The Maxon/Ibanez TS808TMB2 Tamura-Mod v2 Level Boost Tube Screamer is an overdrive pedal built on the TS808 Tube Screamer circuit, modified by Tube Screamer inventor Susumu Tamura. Its headline change is a +6dB level boost for increased output level, alongside eleven capacitor type and value changes made at specific values and tight tolerances. Maxon describes its sound as having accentuated lows and lower-mids. It is sold through Godlyke, Inc., the company behind maxonfx.com1.
What the mod does
The v2 is the third entry in the Tamura-Mod family. Maxon describes the lineage this way: where the v1 flattened out the 808's frequency response and the TS-9TM focused on fine-tuning the (in)famous "mid-hump," the v2 features no less than eleven capacitor type and value changes, all using specific values at tight tolerances, plus the +6dB level boost1.
The pedal's origin is unusually specific. Maxon says it was originally conceived for a Japanese customer in search of an authentic "Texas Blues" sound1.
Two hardware details set it apart from a stock-style build: the NOS Toshiba 1S1588 diodes, a type Maxon says was used in several production runs of vintage Tube Screamers from the late 1970s and early 1980s, and a Carling SPST plunger footswitch1. The enclosure carries a "Tamura-Mod" gold anodized aluminum faceplate1.
Tamura-Mod family at a glance
| Version | Approach |
|---|---|
| Tamura-Mod v1 (TS808) | Flattened out the 808's frequency response1 |
| TS9 Tamura-Mod | Focused on fine-tuning the "mid-hump"1 |
| Tamura-Mod v2 Level Boost Tube Screamer | Eleven capacitor changes plus +6dB level boost1 |
A related variant, the Maxon/Ibanez TS9TMB Tamura-Mod Level Boost Tube Screamer, pairs the same +6dB level boost mod with the TS9 chassis; Godlyke lists it as the Tamura-Mod TS9 Tube Screamer with the +6dB Level BOOST MOD2.
Availability
Availability is limited and the listing carries conditions: Maxon's page announced the pedal as "Now back in stock - Limited quantities," while the Tamura-Mod version 2 variant was also marked sold out or unavailable. Because of the limited availability of these pedals and non-refundable fees, a 20% restocking fee is charged on all canceled orders1.
The listed price is £307.00 GBP regular, with £269.00 GBP shown as the sale price, as of 25 October 20261.
Questions
Who is Susumu Tamura?
Susumu Tamura is credited by Maxon's US distributor as the inventor of the Tube Screamer. The Tamura-Mod series of pedals, including the TS808TMB2 v2 Level Boost, carry modifications designed by him and are sold through Godlyke, Inc., the company behind maxonfx.com.
What diodes does the TS808 Tamura-Mod v2 use?
The Tamura-Mod v2 uses NOS Toshiba 1S1588 diodes. According to Maxon's product page, that same diode type was used in several production runs of vintage Tube Screamers from the late 1970s and early 1980s, which is why it is specified for this mod.
What is different between the Tamura-Mod v1 and v2?
Maxon describes the Tamura-Mod v1 as flattening out the TS808's frequency response, while the TS9 Tamura-Mod focused on fine-tuning the mid-hump. The v2 takes a different approach: it features eleven capacitor type and value changes, all at specific values and tight tolerances, and adds a 6dB level boost.
Does the Tamura-Mod v2 sound different from a standard TS808?
Yes, according to the maker. Maxon describes the v2 as having accentuated lows and lower-mids, compared with the standard TS808's frequency response, and the mod adds a 6dB level boost for increased output level. The changes come from eleven capacitor modifications plus the boost circuit.
Sources (2)
- TAMURA-MOD v2 LEVEL BOOST TS808 Tube Screamer (TS808TMB2), Godlyke, Inc. (maxonfx.com)
- Ibanez TS9 Tamura-Mod, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
