Maxon Reissue Series OD808 Overdrive

Product Information

According to Godlyke (distributors of the Maxon OD-808), the circuit is identical to the original units produced in the ’70s that are also identical to the Ibanez TS-808. Bandwidth acts as a mode selector, ranging from thinner, lower gain sounds to fatter, higher-gain ones. Each channel has its separate Level, Gain and Tone knobs, with also a Normal and Fat toggle for a bassier voice.

Treble and Mids knobs enhance its frequency palette, and a Grit knob gives you more control on the break-up. Made famous by the early 90's, the original Tubescreamer is regarded as an absolute must-have for multitudes of guitar players the world over.

There is an inherent tonal “bleeding” that can occur that can sound almost like a clean and overdriven guitar are playing together.

JHS and EarthQuaker Devices are two of the most popular, and their TS-inspired pedals don't leave much to be desired. It’s capable of anything from a clean boost and light gain to dirty, velcro-style fuzz– and that’s the main reason why we’d love one. The manual that accompanies the OD808 is particularly useful as it includes not only basic operational directions, but sample settings also for use with both single and humbucking-equipped guitars. in physical terms you're talking a couple of output resistors (forget the chip mojo, the chip has nothing to do with clipping in the circuit).

Placing the Proof toggle switch in the up position allows for increased headroom, while the down position enables maximum gain. For this weeks review we will be looking at the Maxon OD808, possibly the best overdrive pedal I’ve had the chance to experiment with. Vintage TS808’s are susceptible to microphonic noise due to static electricity buildup on the chassis.