9 Classic Overdrive Pedals Found on the JHS Bonsai

Hesitant about which Tube Screamer or TS replica to get? That is no longer an issue, thanks to JHS’ Bonsai pedal, which squeezes nine classic overdrives into a single enclosure. Since the 70s, a little green Japanese overdrive pedal has been a significant part of virtually all pedalboards. From blues rockers such as John Mayer and SRV utilizing it as the central part of their sound to heavy metal artists like Kirk Hammett employing it to drive an already searing amp into powerful sustain, everyone needs a screamer on their board. Over the last four decades, tons of models from different brands have emerged, some are more original than others, making it difficult for players to find the best one for their rig.

In 2015, JHS has made waves with its Muffuletta, which loads five analog re-creations of different Big Muff circuits into one pedal. Now, its newer Bonsai 9-way screamer overdrive pedal applies the same circuit consolidation tactic to the numerous versions of the Tube Screamer as well as some pedals that inspired the small green machine. Simply put, it does for screaming green overdrives what the Muffuletta did for big fuzzes, letting users enjoy convenient access to 40 years’ worth of pedals. On the Bonsai, users will find nine vintage, usually hard-to-find variants of the classic green overdrive. When devising the unit, JHS owner Josh Scott examined multiple variants of the legendary stompbox and faithfully re-created their circuits. He painstakingly captured every quirk of the original components with an Audio Precision analyzer. Josh even accounted for drift, since the vintage units were decades old, and their parts had already strayed from their real values. When one plugs into the Bonsai, they are playing through a circuitry identical to the original pedals. Here is a closer look at the nine different sonic textures available in the Bonsai:

Boss OD-1 (OD1)

Based on the legendary Boss OD-1 Over Drive, Bonsai’s OD1 is a brighter and slightly higher gain mode that does not employ the Tone control. This mode features symmetrical clipping and inverts the signal just like the original. OD1 is outstanding at boosting other amps or drives into singing saturation.

Four decades ago, the Boss OD-1 introduced the now-popular concept of the overdrive pedal to the music world. When Boss developed the OD-1, its engineers were seeking a more natural sound compared to usual fuzz units. To that end, they employed an asymmetric circuit that yields plenty of even-order harmonics. The resulting design dishes out a warm, pleasing tone identical to a cranked-up tube amp’s natural breakup, but with a distinctive response and character. The original OD-1 presently lives on a more versatile and slightly revamped model as the SD-1 Super OverDrive, which has been in continuous production since 1981. Props to its tight bass response, subtle mid boost, and expressive touch, guitarists love the OD-1 as a standalone pedal for any music style and as a front-end booster for distortion stomps and amps. Now, vintage Boss OD-1 units command some serious added value in preloved marketplaces for its mojo-drenched tones and collectivity. Boss previously dropped the special limited-edition Compact Pedal 40th Anniversary Box Set consists of the original three Boss compact pedal models: the OD-1 Over Drive, SP-1 Spectrum, and PH-1 Phaser.

**Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer (808) **

Ever since its inception in 1979, the TS808 Tube Screamer has been among the world’s most influential pedals and loved by numerous players over generations. Extremely coveted by electric guitarists of virtually all genres, it has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of pedals. It propelled into fame after music icon Stevie Ray Vaughan utilized it to create his signature tone. The likes of John Mayer and Eddie Vedder have also contributed to its popularity. With its smooth, overdriven tube-style full tone, the TS808 Tube Screamer has become the choice of numerous prominent guitarists. This green beast is built with a narrow box enclosure, legendary JRC4558D overdrive circuitry, square footswitch, and traditional three-knob interface. It stands as among the most iconic effects of all time. Vintage TS808 Tube Screamer units now go for a serious coin on the collector’s market. Fortunately, enthusiasts can still capture the original TS808 Tube Screamer’s sought-after tones without breaking the bank, thanks to a reissue version by Ibanez and the JHS Bonsai. Bonsai’s 808 mode features a classic low-gain grind featuring that trademark mid-bump.

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (TS9)

Ibanez’s Tube Screamer ranks as among the most influential pedals of all time and has set the standard for generations of overdrives to come. The TS9 from early-to-mid ‘80s was the second Tube Screamer model, following the TS-808, and has been utilized by guitarists from a gamut of styles, including the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Trey Anastasio of Phish. The TS9 was first created from around 1981 to 1985 and brought back into production in the early 1990s. The TS9 Tube Screamer is an often-imitated classic distortion pedal. Ibanez has introduced a reissue available for a very reasonable price point. The TS9 Tube Screamer reissue is every bit as authentic as the original. In fact, it was manufactured in the same factory and with similar components as the original TS9. It also comes dressed in the same signature seasick-green paint job. Most importantly, the TS9 Tube Screamer reissue’s sound is dead on. The TS9 Tube Screamer consists of controls for Drive, Level, and Tone. As Ibanez instructs, “Plug it in. Crank it up. You’ll hear what all the fuss is about.” That all-time classic pedal is also available in the Bonsai via the TS9 mode, which is almost identical to the TS808 but features a brighter, SRV-esque sound.

Ibanez MSL Metal Screamer (MSL)

Although the name says “metal,” the elusive 1985 Metal Screamer from Ibanez is more of a tube screamer type of pedal than a metal style one and is very similar to the TS10 Tube Screamer. It features that desired “bright, powerful, tube-driven sound.” The MSL leverages the legendary JRC 4558D op-amp chip. The MSL Metal Screamer is part of Ibanez’s L series, also known as the Master series, which quickly followed the famed Ibanez 9 series of effect pedals. Manufactured only from late 1984-85, the MSL is the Tube Screamer of Ibanez’s Master lineup. It delivers all the quality technology can afford in a classic effects unit. Glancing at the circuit design indicates that the low-end frequency response is somewhat boosted. When the circuit is in bypass, the signal that goes to the overdrive stage is muted. Examining the TS10 Tube Screamer’s PCB design, the layout features some slight variations compared to the MSL Metal Screamer. The MSL mode on the Bonsai is the “metal” version creating a higher-gain sound with more low end and gooey feel.

Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer (TS10)

In recent years, the TS10 Tube Screamer has become one of the most iconic vintage guitar pedals. It became a staple of classic, Dumble-esque blues tones, mostly because of the influence of John Mayer, who was first motivated by blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan. The initial run of these TS10 Tube Screamers manufactured from 1986 to 1990 was made in Japan and incorporated an MC4558 overdrive chip or the coveted JRC4558D chip. Similar to other Tube Screamers, the TS10 features the same three-knob layout consists of controls for Level, Drive, and Tone. This model is highly responsive to playing dynamics, making it an exceptional pedal to crank up and then control through the volume knob of the guitar, for all the necessary command over the overdrive. Beginning with the Drive and Tone around 9:00, it is exciting to explore various settings, both on the pedal itself, and playing with the guitar’s knobs. The TS10 Tube Screamer is excellent for use with other pedals, especially a good boost, which is capable of propelling the overdriven sound to push the amp nicely, merely beyond break-up, but remain clear and clean. The Bonsai’s TS10 mode emulates the bluesy low-gain sound made famous by John Mayer.

Exar Electronix OD-1 (XR)

The XR mode on the Bonsai pedal sounds like a decent boutique Tube Screamer replica—the type that expands the frequency range and opens out the somewhat murky midrange for better transparency sans losing the charm and essence of the Tube Screamer tone. It replicates a Polish-made Tube Screamer-style pedal, the Exar OD-1. The Exar OD-1 is popular for its distinctive drive character and slightly higher gain compared to classic screamers. It also features a relatively more transparent feel. It dishes out the classic overdrive sound for the best effect at different amp volume. The produced effect emulates the sound of the lamp amplifier, which is indicative of Carlos Santana’s sound. As with other Tube Screamer models, the Exar OD-1 features a three-knob interface consists of controls for Tone, Level, and Drive. Use the Level knob for adjusting the output level, Drive for setting the amount of overdrive, and Tone for controlling the tone.

Ibanez TS7 Tube Screamer (TS7)

The Bonsai pedal’s TS7 mode features the late 1990s overdrive that includes a Hot mode, which creates more gain and low-end dirt. This mode yields the highest gain as well as a thick yet well defined velvety sustain. It is the perfect choice for capturing exceptional shred tones and licks of doom. Introduced in 1999, the Ibanez TS7 Tube Screamer is packaged within a Tone Lok metal chassis. It consists of the usual controls for Level, Tone, and Drive, plus a switch for selecting between the classic TS9 mode and Hot mode, which raises the Level and Drive outputs. The TS7 is the legendary original Tube Screamer overdrive featuring something extra. Outside the TS7 Tube Screamer, Tone-Lok effects come armed with Ibanez-exclusive “set and forget” Push-Lok rotary pots. On the inside, Tone-Lok guitar pedals incorporate hi-fidelity components meticulously configured with continuous input from the next generation of Ibanez players. The TS7 Tube Screamer is way more affordable compared to a TS9. Most TS7 units incorporate the right JRC4558D chip. Unlike a TS808 or TS9, however, the TS7 Tube Screamer is not hand-wired or handcrafted.

**Keeley TS808 MOD+ (Keeley) **

The Keeley mode on the Bonsai pedal delivers Robert Keeley’s classic Mod+, which tightens up the tone and provides less noise, as well as increased bass and smoother highs and mids. It preserves the original Tube Screamer tonality and gives a more percussive edge and improved clarity. The TS808 boasts an exceptional tone, to begin with. The unit is now the culmination of various modifications and ideas. Each component included is of the best quality. The metal film resistors in the circuit enhance the signal to noise ratio lots of guitarists want. The pedal leverages film capacitors in the tone section to offer high-frequency components and the smoothest midrange to the tone while raising the bass response. The Keeley TS808 MOD+ has been configured to include the More/Less Mod. That enables having less distortion at lower Drive control settings or more saturation and distortion at the higher setting. Every stock TS9 setting is possible throughout the control’s midrange. Also, all the singing sweet midrange tones remain.

JHS Pedals Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Strong Mod (JHS)

The Bonsai’s JHS Strong Mod mode dishes out JHS’ modification, which they have utilized since 2008, delivering a cleaner and generally more powerful sound compared to other modes. The Strong Mod gives the pedal a pronounced high and low-end drop-off. The JHS Pedals Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Strong Mod offers twice the available gain as well as a cleaner boost when necessary. The Strong Mod responds like a tube amp when the guitar volume is rolled off, cleaning up nicely. It enables the pedal to slice through mixes and destroy amps effortlessly. The low-end, which often gets lost in the stock editions of these Tube Screamers, is more welcomed and present, letting the pedal achieve a different range of tones. The low-end is focused and rich, while the other frequencies shine through an excellent amp. The TS9 Tube Screamer Strong Mod incorporates a socketed JRC4558P chip along with some vital changes in lesser-quality resistors, caps, and more for the most well-balanced Tube Screamer available. This pedal can easily find a home on players’ boards, whether they play blues, country, rock, or anything else.