The big Tubescreamer shootout: A Tubescreamer belongs to the basic equipment of many guitarists. Whether as a gentle booster to drive a tube amp into saturation or as a stand-alone overdrive – the characteristic sound is unmistakable. But is it worth spending a lot of money on the original, or will a cheap copy do? A YouTube Shootout provides the answer: 22 different Tubescreamer models go head-to-head.
Tube Screamer Shootout: 22 Originals and Clones Put to the Test – Is the Original Worth It?
Tubescreamer Shootout: Quality Sound or Mind Game?
The tested pedals cover a huge price range. While the original, the Ibanez TS808, is available for around $200, there are cheaper replicas starting at $30. At the upper end of the scale, boutique versions cost almost $350. All the major manufacturers are represented, including Maxon, JHS, Way Huge, Harley Benton, Seymour Duncan, Wampler, MXR, Keeley, Mooer and Mad Professor. But at the end of the day, do more expensive pedals really sound better?
A direct comparison shows that the sonic differences are surprisingly small. There are nuances that can be heard depending on the amplifier and playing style, but the basic character remains similar for all models. If you have to choose between a $30 replica and a $350 boutique pedal, the decision will be based more on a preference for a certain manufacturer or on the quality of workmanship and additional functions. Here at Thomann* you can find the products used in the video.
Some listeners have commented that the amplifier the presenter used colors the sound too much and blurs any differences. But regardless of this, the conclusion remains: the Tubescreamer sound in all its variations is almost indistinguishable.
Tubescreamer Shootout: High-End or Budget?
Whether the legendary overdrive pedal suits your sound is a matter of personal taste. The Tubescreamer adds a special midrange emphasis that many blues and rock guitarists find essential, while others find it too dull or too compressed. Ultimately, this comparison shows that price is not always the deciding factor. If you are looking for a Tubescreamer sound, there are plenty of affordable alternatives out there – and the money you save can be invested in other areas of your setup.
And if you can’t ever get enough of that sound, Thomann* has got you covered with a plush Tubescreamer for cuddling up on the couch.
The Tubescreamer, original or clone, is definitely a classic with a right to exist.
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Which One is Your Favorite in the Big Tubescreamer Shootout? Or Does it Really Matter?
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