Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer vs Klon Centaur
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer wins for blues and classic rock — its mid-hump EQ coloration actively shapes the tone in a way that has defined 50 years of blues-rock guitar. Klon Centaur wins for transparency — it adds volume, slight harmonic richness, and a musical soft-clipping character without imposing the TS808's mid-forward coloration. The Klon is a better platform for amp-forward tone; the TS808 is better when you want the pedal's character to be an integral part of the sound.
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
The original 1979 Tube Screamer circuit, reissued faithfully. The JRC4558D op-amp and asymmetric soft clipping circuit make it the benchmark all overdrive pedals are compared against — warmer and slightly more open in the output section than the TS-9.
Blues, rock — the classic amp-pushing overdrive with warm harmonic character and the original circuit that the TS-9 was based on
Klon Centaur
The most mythologised overdrive ever made. The original Klon Centaur — hand-built by Bill Finnegan from 1994 to 2009 — is the defining "transparent overdrive" and has sparked the entire boutique overdrive market. Originals cost £1,500–£3,000; dozens of clones recreate the circuit at various prices.
Transparent boosting, pushing amp overdrive, clean-to-light overdrive transition — used by John Mayer, Nels Cline
Tone Character
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
- ✓ Warm, harmonic-rich overdrive character
- ✓ Marginally warmer output buffer than TS-9
- ✓ The definitive SRV and blues-rock overdrive
- ✓ Responds beautifully to guitar volume interaction
- ✗ Mid-hump character not suited for all amps
- ✗ Cuts bass frequencies
- ✗ Price premium over TS-9 for audibly minor difference
- ✗ Not transparent — imposes its own character
Klon Centaur
- ✓ Completely transparent clean boost mode
- ✓ Musical soft-clip character at higher gain
- ✓ Legendary midrange presence
- ✓ Huge secondary market value
- ✓ Dozens of quality clones available
- ✗ Originals extremely expensive and rare
- ✗ The myth may exceed the reality at high gain
- ✗ Clones vary in quality
- ✗ Not suitable as a primary distortion pedal
When To Choose Each
Blues and classic rock players who want the characteristic mid-push and harmonic saturation of the TS808 — particularly effective into a breaking-up tube amp or as a primary overdrive in front of a clean amp.
Players who want transparent boosting or a lead volume boost that preserves the amp's natural character — the Klon's transparent clean boost mode at low Gain, high Volume is unmatched.
Final Verdict — Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer vs Klon Centaur
Best for beginners
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer scores higher on versatility (72/100) and lower on gain (45/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Klon Centaur.
Best for metal tones
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer leads on gain (45/100) and bass response (40/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer
At £199 vs £2,000, Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer delivers 90% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer | Klon Centaur | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £199 | £2,000 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 45/100 | 30/100 |
| Warmth | 70/100 | 65/100 |
| Treble | 55/100 | 60/100 |
| Bass | 40/100 | 55/100 |
| Versatility | 72/100 | 55/100 |
| Best for | Blues, rock | Transparent boosting, pushing amp overdrive, clean-to-light overdrive transition |
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