Dig it! Saint's Tubescreamer mod - TS9 reissue backdated to a TS808

[Modern Saint]

This post is about my TS9 mod. I bought the TS9 off of a friend some 10 years ago in anticipation of backdating it to TS808 specs. The first mod I did was was to change the chip from Ibanez uses to a JC4558 chip. Some say that it needs to be the JRC4558 but any 4558 will do. I never changed the resistor needed to complete the mod until a month ago and have been using my modded TS9 for the blues jams recently. After more research I have found that the TS808 also had some diodes which I currently seeking to complete the backdate. The diodes change the clipping point which affects when the breakup begins. Either way the chip and resistor mods have improved the sound of this historic pedal and has made it warmer, smoother and more cleaner sounding.

Parts Used

• 8-Pin IC Socke
• JC4558 OP Amp
• 10K ohm resistor
• 100 ohm resistor
• Blue LED

My completed TS9. Looks as if it was never tampered with as this was my starting and ending point of the rebuild.

Bottom Cover Removed

LED Replaced

Parts Replaced

Parts Replaced - Green Circles shows parts changed out.

Sideview of Resistors Replaced

Board all soldered up and done

Side by Side comparison - outside of age, which one has been modified? The unmodded unit will be modded later after and A/B comparison video has been done. The second TS9 is my sons which I gave to him for Christmas a few years back.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

i'm not a fan, but the comparison vid will be very cool. great job!

 

[Mark Wein]

Clean!