Monte Allums TS9DX Dual Gain Mod

This review is for the Monte Allums TS9DX Dual Drive mod kit. This was my first attempt at modifying pedals, and it was a great introduction. The directions were very clear and included labeled pictures of the board. I was able to complete (and reverse) all the mods very easily. This kit was the learning experience I needed. Since completing this mod, I've moved onto many other projects on other pedals and tube amps.

I've never played a TS808, so I really can't say how it compares. But I do think the mods improved the sound of my pedal. I ended up reversing some of the mods (increasing the bass response was not for me), but this was easy enough and it helped me figure out what kind of sound I was looking for. I did an A/B comparison with a stock TS9 and my TS9DX set to TS9 mode, and mine sounded more like tube distortion.

Since I did the mod myself, the reliability is entirely dependent on the quality of my own work.

I didn't have any reason to contact Monte Allums after I bought the kit, but they shipped the parts and emailed the instructions promptly.

This is a great kit and suitable for beginners. You can probably find out how to do some of the mods by reading forums, but you will not find instructions as clear as what Monte Allums provides. At $22 this is definitely worth it.

The only difference cosmetically with the TS9DX and the Dual Gain mod is the sticker added to it, and the bright blue LED.

Custom Work:

In addition, I asked Chad Matthews to do some custom work on the pedal. I asked for boost. He added a 3dpt footswitch, a bright green LED, and a level POT on the side. The boost can be engaged with the main effect off, which is so awesome! I'm not at liberty to post the price I paid for this extra custom work, because it isn't an official mod. E-mail him for more details.

I play through a PRS SE Singlecut and a Kustom Defender amp. I chose this amp because I didn't want to sacrifice good cleans for distortion.

The amount of gain was increase a little, and it is so perfect now! The coveted JRC4558D chip in addition to the higher quality caps and resistors really changed this pedal's voice. There used to be a pretty big gap between my DS-1 and TS9DX, but this mod has definitely bridged that gap.

I especially love playing Cold Hard B*#ch with this mod done to the pedal! It's one of my favorite covers. It also nails the Cult's overdriven tones.

Ibanez pedals come from the factory even tougher then Boss pedals, and when you factor in Monteallum's choices of high quality components and Chad Matthew's excellent skills, I feel good about this pedal.

I also have my DS-1 modded from him, so it's my backup. I'd just rollback on the volume to get a similar overdriven sound minus the mid boost, but, I feel I won't have to worry about this.

Monteallums is very supportive, as is Chad Matthews at Cmatmods. Chad is very very helpful! He answers his e-mails really quickly, and like I said, he did custom work on this pedal, so I highly recommend him to anyone wanting their pedals modded.

I play rock. From classic to 90's and now. The TS9DX covers the lighter rock covers that we play.

This pedal has been completely reborn, and I couldn't be happier with my sound. Another good thing I didn't mention earlier is that the op chip now has a chip socket, so I can now swap out my chip, possibly with a OPA2134PA by Burr Brown.

Monteallums is superb, as is Cmatmods!!!