So I have an Analogman Brown mod Ts9, and while I love it, it seems like I hear that the original early 80s Ts9's are the best. My Ts9 is actually an original that was modded, so I'm wondering if I could mod it back to vintage specs. OR if I could mod a new Ts9 back to vintage specs (if there's really Difference?). What components do I need?
Thanks!
I wouldn't worry too much about it. The circuits didn't change over time except the chip - as long as you have a good chip, no worries (the best is considered to be the JRC4558D).
I think the best explanation why the originals sound better is component drift - over time, especially when being used, the value of components supposedly change slightly. And IIRC that mod only changes a few resistors to 1960's carbon comp resistors. In other words, replacing the NOS '60's high quality resistors with lower quality new-stock resistors doesn't make sense as a means to get back to the original specs. Maybe if you still had the resistors Mike removed when he did the mod... Even then, IMHO, once a pedal is modded, it is modded.
If you can't stop wondering if a completely original original would be better, keep an eye on craigslist and try a few out maybe. From one original to the next, there is a noticeable difference - my 83 is smoother than my 82. I'll bet someone on TGP would give you a decent amount for your pedal if you find an original your really like.
Thanks! There is actually an original on my Craigslist for $200, but I'm saving for a Mark III. Maybe I will try it out just to see :D I have a Maxon OD808 as my second OD but I don't really like it. Way to bright. Maybe ill sell that to fund another Ts9.
Yea - try that original if you can, $200 is a pretty good price - one of mine was less, one was more.
To mod a ts9 to 808 spec requires more than just swapping the opamp chip. It also involves changing the ouput resistors to ones of a different value. If you take some good pics of your circuit board I can tell you exactly whats been done to yours and if it is an original early 80's ts9.
Quote from: sour d on May 20, 2013, 01:41:29 PM
To mod a ts9 to 808 spec requires more than just swapping the opamp chip. It also involves changing the ouput resistors to ones of a different value. If you take some good pics of your circuit board I can tell you exactly whats been done to yours and if it is an original early 80's ts9.
His pedal might have had the 4558D chip from the start - can you tell if the chip was original or a replacement?
I couldn't remember of the brown mod changes the pedal to an 808 - so not only were some of the resistors change to carbon comp, but some in the output section were replaced with slightly different value resistors.
You can tell when the chip was made by the serial number. 80's jrc4558d's would have a 4 digit code starting with a 1, 2, 3, or 4. A lot of the original ts808 pedals had texas instruments rc4558p chips. I like the vintage jrc's or modern rc4558p's.
IIRC, Keeley likes the 'p's