TS 808

[suspended]

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a good schematic so I can build a TS  808.  Also, can anyone explain the "brown option ?"  
Thanks

[Paul Marossy]

Try http://www.generalguitargadgets.com

I think everything you need is there.

[Joep]

Tonepad has one too.

[jimbob]

I  like the GGG site. Its very newbie friendly almost like color by number. Im not ashamed though. The ts808 as well as 5 others from there turned out very cool!

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thanks for your replies.  At tonepad, the schematic says it can be used to build a ts9, ts808, and an sd-1.  I have an sd-1.  This is probably a stupid question, but is there a big difference (soundwise) between the ts808 and the sd-1?

thanks

[Russ]

Hi Suspended,
I don't know anything about the SD-1, but I do know a great deal about Tube Screamers. Keep in mind that the only differences between the TS-808 and the TS-9 are the IC chip (possibly, just go with a JRC4558D for either), and the two output resistors.
The general concensus has always been that the output resistors on the TS-9 are probably better suited to a transistor guitar amp, and the TS-808's output resistors to a tube amp.
The only "brown mod" I'm really familiar with is to replace the two output resistors (100 ohm and 10K ohm on a TS-808) AND three (3) 1K resistors (there are 4-1Ks, but only three run directly through the signal chain of the effect) to CARBON COMPOSITION resistors. Some people feel that these resistors have a certain  "mojo" to them, but you can take that with a grain of salt. I'm a lot more inclined to go with metal film resistors, they're more precise and quieter.
Hope that helps,
Russ

[Joep]

The big differenec between the SD-1 and the TS is the asymetrical clipping. The SD-1 uses 3 diodes and the TS 2. I thinks the SD-1 has a little more gain.

Bye,

Joep

[Steve C]

Keep in mind that the only differences between the TS-808 and the TS-9 are the IC chip (possibly, just go with a JRC4558D for either), and the two output resistors.

According to TS-9 schematic that Jack traced the input cap is a .027uf as opposed to the .02uf of the TS-808.  Which also makes a difference in the sound of the two.

[RobB]

thanks for your replies. At tonepad, the schematic says it can be used to build a ts9, ts808, and an sd-1.

The ggg PCB also has a space for an extra diode.  I used those solder pads to connect a pot for a "Warp" control.  Read this artical by Jack Orman.  

http://www.muzique.com/lab/warp.htm

The circuits are similar but component values differ.  An ibanez tube screamer ts808 does not sound like a boss super distortion sd1.

[Boofhead]

According to TS-9 schematic that Jack traced the input cap is a .027uf as opposed to the .02uf of the TS-808.

The original TS-9 I saw *definitely* had the 20n input cap.  I'm not sure where the 27n came from.  (Also, there's a lot of TS-808 conversion articles and sites and none mention 27n.)

[Oliver]

thanks for your replies.  At tonepad, the schematic says it can be used to build a ts9, ts808, and an sd-1.  I have an sd-1.  This is probably a stupid question, but is there a big difference (soundwise) between the ts808 and the sd-1?

thanks

Hi,

just compare the two schematicts from TS and SD-1 on fuzzcentral.tripod.com
the more Drive from the SD-1 is based on a bigger Gainpot (1M).
Put an 1M Gainpot into your Tubescreamer and you will earn the same
Gain.

The slightly different Sound is perhaps produced in the second Stage (ToneControl) etc....

bye
Oliver

[Steve C]

According to TS-9 schematic that Jack traced the input cap is a .027uf as opposed to the .02uf of the TS-808.

The original TS-9 I saw *definitely* had the 20n input cap.  I'm not sure where the 27n came from.  (Also, there's a lot of TS-808 conversion articles and sites and none mention 27n.)

Well crap I hope it not wrong I've been basing my tonal comparisons on this.

[suspended]

thanks for the help!

I'm planning on making a pcb.  Has anyone used the pc board kit from radioshack?  

thanks  

[Paul Marossy]

As a matter of fact, my TS808 is made from a RS PCB kit.  

[Jason Stout]

I used the radio shack kit also. My complaint is that the board has copper on both sides, this is fine for double-sided layouts, but who makes those at home? I left the board in the etchant until the pattern was etched and then sanded the rest of the copper off of the back side. Don't let this scare you, the kit works, and you don't need to wait for it to arrive in the mail. If you want options I like FR4 epoxy board. Steve at smallbear electronics has some, Jameco has dry ferric chloride.