Ibanez TS9DX

Simple to use. Switches in/out by foot. Mode/drive/output/tone (treble attenuation) knobs. 4 modes: TS9 (classic), TS9+, Hot, Turbo, each giving progressively hotter signals with more bass BUT less breakup (like raising the variac value with each mode).

Makes all of my guitars and amps sound fuller (strat, tele, Les Paul standard) without obscuring the "personality" of the guitar or becoming muddy. For blues-based/alt. rock (think John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers), I'm using it to add a subtle boost in "turbo" mode (which doesn't break up) with "drive" set at 0 and no treble attenuation. Like EQ, but sounds better to me than any equalizer I've tried. It boosts the signal going into the preamp, and (I think) accentuates frequencies that, when further equalized down the signal path, produces a very "rich" classic blues/blues rock sound (alla SRV). I leave it on all the time, except for clean sounds when using an LP with high-output ceramic pickups (otherwise it drives the signal into distortion). I use Rocktron and Mesa/Boogie amps for distortion, not the pedal, but the TS9DX enhances the overall sound tremendously. (I don't play Metal, but I don't think this pedal will produce enough gain for that style.) My setup: tuner>TS9DX>Dunlop cry baby>Boss delay (at 15ms)>Rocktron Voodu-Valve preamp>t.c. electronics G-Force>t.c. FireworX effects processor>BBE 882 sonic maximizer>Mesa 2:90 amp>Marshall 1960 lead 4x12 w/Celestian 75 speakers. I tune down 1/2 step in standard tuning using 10-13-17-30-42-52 hybrid strings. The TS9DX helps keep the 6th string from sounding "flabby" when tuned down (the BBE also helps prevent the sound from becoming muddy).

I leave it set one way and on all the time, so it suffers no "abuse". Anyway, it's metal and seems very sturdy.

No experience.

I loved its sound from the first day, and after two years, I consider it essential--no matter what else I'm using at the same time. I would replace it in a heartbeat.

It's about as easy to use as any box on the market, with only four knobs, how hard can it be?

I run a Les Paul Standard and with Duncan Alnico Pros or occasionally a Standard Strat with a Don Lace in the neck through a 535Q Crybaby>ts-9> Marshall JCM 602. Nothing fancy, except great tone and all the versatility a man needs. There is only a little noise when I'm not playing, but to remedy this, just turn it off when not playing. O.k., now for the good stuff. All those different modes serve no good purpose in my opinion. The "+" mode is somewhat useable, but tends to be a bit much of a mid-boost, especially since that is what the regular ts-9 mode does. As for the "hot" and "turbo" modes, they suck. What else can I say, they artificially boost your low end making it very muddy. On the plus side, the "turbo" gives a fat lead tone, but becasue the the ts-9dx is not true-bypass, the low end boost bleeds through, causing rythms to be boomy and muddy. As for the regular ts-9 mode, it's fantastic, great for leads, works wonders with the Paul, and the strat delivers that famous bluesy solo stuff. For my blues/rock style ala early Clapton, Peter Green, and Hendrix, I've found nothing better for that solo boost. Of course back in the hills of Appalachia there ain't much choice, I'd love to try the Fulltone Fulldrive but they're pretty rare in my neck of the woods.

Sure, it's dependable, solid metal case, and I do gig without a backup for I have no backup. If something happens I'll just use the guitar volume for the solos.

Playing bluesy rock the regular ts-9 mode is magic for my solos. After nearly four years of playing every day, this is one pedal I'd hate to do without. If stolen I'd get another, only a regular ts-9 or one with the 808 mod, I think the different modes are just a clever marketing ploy to sell even more pedals. Have tried a Tube King, and Marshall Bluesbreaker, which my be added to the setup shortly, but the tubescreamer has a great solo boost. But tone freaks take note, this pedal is more of a booster for an already driven amp, it doesn't have a ton of gain by itself, and for those of you thinking the different modes add more gain, think agian. According to Analog Mike, the turbo tubescreamer has even less gain than a normal tubescreamer. Have a nice day :)

Simple to use. Four knobs, with little or no requirement for thought. Just plug it in and there is plenty of time to experiment. You don't even have to read the manual. The manual is good for giving a few sample settings.

I am finding that you need to use this pedal in conjunction with another overdrive or distortion pedal to get a really good driven sound. The power in this pedal is pretty amazing. You have to set the level pretty low, otherwise when you stomp on it, it boosts the volume of your setup significantly. I play a Les Paul Standard, Fender American Standard Strats, through a Roland Jazz Chorus JC120. I use a Boss turbo overdrive/distortion pedal in front of this pedal to get get the tone I like with the Les Paul. The JC120 is a clean amp, so these two pedals together can really push it. I highly recommend using two pedals to get a clean amp driven. It leaves you a little flexibilty in the types of distortion. I noticed this with Stevie Ray's or Kenny Wayne Shepard's sound. I am finding that the TS9 setting is the best, but for a little extra money you might as well get the others.

I have only had this pedal for a short while, but I don't forsee it having any problems. This thing is built like a tank.

Haven't dealt with them. This is the first Ibanez product I have ever purchased.

I tend to play a wide variety of "types" of music. Mainly I love the blues. This pedal fits rights into that scene. You get a good sound similar to some of the old tube amps. I do wish this pedal had a little more gain rather than level (power) though. It can be hard to control your volume levels when gigging and trying to reach a long sustained, driven sound. I have been playing religiously for about 15 years, and am constantly searching for better combos of drive and distortion. It's become a hobby of mine checking about these types of pedals. This TS9DX is a keeper. I love the green paint too. If you love the sound of a clean amp and want to take that amp to the "other side" check out this pedal. I can't wait to try it with some marshalls. Maybe some day.

This pedal has basically 3 knobs. The fourth is just a selector. In essence, this is a beefed up version on a TS-9. All distortions are easy to use. This category is for the delay, chorus, pitch shifting, and other tome based effects. I would have given it a 9 because it is hard to find a perfect setting because of the 4th switch, but who am i to complain when i payed an extra $20 for it!

Why does the 3 knob version have a 9, but this only has a 8.7? It's in essence, the same pedal, but better! I use a Fender Princeton chorus ( a decent solid-state amp), an Ibanez RG7620 ( one of the best guitars made! :)>) , and (in order) : Dunlop 535Q Wah-----Ibanez TS-9 DX------Boss MT-2 Metal Zone-----Modded Ibanez TS-5------DOD Grunge-----Tycobrahe Octavia ( clone....sounds great) ! The TS-9DX adds a lot of chord clariy, bass, and ( in a cerain combo with other effects) a truck load of overdrive! This pedal is not a heavy metal pedal. If you want one, GET A BOSS MT-2 METAL ZONE! the Ibanez is my favorite tube overdrive, and the Boss the best metal pedal!

I cracked it open to mod it (Modded a junker TS-5 instead, wanted to keep the TS-9DX original!] and found that it is built like a tank. The TS-9/10/DX are basically a TS-5 with a metal case. The case is worth the extra bucks. You could use it to crack walnuts and still be able to jam afterwards! I actually, in a pinch, used it to hammer a nail into my wall!!!! The green baked-enamel finish does not chip easy and stands out in my pedal collection. If you ever want to make a reliable finish, bake an enamel paint in an oven for an hour at 200degrees. this finish will last forever!!!!!!

Never dealt with them and if it broke,hopefully I could fix it by myself. If lost or stolen I WOULD JUST MOD A TS-10 FOR MORE BASS!!!! this pedal is an exxelent item for a guitarist who cant built pedals, but if you can, just GO TO AARON NELSONS STOMPBOX PAGE!!! With a little money and guidance, you can build a better version of the TS-9. Not to contradict myself though, because this is the TS-808 of the 90's (and 2000 to come!!)

I would give this pedal a 9.5, but I cant. For the $120, i could have modded 2 new TS-5s or 3 used TS-10s.this is an exellent pedal, all the hype is true, but me personnaly could have distributed my money better!!!!!!

I've been using this pedal for a few months(gigging every weekend + rehearsals) and love it as much as I did when I first tried it at the music shop. The DX version has the usual drive, level, and tone controls plus a mode knob which offers TS9 classic, "+", "hot" and "turbo" modes. It's pretty easy to dial in a good tone, but you do have to explore each mode to find your faves. The manual is basic but actually has some good suggested settings although I had to back off on their recommended level settings for fear of blowing the grill cloth off my amp -- this is one HOT pedal!!

My setup: Strat or 335 -> Crybaby 535Q wah -> TS9DX -> Boss ME30 -> '98 Fender Vibrolux(2x10, 40 Watts, all tube). The me30's distortions were weak and/or not to my liking and I decided to find a new distortion pedal and wah. Anyway, I tried alot of different distortions including the Fulltone and the TS9 reissue but this is the one I walked away with. The reissue was just too limited for me, I couldn't really get a decent clean boost, it seemed kind of thin and raspy, etc but when I flipped the DX to "hot" mode - voila! there it was! A big, fat, clean boost with just a hint of overdrive. When I tried the Fulltone, it was good, but I just didn't get all the hype about it. It didn't seem to be any better really IMHO. Anyway here's some observations on the modes: TS9 - Pretty much just what it says - the classic ts9 sound and the thinnest OD of the lot but set up right, can get some nice sustained leads; "+" - Like the TS9 but with more grit and a little fatter - works well on crunchy rhythms and some biting leads; "hot" - less saturated but fatter (low end boost?) great for a lot of different things but can get muddy on lower strings in chords if you don't watch your amp's bass settings (especially on fenders); Turbo - I thought that this would be this heavily saturated thing but it's not, it's a huge low end/mid boost and, like "hot", isn't as saturated as the other two(well, at least as not as quickly). It's billed as a kind of 'Stack in a box' and I would have to agree: this mode really does make a marshally stack-like sound even through my little 2X10 Fender.
In fact, this pedal in ANY mode throws gobs of output - to get it to match my amp, I can't dial the level control over 3! The tone control usually has to be set between 7-10, depending on the mode, to match the upper EQ on my amp. In other words, it tends to darken the tone at anything lower than 7. It also sounds like the tone gets compressed but not enough to prevent the character of the guitar and amp to come through if you keep it high enough. Also, it cleans up really well when you roll your volume back, especially with single coils. It also responds well to pick attack. Just a note to those who worry so much about the degree to which a pedal leaves its sonic imprint on your tone. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU BUY AN EFFECT PEDAL FOR IF NOT TO AFFECT THE SOUND?! I know, I know... I tend to be one of you but I just got to the point where I wouldn't be satisfied with hardly anything until I finally realized that if the lithmus test for an overdrive pedal was how clean a boost it could get, wouldn't I be better off with a volume pedal? Anyway, even the Fulltone leaves its sonic imprint and I had to use the same type of tone control settings on it as I do the TS9DX. Does the TS9DX leave its sonic imprint on your tone? - You Bet!! and it's Frickin' GREAT!!!
The only thing I wish it had that the Fulltone does is the ability to set up a footswitchable dirty rhythm and lead tone.

So far, so good.

I've been playing on and off for twenty-something years, and have seriously got back into it for the past few. The styles I cover are rock, blues, pop, -- almost anything besides true classical and jazz. It suits blues and rock great(duh) also pop leads and palm muted rhythm stuff etc. If were stolen or lost, I would be majorly bummed and poorer too cause I'd have to get another ASAP.
Like I said, I wish it had a second footswitchable sound, but I get by with my guitars' volume knob and the ME30's volume pedal(which actually can boost the volume if its level is set to max). Overall, this a great pedal with a great tone which actually makes me breathe harder if I don't exercise the necessary restraint. I'm seriously in love with this thing!:=)

Even though, as others have said, the manual is pretty basic, a monkey could figure out this pedal. Four knobs clearly labeled: Drive, Level, Tone, and Mode. If ya can't figure that out, then no one can help ya.

I use a 1989 Fender American Deluxe Strat Plus with Seymour Duncan '59 mini-humbuckers in the neck and bridge, and a Vintage Staggered single coil in the middle. That goes straight into a Marshall JCM602 (60 watts into two 12" 30 watt Celestions). I bought the Tube Screamer because I can't always crank up the ol' Marshall to 8 (this is when it starts sounding good). When the Marshall is set any quieter, you just don't get that roar and sustain. The TS9 helps when the rest of the family is hanging around. I get plenty of sustain. Actually, it's a pretty noisy pedal when combined with the distortion channel (usually quiet), so I turn the drive to 0 and crank the level for a sustain boost. Actually all the settings save for the original add too much bass to you anything with (even with eq fiddlin' on the amp). On the clean channel you get a good blues solo tone or medium gain rhythm sound. Very good punch.

Seems like it'll last. Made of metal... I don't foresee many problems.

never dealt.

I would've rather just bought a normal TS9, so I feel as though I overpaid 'cuz I don't like the other modes. Too obnoxious, no definition.... I just bought the pedal to boost, anyway. I been playing four years now, and I play rock, blues, and jazz primarily. This is my second pedal. The first was a Boss Overdrive/Distortion- not bad, but I gave it to a friend when I got the Marshall two years ago. Nothing compares to Marshall overdrive! The TS9 is a good boost pedal, though. Don't buy the turbo one if that's what you're looking for.

The manual is kind of shoddy, but the pedal is pretty self explanatory.

I use a Fender Am. Std. Strat through a Fender DeVille 4x10, and it sounds great. I usually dial in the overdrive on the amp to about 6, and use the "more drive" channel for solo boosting. I kind of tweak the pedal to taste, and wherever it is, it sounds great. The tone is great, and it doesn't take away from any other effects I might be using. It's the first overdrive I've used which didn't effect the sound of my Boss TR-2 Trem.

Ibanez is kinda' known for making durable effects, so I'm not real worried. It's in a really durable feeling metal casing.

This is a really great pedal. The manual for it is pretty poor, most of the factory setups are weak, but that might be just the type of guitar I have. It is super easy to use, just fiddle around with the buttons and have fun.

I play with a Fender Strat into a little solid state amplifier. I set my amp up to produce a little distortion (around 3, or about 10 o' clock). The best thing about this pedal is the range you can get out of it. If you turn the drive off completly (in any mode) you get the distortion of your amp, but with a lot more sustain. I usually leave the drive around halfway, because the distortion it produces sounds way better than my amps. The best setting is the TS9 one, but hot and turbo add huge amounts of sustain, and thicken the bottom end, which I really appreciate.

Yeah, it seems pretty good. I just play at home, for myself, so it holds up well enough. I also have a Vox wah and a Dano Cool Cat chorus, and the Ibanez is way smaller, and looks a lot less durable. It is the easiest to activate though.

Never dealt with them

I play rock and blues, and it really helps boost the sound of my little amp. I'm planning on getting a new amplifier soon, and I'm sure this will stay, because the sustain and harmonics it adds are great, even with out the drive.

This unit is very easy to use and has just enough knobs to help you simulate a good overdriven tube tone. It is very ear pleasing and doesn't hurt your ears with lots of scratchy high end as in lots of other distortion pedals. Just plug it in and play.

I primarily use a PRS custom through a Boogie 55 Caliber +. There is one thing that needs some attention with this pedal. If the drive is set all the way up and I desire to bypass the effect, there is 'bleed' through the pedal when bypassed. Some of the distortion comes through even when the pedal is stepped off. If anyone has this problem or can help remedy it through a suggestion, I would appreciate a tip. Also, I wish the pedal had a little more drive. I'd rate it a 10 if it didn't bleed.

At this point, I haven't had it long enough to tell, though it is constructed well.

I may need to buy another or find a way to have it be quieter when it's turned off. The overdrive sound is one of the sounds I've been looking for when I need something less than heavy grind. Nice and smooth sounding, not harsh. I've been playing for 30 years and know the tones I like and settle for only good equipment. I hope Ibanez can remedy the noisy filtering problem.

Fairly easy to use. Has four knobs, and the manual describes each. Spend a coulple of hours messing around with the pedal to familerize yourself w/ it. It has four distortion settings, the original TS-9, "+", Hot, and Turbo (I think).

Can get great sound out of it. I use an Epi Les Paul and a Fender Blues Junior amp and always get great distortion. I mostly use the TS-9 or the "+" setting and have the distortion turned at least to 3 o'clock. Hey, it's the same pedal pearl jam uses, so it's probably on of the best.

I've only had the pedal for a little over 4 months but I havn't had any problems with it yet. The only thing you would have to worry about is the battery running out.

I haven't had to deal with the company and hopefully I never will.

This is a great pedal and if I lost it I would diffinetly get a new one. I think I'd try out the TS-9 though, because I really only use that setting and the "+" one. I'm not sure what the price difference between the TS-9 and the TS9DX is. I can't imagine a better distortion pedal.

Easy to use, just dial and play

Using a 69 Gibson Les Paul, USA Fender Strat, Leo Fender Musicman Sabre I, 63 Gibson Melody Maker and 65 Gibson ES-125 into Marshall 100W 2-12 vintage cels. and Mesa Boogie MKIII via stereo feed thru racks; this effect is pretty much a toy. It can sound pretty good with a level volume approach. It is fun to punch it up a little and let it sing.

Built very solid. If it was to leave my toy box I don't think I would need a backup.

Never call on them. If it ever breaks I would just throw it in my broken effect collection box.

This is a pretty cool little affordable effect that has many possibilities. Many people will dig its sound and price tag. If ever lost I would buy another because they make it affordable to get alot of pretty good sounds out of an inexpensive little guy!!!

Very basic manual. Shouldn't be a problem for most users to get a good sound out of it. One additional knob than the normal TS-9--a four-way MODE knob that switches various clipping diodes and tone capacitors.

I am using this with an unusual guitar, a Japanese-made Killer KG-Prime, an '87 Lee Jackson GP-1000 Perfect Connection preamp and vintage Marshalls into Mesa Recto 4x12's. Not noisy at all.
I am not using it with the DRIVE control maxxed-out, but rather at about 12 o'clock. I mostly use the TS-9DX for a slight overdrive boost for soloing.
It is fair to mention that when I tried it at the music store where I teach guitar, I found the overdrive characteristics to be somewhat raspy in all MODE settings. This is due to the use of the 75558 hi-fi dual op-amp chip. When I brought it home, I removed the 75558 and replaced it with a N.O.S. JRC4558D chip and performed the TS-808 output resistors mod. Now it sounds the way that I like it--smooth and warm, and I like the versatility the MODE knob brings to the improved overdrive sound. I should mention that the + setting, while not a smooth as the other settings does have a rather attractive upper-midrangey edge. Set to the + setting and with the GP-1000, I can get damn close to one of my tonal holy grails: Akira Takasaki's tone on Loudness' '88 Japan-only disc, "Jealousy."
All-in-all, it compares very favorably to my other Ibanez overdrive pedals, a TS-9, SD-9 and an SML, especially after the mod. While the manual describes the TS-9 mode as "The classic TS9. No modifications. Exactly like the original," I DO notice a slight difference in tone between my '83 TS-9 (also has the TS-808 mod) and the TS-9DX in the TS-9 setting. The original sounds just a bit more harmonically rich. But the TS-9DX more than makes up for any slight shortcoming due to the MODE knob's tonal versatility. Pre-mod, I'd give it a seven.

Just got it. We'll have to see, although I've had few problems with my other Ibanez pedals. I have had a problem with my AD-9 failing to switch. Perhaps Ibanez has rectified the problems with the footswitch with the reissues.

Never contacted Ibanez, so I can't comment.

While I love players like Robin Trower, I am not embarrassed to admit that I also love the shredding stuff: MacAlpine, Moore, Roth, Schenker, et. al. and I find the TS-9DX very useful for obtaining a smooth yet punchy overdrive for sweeping, tapping, etc. Overall rating--9 with the mod, 7 stock.

THis is about the same as the TS9, only it has a MODE switch, which has 4 positins. You can selected between TS9, TS9+, HOT, and TURBO. The manual is pretty basic and gives some suggested settings too.

I use a Mesa/Boogie DC-3 with a Les Paul Studio and a Fender Strat. I generally like to use this effect in front of my amp with an already overdriven sound. I use it like a BOOST because the DC-3 doesent always get as much gain as i would like it to. When i turn the tube screamer on it makes my amp sing. I get rich overdrive with lots of gain. Artifical harmonics are easy do get and the feedback is not harsh at all. This pedal sounds pretty bluesy by itself but i mostly play rock and a little Stevie Ray also. For a Stevie Ray Vaughan sound set your amp with just a little gain and put it on the TS9 mode with it set to about 75%. This pedal sounds best in front of a tube amp. I love it, this is the boost my amp needs. My only complaint is that it is a little noisy. Sometimes i get RF frequincies...it picks up a damn Mexican radio station or something. But i can switch the ground on my amp it takes care of it.

This is a pretty solid pedal. I dont think it would break unless you just beat the hell out of it. I would not use it on a gig without backup only because they are kinda expensive.

As i said before i play mostly rock or metal like some old Ozzy and Metallica and Pearl Jam, Guns n Roses, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, etc. This pedal is great.You just kinda have to mess with your amp's settings and the pedals. Try using different amounts of gain on your amp as well as the pedal. I would probably buy this pedal again if it were lost or stolen because it is a big part of my sound. It just gives my amp a big kick in the ass. I'm glad i got it.