Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV vs Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Green Rhino adds a Bass control that addresses the TS circuit's natural low-end rolloff — better for humbuckers and bass guitar. TS9 is the more iconic and affordable standard.
Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV
Modified Tube Screamer-inspired overdrive with a bass control to address the TS circuit's natural bass rolloff. More useful for humbuckers and bass guitar than a standard TS.
Players who like Tube Screamer character but need more bass response — particularly humbucker users and bassists
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
The definitive mid-pushed overdrive. JRC4558 chip, asymmetric clipping, pronounced mid-hump around 720Hz. Used by Stevie Ray Vaughan (as a boost), John Mayer, and innumerable blues and rock players worldwide.
Blues, classic rock, and country players wanting a mid-forward overdrive that pushes a tube amp into natural saturation
Tone Character
Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV
- ✓ Bass control addresses TS bass rolloff
- ✓ Higher output than standard TS
- ✓ Great for humbuckers
- ✓ Can be used for bass guitar
- ✓ True bypass
- ✗ Doesn't replicate standard TS character exactly
- ✗ Slightly more complex than TS
- ✗ Larger enclosure than some alternatives
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
- ✓ Classic mid-hump adds definition and cut
- ✓ Stacks beautifully with other drives
- ✓ Transparent at low gain as a clean boost
- ✓ Industry-standard blues/rock tone
- ✗ Mid-hump can sound muddy with humbuckers at high gain
- ✗ Lacks bass and treble controls
- ✗ Bass roll-off can feel thin on single strings
When To Choose Each
Humbucker players and bassists who want Tube Screamer character without the bass rolloff problem
Players who want the most iconic and widely-tested mid-pushed overdrive at the best price
Final Verdict — Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV vs Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Best for beginners
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 scores higher on versatility (68/100) and lower on gain (35/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV.
Best for metal tones
Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV
Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV leads on gain (58/100) and bass response (65/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
At £99 vs £109, Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 delivers 9% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| Way Huge Green Rhino MkIV | Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £109 | £99 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 58/100 | 35/100 |
| Warmth | 68/100 | 65/100 |
| Treble | 55/100 | 55/100 |
| Bass | 65/100 | 42/100 |
| Versatility | 62/100 | 68/100 |
| Best for | Players who like Tube Screamer character but need more bass response | Blues, classic rock, and country players wanting a mid-forward overdrive that pushes a tube amp into natural saturation |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Inspired by it — the circuit is modified to include a bass control and higher output, addressing the TS's main limitations.
Lets you add back low-end that the TS circuit naturally rolls off — crucial for humbuckers and bass players who use overdrives.
Green Rhino — the bass control addresses the frequency loss that makes TS-style pedals unsuitable for bass.
TS9 at ~$60 vs Green Rhino at ~$100. Price difference is reasonable for the added control.