[Ibanez TS-9 1st Reissue] VS [Vintage TS-9]

Hello. This is sukuta takafumi (@sukutakafumi).
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sukutakafumi

Today, I would like to compare the Ibanez TS-9 1st Reissue and the Vintage TS-9.

First of all, pls watch the video.

○ The Ibanez TS-9 1st Reissue

The one on the right in the above image is the 1st Reissue.
Looking at the silver label on the back, there is no CE mark. This is the first TS-9 after the original Tube Screamer was discontinued in the 1990s.
The operational amplifier is equipped with a TA7558P, which is the chip that was used for the original Tube Screamer produced in the later years.
The appearance is not inferior to the original, so at first glance, it cannot be identified without looking at the back side and the base.

○ Ibanez TS-9 Original Vintage

The one on the left side in the above image is vintage. The operational amplifier is equipped with the JRC4558 with gloss.
There are gloss types and matte types, and the gloss type seems to be more popular.
(It is distinguished by the tip itself, whether it is glossy or not.)

○ Difference in sound

Regarding the difference in sound. It is difficult to hear the difference at first.
This is because there are no extreme individual differences like other pedals such as fuzz, and I think that the difference cannot be distinguished unless you are very particular about Tube Screamers and familiar with them.

○ What are the big differences?

I think the big differences are:
1. Reaction speed
2. Clarity of sound
3. Heaviness of sound

The vintage Tube Screamer responds faster than the 1st Reissue. Depending on the player, you may not notice the difference, but it is very different.
However, I think the difference can be heard only when using a guitar or amp with fast response.
So even if you connect it to the Roland / JC-120 Jazz Chorus, it is difficult to hear the difference.
Similarly, it is difficult to hear it when using a digital device.
With that in mind, it may not be necessary to stick to vintage in general.....

The clarity of the sound, this is obvious.
You can hear the difference even with the Roland / JC-120 Jazz Chorus,
or a digital device like the Helix. The vintage Tube Screamer has by far a higher resolution and the sound is clearer.
On the contrary, the 1st Reissue is milder and has a stronger compression.
It will depend on the individual which one is better, but if you consider only the performance, I think the vintage may be better.

As for the heaviness of the sound, you won’t be able to hear the difference unless you connect the guitar to an amp.
The vintage has a heavier sound and gives the impression that the sound is being pushed out from a lower position.
On the contrary, the 1st Reissue gives the impression that the sound is being pushed out from the slightly higher position.
Some people prefer the 1st Reissue, while others prefer the vintage with the heavier sound.

○ Author's comment

The Tube Screamer is a classic distortion, but I'm sure some of you may be wondering what the vintage is like.
If so, please give it a try.
If possible, I recommend combining it with a vintage tube amp and raising the volume.

However, I honestly think that the current product is sufficient.
Vintage pedals are expensive, and I don't think it's necessary to spend that much.
If you are thinking of spending 100,000 yen, I recommend buying a good tube amp or guitar (lol).

But The Vintage is interesting.
It has the sound of that era. I feel romance here.

▼ The following equipment is used in the review video.

Guitar:
Kanji Guitar Stratocaster (https://twitter.com/KanjiKawabata)

Effectors:
Ibanez / TS9 1st Reissue
Ibanez / TS9 Vintage
Line6 / Helixlt

The Helix was set to a Fender amp, and other effects were set on the computer.
Please try it by all means. Of course, it is available in Sound House.

IBANEZ / TS9 Tubescreamer

In addition, I, Takafumi Sukuta, am looking for manufacturers and individual builders who can loan me equipment for review videos and creating articles.