The Godlyke Tamura-Mod Level Boost TS9TMB is a modified Ibanez TS9 overdrive pedal, built and sold by Godlyke, that adds 6dB of level boost to the classic Tube Screamer circuit1. The mod comes from Susumu Tamura, the designer of the original Tube Screamer, and it works by piggybacking a second op amp onto the pedal's "magic IC" circuit to add an extra amplifier stage1. For a player, that means more output to push an amp harder than a stock TS9 can, while Godlyke says the existing gain structure and core TS9 tone stay intact2.
What the level boost mod does
The TS9TMB takes the popular level mod and channels it into an Ibanez TS91. Where a stock Tube Screamer runs out of output before some players want it to, the mod adds an extra amplifier stage by piggybacking a second op amp onto the magic IC circuit, which Guitar World described as "unleashing the extra 6dB of output"1.
Godlyke's own listing sums up what the mod is for:
"+6dB Level Boost mod for increased output level"2
The maker also lists additional note clarity among the pedal's features2. The second amp sits after the main circuit, keeping the existing gain structure and the core character of the TS9 tone intact1.
Where it came from
The TS9TMB is part of a longer story. Its circuit adds an extra amplifier stage by piggybacking a second op amp onto the magic IC circuit, which the maker says unleashes the extra 6dB of output1. That magic IC circuit is the same component family the earlier Tamura-modded Tube Screamer pedals were built around, and the TS808-TMv.2 is the related model in the range34.
The TS9TMB arrived in March 2024, priced at $299 and available direct from Godlyke in limited quantities1. Guitar World described it as "a new take on the classic overdrive pedal that channels the popular level mod into an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9"1.
Availability and price
Availability has moved around since launch:
| Date | Status | Price |
|---|---|---|
| March 2024 | Available in limited quantities, direct from Godlyke1 | $2991 |
| October 2026 | Listed as sold out on Godlyke's product page2 | £253.00 GBP3 |
When in stock, Godlyke asked buyers to allow up to 7 business days for the pedal to be built, tested, and shipped before dispatch2. The £253.00 GBP figure is the maker's own listed regular price and is given here as stated, not converted3.
The TS9TMB is built in limited quantities and has been shown as sold out on Godlyke's product page. When listed in stock, each unit is built to order with up to 7 business days before dispatch2.
The TS808 version
The Level Boost mod is not exclusive to the TS9. Guitar World noted that it was already available from Godlyke in the classic TS808 format before the TS9TMB arrived1. That pedal, the TS808-TMB, combines the standard Tamura-mod circuit with the new level boost mod5. Players comparing the two formats can also look at the original Tamura-modded TS808 TubeScreamer, the first of Godlyke's Tamura-modded range1.
Questions
How much does the Godlyke Tamura-Mod Level Boost TS9TMB cost?
Guitar World reported a price of $299 when the pedal launched in March 2024, sold direct from Godlyke in limited quantities. Godlyke's own product page has also listed the pedal at £253.00 GBP. Availability has fluctuated, with the pedal shown as sold out at times.
Who is Susumu Tamura?
Susumu Tamura is the designer of the original Tube Screamer. After Maxon ended its distribution partnership with Godlyke in 2021, Tamura began supporting Godlyke's own modded pedal range, which includes the Tamura-Mod TS808, the TS808-TMv.2, and this TS9TMB level boost build.
Is the TS9TMB still available?
Availability has gone back and forth. At launch in March 2024 it was sold in limited quantities direct from Godlyke. Godlyke's product page later showed the pedal as sold out, while at other times it was listed as in stock with up to 7 business days allowed for building, testing, and shipping before dispatch.
What does the level boost mod do to a Tube Screamer?
It adds 6dB of output level by piggybacking a second op amp onto the pedal's magic IC circuit, giving the TS9 more push into an amp. Godlyke says the result is increased output level and additional note clarity, with the existing gain structure and core TS9 character kept intact.
Is the Level Boost mod available in a TS808 version?
Yes. Guitar World noted the Level Boost mod was already available from Godlyke in the classic TS808 format before the TS9TMB arrived. The TS808-TMB combines the standard Tamura-mod circuit with the level boost mod.
Sources (5)
- “Who better to mod the mod than the engineer who designed the circuit in the first place”: Original Tube Screamer designer Susumu Tamura just overhauled one of the most popular Ibanez TS9 mods, Guitar World, 2024-03-20
- TAMURA-MOD LEVEL BOOST TS9 Tube Screamer (TS9TMB), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- TAMURA-MOD LEVEL BOOST TS9 Tube Screamer (TS9TMB), Maxon / Godlyke, Inc.
- TAMURA-MOD TS808 Tube Screamer (TS808TM), Godlyke, Inc. (maxonfx.com)
- TAMURA-MOD LEVEL BOOST TS808 Tube Screamer (TS808TMB), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
