Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808HWV2 Handwired MIJ

The Definitive Flagship Tube Screamer

To create the TS808HWv2 Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro, Ibanez painstakingly analyzed and compared dozens of TS-style circuits with the goal of building the definitive Tube Screamer. Moreover, Ibanez’s engineers meticulously hand-selected each component to ensure the highest-quality sound possible once they finalized the circuit design. Plug into the TS808HWv2, and you’ll experience unparalleled full-range clarity, thanks to a +6dB boost derived from the Vemuram-enhanced TSV808, along with an output patterned after the TS10. That said, the trademark Tube Screamer midrange bump is still on full display. As for the all-important op-amp, the TS808HWv2 houses the coveted JRC NJM4558 chip. You also get the familiar control set with three black alumite knobs, a higher-intensity LED, and a TSV808-influenced housing. Available in limited quantities, the Ibanez TS808HWv2 Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro was handwired in the company’s Japan factory using point-to-point construction.

The Ibanez Tube Screamer: a true pedalboard staple

If you’ve ever scoped out a pro pedalboard, then you’ve probably spotted the unmistakable Ibanez Tube Screamer lurking in the signal chain. The original Tube Screamer was propelled into fame when Stevie Ray Vaughan used it to craft his signature tone. Since then, countless renowned guitarists have benefitted from the Tube Screamer’s thick, overdriven tube-style tone. This acclaimed overdrive stompbox is a must-have for every guitarist.

No-compromise components

When Ibanez crafted the TS808HWv2, their goal was to create the ultimate Tube Screamer. Did they succeed? Well, the guitarists here at Sweetwater believe that they did. The TS808HWv2 employs a refined version of the original Tube Screamer circuit developed by thoroughly analyzing the most popular TS-style models and determining the best aspects of each. For example, although the TS808HWv2 retains the Tube Screamer’s signature midrange bump, it also possesses a full-range clarity that most TS-style pedals don’t, courtesy of a +6dB boost at the end of the circuit, similar to the limited-run TSV808 variant that was co-developed with Vemuram in 2019, and an output resistor value patterned after the TS10. Once Ibanez’s engineers nailed their perfected Tube Screamer circuit, they then set out to find which specific components would deliver the best sound, ultimately deciding on MKT370 and MKT1813 film capacitors, a Panasonic ECQE capacitor, KOA carbon film resistors, and the highly desirable JRC NJM4558 op-amp. Finally, the Ibanez TS808HWv2 Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro was handwired using oxygen-free copper Mogami cable and point-to-point construction.

Limited-edition cosmetics

Ibanez outfitted the TS808HWv2 with limited-edition aesthetics that are guaranteed to make your pedalboard pop. To start with, this stompbox brandishes custom-designed black alumite knobs. A higher-intensity status LED ensures crystal-clear visibility, even on the darkest of stages. You also get an attention-grabbing TSV808-inspired housing. Lastly, the TS808HWv2 Tube Screamer comes in a handsome box with a matte finish, foil-stamped logos, and a satin bed for the pedal to rest in.

Ibanez TS808HWv2 Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro Features:

• Designed by painstakingly analyzing and comparing the most popular TS-style circuits
• Retains the Tube Screamer’s mid bump, but a TSV808-style +6dB boost infuses it with added clarity and headroom
• Harnesses an output resistor value patterned after the classic Power series TS10 Tube Screamer
• Houses the TSV808’s MKT370 and MKT1813 film capacitors
• Contains a Panasonic ECQE capacitor and KOA carbon film resistors
• Includes the highly desirable JRC NJM4558 op-amp
• Handwired in Ibanez’s Japan factory using OFC Mogami cable and point-to-point construction
• Familiar Drive, Tone, and Level knobs supply intuitive sound shaping
• True-bypass switching preserves your tone when the pedal isn’t in use
• Brandishes custom-designed black alumite knobs, a higher-intensity LED, and a TSV808-influenced housing
• Available in limited quantities