The Ibanez TS9TMB Tamura-Mod Level Boost Tube Screamer is an overdrive pedal in Ibanez's Tube Screamer line, a modified take on the Ibanez TS-9. The pedal has been sold out12. Anyone ordering from the maker should note that a 20% restocking fee will be charged on all canceled orders2.
What the Tamura mod changes
Godlyke Distributing, which sells the pedal, lays out the modifications on its product page. The pedal keeps the TS-9 as its foundation but "offers a slightly different tonal palette"2. The specific changes:
- Vishay 1N914 diodes for an alternate drive signature, in place of the usual clipping arrangement2
- A "magic" IC for improved tone and clarity2
- A +6dB level boost mod for increased output level3
On the sound, the maker describes the midrange as shifted to a higher frequency range, with additional note clarity compared with a stock pedal23. The +6dB boost is the headline feature: it is the same level mod that players have long asked for on a Tube Screamer, letting the pedal push an amp harder without changing the drive settings13.
The Tamura-Mod family
The TS9TMB is one of several Tamura-modified Tube Screamers. The related Ibanez TS9 Tamura-Mod Tube Screamer is described by the maker as "a boutique upgrade to the legendary overdrive, meticulously crafted by Susumu Tamura himself", and that page carries the line "Designed by Tube Screamer Creator Susumu Tamura, An authentic evolution of the world's most iconic overdrive"42. The TS9 Tamura-Mod was listed as sold out as of 25 October 20264. The same mod concept also appears in the TS808 format: see the Ibanez TS808TMB and the Ibanez TS808TM2 Tamura-Mod v2 Level Boost Tube Screamer.
For context, the stock Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer remains widely available; the reference site TONEHOME lists its availability as good5. Players interested in a Tube Screamer with a separate boost section may also look at the Ibanez TS808DX Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro, or at dedicated boost pedals placed after an overdrive.
Availability
The Godlyke product page listed the TS9TMB as sold out as of 26 October 20262. The same page notes limited quantities and asks buyers to allow up to 7 business days for Kevin to build, test and ship a TS9TMB before dispatch2. Godlyke also states that a 20% restocking fee will be charged on all canceled orders2.
Because units are built and tested individually rather than pulled from shelf stock, supply is limited even when the page shows stock, and the sold-out status can change24.
Videos
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Questions
Who is Susumu Tamura?
Susumu Tamura is the designer of the Tube Screamer. The maker's product pages call the TS9TMB the newest mod by Tube Screamer designer Susumu Tamura, and describe the related TS9 Tamura-Mod as a boutique upgrade to the overdrive, meticulously crafted by Tamura himself.
What is the difference between the TS9TMB and a standard TS9?
The TS9TMB uses the Ibanez TS-9 as its foundation but changes the circuit in three ways: Vishay 1N914 diodes for an alternate drive signature, a so-called magic IC for improved tone and clarity, and a +6dB level boost mod for increased output level. The maker also describes the midrange as shifted to a higher frequency range, with additional note clarity.
How much louder is the level boost on the TS9TMB?
The level boost mod adds +6dB of output level over the pedal's normal maximum, according to the maker's product page. That is the figure the maker gives; no independent measurement is published.
What diodes does the Ibanez TS9TMB use?
The TS9TMB uses Vishay 1N914 diodes, which the maker says give the pedal an alternate drive signature compared with a standard Tube Screamer.
Is the Ibanez TS9TMB still in production?
The Godlyke product page listed the TS9TMB as sold out as of late October 2026, while also noting limited quantities and that each unit is built, tested and shipped by hand, with up to 7 business days allowed before dispatch. Availability is limited either way.
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.
- Ibanez TS9 Tamura-Mod, maxonfx.com (Godlyke, Inc.)
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME
