The Jet Driver is one of Ibanez's new pedals for 2011 & it's a true-bypass unit unlike its other Series 9 siblings (good news for some of us?). I've told myself not to devote too much funds toward pedals acquisition because to me, pedals aren't too adaptable to guitars unlike amps. But this Jet Driver, I just had to hear it in action because it generated quite a buzz online. The JD9 is supposed to address the TS9's lack of midrange manipulations hence the mid control knob.
However, hearing is believing & I believe, after hearing this in action, the JD9 is NOT treading the Tubescreamer territory; ladies & gentlemen, the JD9 is a distortion unit, not an overdrive. Yes, it can pull-off a subtle, drive-type voicing but it doesn't contain that characteristic mild mannerism of the typical Tubescreamer. I personally find it appealing because it contains more crunch & this differentiates itself from the Tubescreamer. So it's one of those BOSS DS-1 clone? A definite negative. The JD9 has more saturation (yeah!) despite being a non-intense performer. It also manifests more definition & doesn't mud-up your notes unlike some smooth overdrive units. On a personal note, the JD9 could give my Plush Cream a run for the money. I like what I heard, tried it in-store with some guitars & bought it :-)
A big thank you to Yadni @ Swee Lee's BB showroom for the assistance (& eventual purchase).
