Ibanez Review: TS9

History:

Purchase: I heard a lot of good things about the TS9 and got it in my head to get one. A trip to Sam Ash in Brooklyn, NY and $119 bucks later I brought the "legendary" Tube Screamer home.

What I Like About This Ibanez TS9: First impressions? It's literally built like a tank. In fact, I'd say it seems more robust than any Boss pedal and anyone familiar with Boss pedals know that that is saying a lot. It has the typical 3 knob setup: drive, level and tone so it's absolutely simple to use. Putting in the battery is the hardest part and even that can be done in a few seconds.

What I Do NOT Like About The Ibanez TS9: It came with a battery and the LED indicator lit up.. so where's my "legendary" sound? I cranked it's drive up to the max and it really lacked the punch I was looking for. I changed the battery with a new one. Nice bright LED lights up again indicating the battery isn't the problem. My Les Paul and American Strat with Texas Specials wasn't the problem and I knew it wasn't my 4x10 Fender Hot Rod Deville. I was pretty sure I had a maladjusted or defective TS9 so I returned it for a new one. Result? I hate to say it but this pedal will give you about 20% of the drive it's reputation seems to give it. I returned the second TS9 and took a Boss Blues Driver (BD-2) home instead. See my review on that unit.

Ibanez TS9 Quality Rating: Construction, quality, and finish are top notch. It certainly won't break or get damaged on its way back to the store.

Review Summary: Basically, if you need an overdrive pedal the TS9 is better than nothing. But honestly, not by much. And for it's extravagant price tag of $119 ($169 MSRP),I was left bewildered by how they actually get away with it. Of course there is a miniscule possibility that both units were defective but then what does that say about quality control? Steer clear of the TS9 or try before you buy this one.

Rating of this Ibanez product: 1

This Ibanez TS9 Guitar Effects Review Submitted By: Scott

Review Date: 2003-11-29