The Vein-Tap.com Saint Blues 808 Overdrive is a mini-pedal overdrive from UK maker Vein-Tap.com that recreates the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer circuit. The maker describes it as "a true, point-to-point, fully analogue recreation of the TS808" that "replicates the circuit completely," including the JRC4558D chip1. MusicRadar reported the announcement in April 2019, saying Vein-Tap "claims to cram the classic TS808 circuit into a mini-pedal format"2.
What it does to your sound
The Saint Blues sits in the Tube Screamer family of overdrives, the mid-forward boost-and-drive design covered on the Overdrive Pedals page. Vein-Tap.com characterizes its clipping as "symmetrical negative gain feedback diode clipping," the arrangement that gives the 808 design its compression and mid emphasis1. MusicRadar's Michael Astley-Brown wrote that "the Saint Blues aims to capture the mid-hump overdrive and boost tones that guitarists have come to expect from the 808 design"2. Guitar World's report put it more briefly: "New pedal offers up classic Tube Screamer tones"3.
Circuit and construction
The appeal of the Saint Blues is that it puts the TS808 circuit into a smaller enclosure. Vein-Tap.com says a brand new Saint Blues is "half the price of even a used TS808," and smaller and lighter than the original1. The build is point-to-point and fully analog, with the JRC4558D IC, the chip Vein-Tap.com calls the "holy grail" for this circuit1. MusicRadar likewise described the pedal as "an authentic replica of the original, including the revered JRC4558D IC chip"2.
| Feature | What the Saint Blues offers |
|---|---|
| Circuit | Point-to-point, fully analog recreation of the TS8081 |
| Clipping | Symmetrical negative gain feedback diode clipping1 |
| Chip | JRC4558D IC12 |
| Format | Mini pedal, smaller and lighter than the original TS8081 |
| Build | Hand-built23 |
Both press reports at launch noted the hand-built construction alongside the switching: Guitar World wrote that "there's also true bypass switching and hand-built construction"3.
Controls, bypass and power
The pedal uses true bypass footswitch circuitry, so when it is off it is out of the signal path1. Power is 9V supply operation2.
The Saint Blues was announced in April 2019 as available to preorder for $91.222. Guitar World likewise reported it available for pre-order at launch3.
Warranty
Vein-Tap.com covers the pedal with its Lifetime Guarantee1, a point MusicRadar also reported at launch2.
How it compares
For players weighing a Tube Screamer-style drive, the Saint Blues is the mini, point-to-point take on the TS808 itself, rather than a variation on the design. Other Vein-Tap pedals in the family include the Angel of Blues, the Holy Driver, the Dark Triad and the Angel of Rock. For how the TS-style circuit differs from its closest rivals, see the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison132.
Videos
Vein-Tap.com
Questions
Is the Vein-Tap Saint Blues true bypass?
Yes. Vein-Tap.com says the Saint Blues is made with true bypass footswitch circuitry, and both MusicRadar and Guitar World reported the same when the pedal was announced in April 2019. With true bypass, the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is switched off, so it does not load or colour your guitar's tone until you engage it.
What chip does the Saint Blues use?
The Saint Blues uses the JRC4558D operational amplifier chip, the same IC found in the original TS808. Vein-Tap.com calls it the holy grail chip for this design, and MusicRadar described it as the revered JRC4558D IC chip in its report on the pedal's launch.
What voltage does the Saint Blues run on?
The Saint Blues runs on a 9V power supply, as reported by MusicRadar at the pedal's 2019 announcement.
Is the Saint Blues hand built?
Yes. MusicRadar described it as a hand-built pedal, and Guitar World likewise noted hand-built construction alongside its true bypass switching. Vein-Tap.com describes the circuit as a true, point-to-point, fully analogue recreation of the TS808.
What warranty comes with the Saint Blues?
Vein-Tap.com covers the Saint Blues with its Lifetime Guarantee. MusicRadar also reported that the pedal features a lifetime guarantee when it was announced in April 2019.
Sources (3)
- Saint Blues 808 Overdrive Pedal, Vein-Tap.com, 2026-09-01
- Vein-Tap's Saint Blues crams the TS808 into a mini-pedal format, MusicRadar, 2019-04-10
- Vein-Tap.com Unveils New Saint Blues 808 Overdrive, Guitar World, 2019-04-10
