hello. This is Sukuta Takafumi (@sukutakafumi).
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sukutakafumi

I compared the CULT TS808 1980 #1 FOR PLAYERS-Pilot Run recently released with the normal 1980 # 1 Cloning mod. Please see the comparison video below.

What did you think?
It may be difficult to hear the difference as the change is not a big modification, but just a little improvement.

However, when I actually compared them, I could feel a considerable difference.
According to CULT, the regular Cloning mod is designed to deteriorate the sound a little to make a vintage-like sound, while the FOR PLAYERS version is not. Also the FOR PLAYERS version has been updated to produce more bass.
Certainly, when I played it, I felt like it had more low range, and I felt that the sound was clearer as a whole.
The distortion is a little different.

Somehow, FOR PLAYERS has less sustain and feels more like it’s for blues.
In terms of usage, I thought that FOR PLAYERS would be more suitable for boosting a clean amp sound, rather than using it as a distortion.
In other words, as recommended by Hosokawa from CULT, the sound is clearer, especially in the low range, when the level is turned to max with as little distortion as possible, and TONE is set at the one o’clock position.

Also, the normal Cloning mod seemed to be tuned to a setting that most guitar players like, so it had more compression.
However, FOR PLAYERS has a little less compression.

What should be noted is that it is good for expressing picking nuances. Also, because the sound is open, you can play loud.
However, I think that most people will prefer the normal Cloning mod.
Also, if you play rhythm for pop music, I think you should choose the normal Cloning mod.
On the other hand, if you play punchy blues rock, and want a unique sound, or you have your own amp, FOR PLAYERS may be an interesting choice.

However, do we need to emphasize the differences between these two units, when the usage environment is different depending on person?
You’ll need to decide according to the style you play and your environment.

By the way, pls see the video below for the FOR PLAYERS review.

It may be good to compare this with my previous article.
Last time, I posted a video for the normal Cloning mod.
Both are compared in exactly the same environment. I hope these will be helpful.

The FOR PLAYERS is a Pilot Run and it is not complete so I am looking forward to the finished product in the future.
As a TS enthusiast, I'm really looking forward to seeing what direction this will take based on users’ opinions.

Please try it out anyway.

In addition, I am looking for manufacturers and individual builders who can loan me equipment for review videos and articles. Please feel free to contact me for review videos and articles.