Today’s guest review comes to us from Jerry Gentry, and uses a familiar effects pedal in a completely new and creative way. If you’re into the Vibraphone, or know anyone who might be as well, this review is for you! Check out Electric Vibes on Facebook and here on Write Off Records’ website – thanks again, Jerry!
Tube amps produce a sound which is distinctive. In the reinforcement of the aural signal they can be pushed to overdrive their circuits and create a world of distortion. As more guitarists started to turn up and use this amplifier effect, the demand for a pedal that would reproduce that same type of distortion was created. One of the original pedals to accomplish this was the Ibanez TS808. Released in the late 70s, it is an overdrive/distortion pedal which has a variable mid range emphasis. The 808 became the TS9 from 1982 to 1985. The TS9 became the basis for an entire family of pedals: TS10, TS11, but it remains an original sound.
The TS9 has three knobs. The first (left) is drive which adjusts the amount of distortion. The second (middle) is tone controlling the high frequency contour. The third (right) is level. This controls the level of the distorted signal but not the normal signal. This is effective in matching the distortion level to the normal level when switching on and off. It is also effective as all out crank.
The electric vibraphone is a bit younger than the electric guitar. The pickup system has more parts. Transducers are the most effective way to amplify the individual notes. On a three octave instrument (a standard size) this means 37 plugs going to a single buss. Using the sustain pedal and playing multiple notes, letting them ring, generates a lot of voltage. This goes to a pre-amp with a quarter inch out. The perfect size for a stomp box. The TS9 Tube Screamer came out at a time when there wasn’t a tremendous array of affordable distortion units. It’s variety and control of the distortion was perfect for the output of the electric vibe. After 30 plus years of consistent use, durability also needs to get mentioned.
This Electric Vibes review is for people who have a bumper sticking saying, “My other guitar is a vibraphone”:
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March 17, 2018
Thanks Mr. Gentry.
Rich & organic. No harshness. Each note is distinct while the clashes of blended notes are musical. The way that it can sound like synthesized keyboards is a bonus. Thankfully it’s just one effect on the palette. The Tube Screamer is noticeably touch sensitive.
Keep up the good work.