Best boost for a JCM800 - TS9? SD1?

riffpowers

I'm sticking with marshall 2203/2204 style amps and have just got a jcm800 2203.

For years and years I've been using my old reliable 1983 ibanez/maxon ts9. Sounds great, but I wondered ifd I was missing anything by sticking with the ts9 .

 

I don't wnat to go crazy or boutique, I just want something classic, tried and tested , and reliable!!

Cirrus

I love the SD-1 into JCM800 style amps. The combination just works.

guitarfishbay

I prefer the SD1 over a Tubescreamer in to most amps, not just Marshall style.  They're great value for money too at £39 new.  Definitely tried tested and reliable as well.

Bidley

I've used a TS9 to boost amps for years, and it just works better for me. I couldn't get on with the SD-1, the leaky signal annoyed me.

ICBM

Bidley said:

I couldn't get on with the SD-1, the leaky signal annoyed me.

That is true, although it's completely cured by running any buffered pedal - eg a TU-2 tuner - in front of it.

Like many others, I find the SD-1 works better with Marshalls (and Voxes) and the TS-9 works better with Fenders and Mesas. The real annoyance with that is that 'Vintage High Gain' on the Mesa Rectifier is a Marshall-like voicing and sounds better with the SD-1, whereas 'Modern High Gain' is the classic Rectifier voicing and sounds better with a TS-9...

jpfamps

ICBM said:

Bidley said:

I couldn't get on with the SD-1, the leaky signal annoyed me.

That is true, although it's completely cured by running any buffered pedal - eg a TU-2 tuner - in front of it.

Like many others, I find the SD-1 works better with Marshalls (and Voxes) and the TS-9 works better with Fenders and Mesas. The real annoyance with that is that 'Vintage High Gain' on the Mesa Rectifier is a Marshall-like voicing and sounds better with the SD-1, whereas 'Modern High Gain' is the classic Rectifier voicing and sounds better with a TS-9...

I concur.

The classic Blackface pre-amp has quite a pronounced mid scoop, with the mid boost of the TS-9 complements.

If I didn't already have a TS-9 I'd probably get a used SD-1 and mod it.

Bidley

ICBM said:

Like many others, I find the SD-1 works better with Marshalls (and Voxes) and the TS-9 works better with Fenders and Mesas. The real annoyance with that is that 'Vintage High Gain' on the Mesa Rectifier is a Marshall-like voicing and sounds better with the SD-1, whereas 'Modern High Gain' is the classic Rectifier voicing and sounds better with a TS-9...

Heh, I didn't realise that was the received wisdom. I've always used a TS9 with my EL34 amps (Marshally in flavour).

ICBM

Bidley said:

ICBM said:

Like many others, I find the SD-1 works better with Marshalls (and Voxes) and the TS-9 works better with Fenders and Mesas. The real annoyance with that is that 'Vintage High Gain' on the Mesa Rectifier is a Marshall-like voicing and sounds better with the SD-1, whereas 'Modern High Gain' is the classic Rectifier voicing and sounds better with a TS-9...

Heh, I didn't realise that was the received wisdom. I've always used a TS9 with my EL34 amps (Marshally in flavour).

It is quite a marginal difference to be honest. Both work with both amps really. I just find there's a little extra 'magic' with the SD-1 into a Marshall and a TS-9 into a Rectifier (Modern) compared to the other way round.

guitarfishbay

I like the slightly tighter and harder sound of the SD1 with modern mode myself. But yeah tube screamers sound good too. I never encountered the bleed issue but always used it with a TU3 in front, so I guess that explains it.

Sassafras

I've only noticed the bleed through of the SD-1 when the drive is maxed which is a sound I can't really use anyway.

Bidley

I think my thing is I like my cleans clean. So any microscopic bit of 'hair' sets my spidey senses off.

rawk100

I use to prefer the TS with my jcm800 over the sd1 as I found it to be a bit chunkier. I sold the jcm years ago but if I had one now I'd probably look at using a Digitech Hardwire overdrive or something tubescreamery but with more EQ control.

ICBM

Sassafras said:

I've only noticed the bleed through of the SD-1 when the drive is maxed which is a sound I can't really use anyway.

What is this not using the gain maxed that you speak of? It make no sense.

Sassafras

Don't think I've ever used any OD pedal with the drive past 12 O'clock, apart from for messing around.

timmysoft

Mxr zw44. Best boost for any Marshall

octatonic

SD1 with a JCM800 is a classic tone.

Also check out the BB Preamp- it is an excellent pedal with that amp.

Reverend

timmysoft;598674" said:

Mxr zw44. Best boost for any Marshall

an SD1 with a iffy switch, you mean?