Boss SD-1 VS Ibanez Tube Screamer (Comparison)
Our pick: Boss SD-1
There are a ton of similarities between these two pedals, which makes the higher price tag of the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer more difficult to tolerate. For around $50, we'll take the Boss SD-1, and even like the tone a bit more in the process.
What are the differences between the Ibanez TS9 and the Boss SD-1? On the surface, not much. Even from a tone and audio standpoint, the two are hard to distinguish. We like the tone of the SD-1 marginally better, as the TS9 sounds a bit too muddy for our taste.
But the one area we do see a big difference is in the price tag.
The TS9, bolstered by vintage appeal and higher popularity, retails around $100 while the SD-1 can be had for nearly half that.
In the absence of a significant tone or feature improvement in the TS9, we'd recommend going with the SD-1 and the cheaper price tag.
Boss SD-1 VS Ibanez TS9 Comparison Tool
On this table you can compare the pricing and basic specs of both pedals, side by side. If you do need to buy some gear, consider supporting us by using our orange Sweetwater buttons. They cost you nothing extra, but help us out a lot. Thank you.
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive | n/a | |
 | Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer | n/a |
Video/Audio Demos
We've added two audio demos from Reverb. While there are a lot of similarities in the tone of each pedal, there's also more of a muddied sound on the TS9, which we think makes it a little less usable than the SD-1. If you disagree, hit us up in the comments section below.
Specs Sheet (side-by-side)
Even in the detailed specs sheet, you don't get any notable differences.
Header | SD-1 | TS9 |
|---|---|---|
Effect Type | Overdrive | Overdrive |
Analog/Digital | Digital/analog? Not listed | Analog |
Algorithms | n/a | n/a |
Knobs | Level, Tone, and Drive | Level, Tone, and Drive |
Switches | n/a | n/a |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
MIDI | No | No |
Height | 2.4" | 2" |
Width | 2.9" | 3" |
Depth | 5.1" | 4.9" |
Weight | 1 lb. | 1.3 lbs. |
Boss SD-1 VS the Ibanez TS9 - two overdrive pedals with a lot of similarities.
Summary of Comparison
The TS9 is popular with a lot of guitar players (even some of the pros), so if you just like it better, the $100 cost is not unreasonable.
But we think the cost outweighs the benefits, at least if you're comparing directly to the SD-1. Given the smaller price tag, the SD-1 can get you close to the TS9's sound, and might even be the preferable alternative, depending on who you ask.
Of the two, we'd argue the SD-1 is the higher-value buy.
Your Questions
If you have questions about the Boss SD-1 or the Ibanez Tube Screamer, feel free to drop us a line in the comments section below. We'll jump in and help out as much as possible.
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Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Roundups
These pedals are not digital.
Fixed for the TS9.
I’ve never seen any documentation that the SD-1 is analog. Until I do, I’m assuming digital.
The SD-1w Waza Craft version is definitely analog.
Hey genius. The SD1 was created before digital was invented.
For the billionth time, I need documentation.
The original SD-1, yes. No one seems sure about the current version.
I put a note that it’s uncertain.
Great review!
Anyway, under any Boss pedal you can find if it’s digital or not. The digital pedals have the message: “This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements…”. No SD-1 have it.
Thanks, Ricardo. I’ll check the label underneath from now on.