What's involved in modding a TS-9 into a TS-808?

[Burstbucker]

What's involved in modding a TS-9 into a TS-808?

I have a fairly recent Ibanez TS-9 Tubescreamer and I also have a JRC4558DX chip in my junk bin.   What else do I need to change other than the opamp chip?  

I know there's at least two or three resistors that need to be replaced too and maybe a capacitor or two but I'm not sure about the details, can somebody set me straight on doing this mod?

[gez]

Technology of Tube Screamer at Geofex (link above).  

[jimbob]

thers an awsome walk through w pics at tonepad.com - that where i went.

[KORGULL]

Here's another link for ya: http://members01.chello.se/pastorn/fx/mods/ts9.htm

[Gus]

people it is not just the opamp and resistor or two.  I have modded a few  TSs and have heard two real 808s to compare to during the mods.  There is something else going on.  Think like the inductor of the old vox whas.

I chuckle when I read about 808 mods sounding like real 808s if you ever get the chance to heard one you might understand what I am posting.  It is a small difference but some players can hear it and use it.

[Burstbucker]

Thanks for all your help guys!  

BTW, that TonePad info is here........
"www.tonepad.com/photoessay.asp?photoEssayID=9&sequenceNo=1"


Gus, I can't argue with what you said about doing these mods but I'm just addicted to tinkering and this is my next project.  Man, I'm a troubled individual!
8^)

[Gus]

I meant my post in a good way if you do the 808 mod you will have a nice TS circuit.  I just wanted to get people to question and try different things

The hint is I think there was a part used that had a spec or defect that the newer parts I tried did not have in a run of the 808s.

FWIW the closest I got tho the 808 was with a certain brand PET cap in one spot.

The 808 mods on the web in a tube amp will sound nice.  But I have not heard a modded ts or other clone type petal next to a 808 that has the sound some people pay for, not all the 808s have it often they sound like a modded 5,7,9,10.  A friend of mine has a 808 with the "sound"(they also brought over another persons 808  with the "sound")  I have not been able to mod a ts to that sound.

This might sound out there but is interesting to me.  It is not a big change in sound but kind of a level depended grit.  It shows up with comparing to another TS the best.

[Dai H.]

I've tried looking for some of the original brand caps in the signal path--for the red one towards the output I actually found... just one... :lol: Maybe old concurrent era electronics like solid state hi-fi might be a place to look? Call me crazy but there have been times where some mylars have sounded more relaxed or mellow and deeper than new ones.

[Burstbucker]

Well, I just finished doing the TS-808 mod and I can honestly say that it does sound better now, my TS-9 sounds noticebly better after doing this simple mod and it cost me absolutely nothing!  Hooray!!!


I followed the instructions at TonePad to a tee, I even had a bottle of beer as described in the photo-essay, heh heh..............
But the beer should have waited until after desoldering the original opamp.
8^)

This is soooo much fun.

Cheers!